Nadal stunned by Nalbandian at Madrid

“Everything worked for me and nothing worked for Rafa,” said Nalbandian, who had produced a season-best Barcelona quarter final prior to this week. “I played very well, felt comfortable and decided to attack the second serve to put him under pressure,” he said.

The pair’s first meeting ended as a rout for Nalbandian, who won the first set in 29 minutes against the subdued Spaniard.

The South American barely broke stride in the second, ripping to 3-0 before Nadal held for only the second time of the contest to climb to 1-3. Nadal made an effort in front of his home public but was doomed as the Argentine took charge in their first career meeting.

Nadal saved two match points against his own serve in the final game, but chipped an off-balance close-range volley into the net to end the agony after 71 minutes. Nalbandian will play Novak Djokovic, who took a step closer to a possible third Masters title this season as he overcame an ankle niggle to end the Madrid adventure of Mario Ancic 7-6 (2), 6-2.

World number three Djokovic, who won Miami and Montreal at the elite level will try to add the Madrid Masters to his trophy haul of five.

“I have to turn around and get ready for the match with Nalbandian. I have an amazing season behind me,” said the Serb. “I’ve been playing great tennis and I have an indoor win last week in Vienna.

“In the second set today, I could suddenly feel my level lift.” Ancic was on a roll after reaching last week’s Stockholm quarters following illness and injury which kept him away for more than half of the year.