Hope fades for Nalbandian

Injury threatens to shatter Argentinian star's Olympic dream

By Simon Dilger   Last updated: 12th July 2008

Hope fades for Nalbandian

Nalbandian: Doubtful

Tennis star David Nalbandian's hopes of representing Argentina at the Olympic Games are hanging in the balance according to his physiotherapist.

Despite the Argentinian Olympic Committee already announcing his inclusion in the team, the 26-year-old is still struggling with muscular injuries.

The 2002 Wimbledon finalist may yet have to go under the knife and remains a serious doubt for both Beijing in August and the Davis Cup semi-final against Russia the following month.

In an interview with Ole newspaper Diego Rodriguez said that the world number seven was doing all he could to be fit in time for the games.

"David is going through a recovery program," said Rodriguez.

"He hasn't played tennis for two weeks and has done some work in the swimming pool and on the bicycle.

"He will compete again when he is in good shape."

Rodriguez however, did not rule out surgery if the recovery programme does not prove successful.

"Having an operation is one of the options," He said. "But that will be analysed by the medical staff.

"To reach this point, the result of the current treatment would have to be discouraging."