Nalbandian pleased his Davis Cup gamble paid off (News Feature)

By Bill Scott Mar 23, 2010, 20:49 GMT

Miami - Argentine David Nalbandian admits he came up trumps as he gambled with his hip surgery recovery by flying to Sweden to help Argentina into the Davis Cup quarter-finals this month.

The South American, who underwent his operation last May in Barcelona, earned a point in doubles and another in the concluding fifth rubber a fortnight ago in Stockholm for his nation's 3-2 victory.

The 28-year-old is making his big-match return this week at the Miami Masters on a wild card entry as he rebuilds a ranking which has slipped to 161.

'I was training at home after an abdominal injury (from his attempted return at Auckland in early January). I thought 'why not go and play doubles,'' said the 2002 Wimbledon finalist Tuesday. 'I was not feeling 100 percent and was still recovering, but I took a risk to go and play. I played the doubles and then again on Sunday.

'It was good, we won and it gave me confidence.

'But I was so tired after playing seven sets in two days. I wasn't in great shape. I'd not played for nine and a half months, a long time away.

'I felt pain everywhere.'

The part-time fisherman and rally driving fan has only faint hopes of doing well in Miami, a hotbed of Latin passion with a vast South American population.

'I'm looking at getting matches, I need time on court. I could say I want to win the tournament, but I don't have a lot of court time. This event is stranger, one day on, one day off.

'I don't need recovery time now - what I need to do is to play. I believe I'll feel good in a month after more matches and more confidence.'

The unseeded Nalbandian has landed in the Rafael Nadal quarter of the draw, but is not looking any farther than an opening match against Pole Lukasz Kubot, ranked 43rd.

'I'm playing good but the other guys are strong and all playing well. The hip feels good. I had a quiet recovery didn't push hard.'

While he enjoyed an uninterrupted month at home in Argentina, commuting between his hometown of Cordoba and Buenos Aires frequently, Nalbandian is pleased to be back on the ATP.

'We almost feel like home here in Miami, said the 2006 semi-finalist who won his last match at the venue in 2007. 'We feel support on the court.'

He gave his rehab a mixed review.

'Some weeks were tough, others not so bad. I did a lot at home, had weekends off with family and friends doing things I've not done since I was 12 or 13 years old.

'I went fishing, spent time with my nephews and nieces - all the stuff normally you are not able to do as you are away.'

The Argentine plans a full clay schedule with entries in Monte Carlo, Barcelona, plus the Rome and Madrid Masters 1000 events before the French Open.