David

For those who wish that Nalbandian would live up to his talent more often, they should remember the satisfaction of days like yesterday when he destroyed Ferrer. It is much more exciting to see David at his incredible best -- Federer believes he has the best strokes in the game -- when we know that he is capable of his inexplicable worst at any moment.

With Del Potro injured, the Davis Cup finals would appear to rest on David's shoulders -- well rounded thanks to his Argentine love of red meat.

Having traveled down to Buenos Aires to slide around on their gorgeous red clay, it is a little sad to see David working his magic on carpet. But it probably helped him yesterday. Against a slicing, charging Lopez on Sunday things could be more interesting.