By DPA
Basel (Switzerland) : Swiss hero Stanislas Wawrinka made a mockery of David Nalbandian’s weekend Madrid Masters final win over Roger Federer as he avenged the defeat with a 7-6 (7-5), 6-2 first-round hammering at the Swiss Indoors ATP tournament.
“Stan” did the right thing Wednesday for the world number one Federer, his Davis Cup team-mate, as he thrashed the off-the-boil Argentine in just under 90 minutes, breaking the South American once in each set while losing his own serve once.
Wawrinka, ranked 35th in the world, improved to a 4-2 record against Nalbandian, having won the last three meetings.
“It was a tough match, I didn’t adapt quickly enough,” said Nalbandian. “He played well. I was a little tired from Madrid.
“The balls play a bit different here, they are slower. But I’m just looking forward to Paris next week. I’ll be training to get ready.”
Nalbandian, ranked 18th after standing 25th prior to his surprise Madrid victory, was never able to take charge against the hyped-up Swiss, who joins Federer in the second round.
Nalbandian owns a proud history in Basel, lifting the 2002 title and playing two other finals.
The race for the Master Cup in Shanghai remained hot as three contenders moved through opening matches.
Number four James Blake led the way 6-3, 6-4 past Spaniard Oscar Hernandez to make up for an opening loss at Madrid a week ago.
The American stands provisional 10th in the chase for one of three remaining spots in the eight-strong Shanghai field.
But up to 20 contenders for the places are so tightly bunched that the American (327) is just two points shy of current number eight Tommy Haas (329).
“I’m not thinking too much about the race, I can only control my own game,” said Blake, who had to ask for a wild card into the event after forgetting to enter due to a mix-up with his agent.
“I notice (Shanghai) it but I’m not worrying about what the other guys do. It would be an honour to get there again,” he said.
“It’s coming down to the wire this year like it did last year. If I don’t make it, I won’t hang my head and feel that my year has not been a success.”
Czech fifth seed Tomas Berdych also earned a welcome win, defeating Spain’s Feliciano Lopez 7-6 (7-4), 3-6, 6-3.
Argentine sixth seed Guillermo Canas put out compatriot Jose Acasuso, 6-4, 6-3.
Canas, who beat Federer back-to-back in a pair of shocks on American hardcourt last March, stands provisional 15th for Shanghai.
Berdych is 12th in the chase, only 11 points from eighth place.
The first five spots in the season-closer have been confirmed, with Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Nikolay Davydenko and Andy Roddick already booking their tickets to Shanghai.