The 31-year-old from Unquillo, a former world number three and a two-time Olympian, gave his support during Argentina's Davis Cup World Group first round tie against Germany at the Roca Park Tennis Stadium in the Argentinian capital.

The 14,510 seat stadium is also the proposed tennis venue in the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games plan while it is part of the wider Roca Park.

Located in the south side of the city, Roca Park is planned as the location of the Youth Olympic Village and will also host the athletics and the archery competitions should Buenos Aires be chosen to host the 2018 Youth Olympics.

"Growing up here I have witnessed first-hand the passion and hunger Argentineans have for sport and it would be a massive boost for youth sport throughout South America if the 2018 Youth Olympic Games were awarded to Buenos Aires," said Nalbandian.

"It has been a privilege to represent my country at two Olympic Games.

"The Olympic ideal is always something that I have valued and respected and I hope my commitment to Olympism can encourage further youth participation in sport and inspire the next generation of Olympic athletes in Argentina and around the world."


Nalbandian joins retired American tennis star Andy Roddick, the former world number one and US Open champion, in backing Buenos Aires 2018.

Buenos Aires 2018 bid chief executive Francisco Irarrázaval, who is also the Buenos Aires Under-Secretary of Sport, claimed it is a boost to have the backing of Nalbandian.

"We are delighted to welcome the support of Argentinean legend and tennis super star David Nalbandian," he said.

"David's record speaks for itself having reached the semi-finals or better in all four Grand Slam Championships in an illustrious career.

"He has shown what can be achieved through a combination of ability, hard work and true determination, the real qualities of Olympic sport."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
January 2013: Former tennis world number one Roddick backs Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic bid