Andy Murray's winning run ended by David Nalbandian at ATP Masters in Paris

In a list of the most talented players who have not won a grand slam, he would come second, behind only Andy Murray.

In the quarter-finals of the Paris Masters on Friday, the South American produced tennis of such exceptional quality that he ended Murray’s unbeaten streak at 14 matches, along with the Briton’s chance to become the first man in Tour history to win three Masters Series tournaments in a row.

It was always going to take something a bit special for someone to stop Murray’s run, for an opponent to inflict a first defeat on the world No 4 since he lost to Roger Federer in the final of the US Open, and this was just that from Nalbandian, the defending champion at the Palais Omnisports, who just could not stop hitting the ball off the sweet spot and went through into the last four with a 7-6, 6-3 win.

Murray’s defeat means he will have more time to rest and prepare for his first appearance in the eight-man Masters Cup, which begins in Shanghai a week tomorrow. Federer yesterday pulled out of his quarter-final against James Blake after waking up with a stiff back, and Rafael Nadal lost the first set 6-1 against Nikolay Davydenko before quitting because of a sore knee, but those were precautionary measures and both are still expected to be in the Far East.

You never quite know which Nalbandian is going to turn up. The 26-year-old is more than capable of playing some dreadful tennis and of losing to opponents with only half his talent, but when in the mood he can beat anyone in the sport. Indoor tennis in Paris seems to bring out the best in him, as it was here last year that he defeated Federer and Nadal on the way to winning the title, and last week he made the final in Basle, where he lost to the Swiss.

Those putting together the highlights tape for yesterday’s match will have plenty to choose from, as there were countless spectacular winners and moments. Nalbandian struck the ball sweetly, especially on his returns, and also showed that he has a light touch with a handful of drop shots that Murray, one of the quickest players on the tour, could not deal with.