Nalbandian gives Argentina Davis Cup lead

(CNN) -- David Nalbandian defeated Spain's David Ferrer 6-3 6-2 6-3 in the opening singles match of the Davis Cup final, putting Argentina on track for their first title.

Boosted by a boisterous crowd of nearly 10,000 fans at the Islas Malvinas Stadium in Mar del Plata, the 11th-ranked Nalbandian dominated the match from the beginning, breaking Ferrer's serve seven times.

He closed the match by winning four of the last five games, clinching it with a second-serve ace.

"I played a very good match. I was very solid from the first point and I was playing at a very high level," said Nalbandian who had gone into the match with a 3-6 record against Ferrer.

"It was a short match (just over two hours) so that's good for the rest of the weekend," he added.

Nalbandian also praised the crowd, who weren't needed to hit full fever pitch with their man in total control of proceedings. "They were fairly calm but when we need more support we will get it."

Ferrer admitted he was no match for a pumped-up Nalbandian. "It's never an easy match against David," Ferrer said. "I felt inferior to him today. I thought I would challenge him more than I did."

Juan Martin del Potro will face Feliciano Lopez in the second singles later on Friday.

Playing in their first-ever final at home, Argentina are seeking their maiden title after runner-up finishes in 1981 and 2006 to the United States and Russia respectively. The South Americans have won their last 13 home ties in the competition with their last defeat coming in 1998 against Slovakia.

Spain, without top-ranked Rafael Nadal because of injury, are looking to win their third title, their last victory coming in 2004.