Remembering Nalbandian’s 2007 Madrid title and unique Big Three sweep
On October 21, 2007, David Nalbandian won the Madrid Masters 1000 by defeating Roger Federer in the final. During that event he also beat Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, becoming the first player to defeat all three in one tournament. The article notes that no one has matched that achievement since.
Nalbandian, born in 1982, was a gifted junior who reached the 2002 Wimbledon final at 20. He lost a five-set 2003 US Open semifinal to Andy Roddick and made the 2004 Roland-Garros last four. His biggest title came at the 2005 ATP Masters Cup, beating Federer in a five-set final.
By 2007 injuries had dropped him to No 25, and Madrid was his first final that season. Federer, 26, had held No 1 since February 2004 and owned 12 majors. In 2007 he won the Australian Open without conceding a set, lost twice to Guillermo Canas, beat Nadal on clay in Hamburg, lost the French final to Nadal, won Wimbledon in five sets, and took the US Open.
This anniversary could resonate with tennis fans and Argentine sports followers by reinforcing how a lower-ranked player can disrupt a dominant era. It may inspire aspiring athletes facing injury setbacks, showing that one strong week can become a lasting historical marker. For event organizers and media, the story may add value to retrospective coverage by highlighting rare competitive balance in a period defined by three stars.