Better player - Tsonga or Nalbandian?

[Italian Stallion]

The mythology around Nalbandian is astounding. He didn't have the talent of Fed or an ATG as some have opined.

His serve, the most important shot in tennis, was relatively weak. He didn't really do anything that Tsonga didn't do, other than win the tour finals; and that was after being down two sets in a best of five. Tsonga lost the tour finals in three sets in a best of three so didn't actually have a chance to push Fed to five.

Anyone remember an 18 year-old Murray taking Nalbandian to the cleaners for two sets at Wimbledon 2005? He only lost cause he was young and not fit enough, otherwise he would have won in three.

Tsonga's career stats (including even doubles) eclipse David's and would have been even better without injuries:

Tsonga suffered a string of injuries beginning late in 2004, with a herniated disc that caused him to be out of action until March 2005. Then came two right shoulder injuries later in 2005, back and abdominal ailments from October 2005 to February 2006, and the recurrence of an abdominal injury at the end of 2006. In all, he played (only the singles events of) just eight ATP Tour tournaments from August 2004 to November 2006

 

[Third Serve]

That's why he had it easier.

Interesting you note that in light of Nalbandian’s Masters Cup and Madrid-Paris wins, which are arguably the most difficult draws ever navigated.

 

[Lew II]

Interesting you note that in light of Nalbandian’s Masters Cup and Madrid-Paris wins, which are arguably the most difficult draws ever navigated.

So? Nalbandian had some tough draw too, but in his career he didn't have as many tough draws as Tsonga IMO.

 

[Third Serve]

So? Nalbandian had some tough draw too, but in his career he didn't have as many tough draws as Tsonga IMO.

Yeah, but he won the toughest. I do agree that overall Tsonga had tougher competition but I think Nalby handled tough competition better.

 

[Lew II]

Yeah, but he won the toughest. I do agree that overall Tsonga had tougher competition but I think Nalby handled tough competition better.

You have point, as Nalbandian has the 7th highest win percentage against players ranked higher than himself, only behind Becker, Agassi, Del Potro, Rios, Nadal and Krajicek.

Tsonga on the other hand has a high win percentage against lower ranked players (26th), and in Slams especially (14th).

 

[skaj]

Both artists on the court, up there with Fed, Djoko, and Safin for raw talent. Nalbandian lacked the discipline and Tsonga lacked the consistency to succeed the way Fed and Djok did, though.
Nalby had the better career, but shot-for-shot they're pretty close:

Serve: Tsonga
Return: Nalbandian
Forehand: Tsonga
Backhand: Nalby > Tsonga 2H > Tsonga 1H
Slice: Nalbandian
Net: Tsonga
Defense/Movement: Tsonga
Strategy: Nalbandian
Mentality: Tied, both have been mental giants and mental midgets at times.

Both great shotmakers; Nalbandian had more feel from the baseline but Tsonga had better feel at the net. Tsonga's shots (apart from BH) were quite similar to Fed's in technique, easy power, and accuracy, while Nalbandian had his own distinct style based on creativity and precise timing.

Tsonga cannot be better than Nalbandian at the net, only his equal.
Also the movement. He might be more athletic, but Nalbandian has superior footwork, anticipation, court sense, balance...