David Nalbandian could be a dangerous outsider in Shanghai this week and the Argentine takes on Ernests Gulbis in the opening round.
Nalbandian only returned to the tour in June following yet another injury and the Argentine's current ranking of 64 left him requiring a wildcard entry this week. However no seasoned tennis follower needs reminding of what Nalbandian is capable of indoors when he hits form. He won both the autumn Masters Series events a few years ago and even lifted the ATP World Finals title earlier in his career.
Nalbandian was very unhappy with his form over the American hard court swing but he looked dangerous again in Tokyo last week, making the quarters and pushing eventual winner Andy Murray pretty hard.
Typically Gulbis has blown hot and cold in 2011, enjoying some spectacular successes such as his title in Los Angeles but failing to sustain any consistent momentum. He lost to Mardy Fish in the Tokyo second round.
These two have played just the once before, Nalbandian winning 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(4) at Indian Wells three years ago. Look for him to repeat the feat and go on to face Rafael Nadal in the third round this week.
