Nalbandian's only Centre Court match is the biggest

WIMBLEDON, England -- David Nalbandian's first appearance on Centre Court at the All England Club will be for the Wimbledon final against No. 1-ranked Lleyton Hewitt.

It's one of many firsts for the 20-year-old Argentine.

No other man reached the final in his Wimbledon debut in the Open era (since 1968). No other Argentine has been this far at the tournament. And, most amazingly, Nalbandian never had played a tour-level event on grass.

Because of all of that, Hewitt -- the reigning U.S. Open champion -- will be a big favorite today.

It will be the youngest Wimbledon final in Open era history. The combined ages of the 21-year-old Hewitt and Nalbandian are one year lower than those of the 1992 finalists: Andre Agassi (22) and Goran Ivanisevic (20).

"I felt like I've been hitting the ball great the last four weeks, as soon as I came on the grass," Hewitt said. "I like playing in big occasions; I like the big matches.

"Now, to have another opportunity to have a go at another Grand Slam -- it's a great feeling."

While Hewitt beat fourth-seeded Tim Henman in straight sets to make the final, Nalbandian's 7-6 (2), 6-4, 1-6, 2-6, 6-2 victory over No. 27 Xavier Malisse was interrupted by rain and halted because of darkness after four sets Friday. They finished Saturday.

Nalbandian shrugs when asked about making his debut on the world's most famous tennis court. Because of rain this week, his quarterfinal against Nicolas Lapentti was played on Court 2 and his semifinal against Xavier Malisse was moved from Centre Court to Court 1.

"I never played on Court 1, so it's the same," Nalbandian said.