David Nalbandian Parents: Meet his father and mother

David Pablo Nalbandian, the iconic Argentine former professional tennis player, didn’t just inherit a name; he inherited a legacy of resilience, determination, and sporting prowess from his father, Jorge, or Kevork, as he was known in his Armenian roots.

The story of David Nalbandian’s ascent in the tennis world is intertwined with the tale of his father’s early life, marked by challenges and a spirit that set the foundation for a champion.

Jorge Nalbandian was born in a small town in Eastern Armenia, which was part of the Russian Empire, around 1909. His upbringing was shaped by adversity from a young age – an only child raised by his aunt and father after losing his mother in infancy. The challenges mounted further as his father, a military man, departed for the battlefront and never returned, leaving a profound impact on Jorge’s life.

David recounts his grandfather’s memories, recalling the last time Jorge saw his father after a mass in the Armenian church. The looming threat of attacks forced them to leave the church, marking a poignant moment in the family’s history.

 

As David grew, his childhood was a whirlwind of various sports – basketball, soccer, swimming, horse riding, tennis, BMX – a testament to the athletic spirit inherited from his father.

It was at the age of 10 or 12 that tennis began to take center stage in David’s pursuits, setting the stage for a career that would see him become a world champion in Japan at 14 and secure the U.S. Open junior title in 1998 by defeating none other than Roger Federer.

Jorge’s influence and David’s unwavering determination propelled the tennis prodigy to the pinnacle of the sport. Crowned as “King David” in his hometown, he showcased elegance and a remarkable gift for tennis, clinching 11 titles, reaching the Wimbledon final, and achieving the number three position in the world rankings.

The unbeatable backhand that became synonymous with David’s style led him to victories against formidable opponents like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. One of the defining moments in David’s career was at the Shanghai Masters, where he etched his name in history by defeating the then-number one, Roger Federer, in a marathon match lasting over four and a half hours.