who will be 'The Master of the Universe'?

Even after Nalbandian disposed Federer for the second time in 10 days, I was backing Gasquet/Murray to clinch the final spot at the year end Masters.

Until this year, I don't remember being caught up in the race for a place at the Masters. But this time, with talents like Berdych, Gasquet, Murray and even Baghdatis in the reckoning, along with the consistent but unexceptional Robredo and Moya, the race got interesting going into Paris.

The draw out there was top heavy with the Masters' contenders. If their fire was doused by Federer and Djokovic as expected, the race wouldn't have picked up steam. But the magician Santoro dismantled Djoko, while Nalbandian tied up his HtoH record with Federer. This pretty much cleared the way for the contenders to secure a place with victory rather than by default. Murray and Gasquet made good progress to setup a shootout amongst themselves. Baghdatis kept the other half interesting. It was all building up nicely.

Nalbandian's surge had come too late this year and as a result, he was not in control of his destiny. Soon enough, other results put paid to his hopes for a place at the Masters. Gasquet clinching a thriller against Murray put him on pole position, and his place was cemented when Baghdatis lost out to Nadal.

At that point, I was extremely happy with the result and was backing Gasquet to go to Shanghai in fine style by clinching the the title of Paris. Much to my disappointment, Nalbandian brushed past him in straight sets. I missed the action, but reports indicate that it was a lopsided match. To confirm his prime form Nalbandian thumped Nadal in the final.

There can't be any complaints with the points race since it rewards consistency through the year, while making reservations for the brilliance of the Slam winners of that year who might have missed out for whatever reason. But its just that the in the light of the events from the last 3 weeks, the Masters without Nalbandian seems like devaluation of quality from a tournament that is meant to be all about quality. I wonder if his shadow will hang over the tournament. Maybe not. Particularly if the matches are exciting. But if Federer picks up the trophy there, questions, will be asked about Nalbandian's absence.

Federer faces some tough questions when he loses. Usually, he gives them a fair weighting and answers thoughtfully. He also gets asked about controversial topics within the sport. And he is not one that is shy to offer an opinion. Quite often, it is hard hitting in his own way (while the whole world seemed to be taken up by Djoko's antics at the US Open, check out what Federer had to say about the same). The reason he hasn't courted too much controversy is because of his stature in the game and the respect and admiration that he elicits even from the ones he slays regularly on court. So, if he wins and is asked about Nalbandian's absence, Federer might even answer that he would have preferred to have defeated him to win the title.

Instead of all that, it would just be great for the fans if one from Messrs 3 to 8 pulled out for a reason that I could not care about any less. Due apologies to the player if and when such an event happens, but if Nalbandian plays, Federer faces a considerable challenge from three players - Nadal, Djokovic, Nalbandian, and it is a long time since anything like that happened in the world of tennis. That ought to make it a fitting finale to another great year.

Update: Who needs Nalby? We've got Gonzo!