Wimbledon finalist’s ex files for restraining order against him after ‘spying on her in their home with hidden cameras’
WIMBLEDON finalist David Nalbandian’s ex-girlfriend has asked a judge for a restraining order against the former tennis star.
Model Araceli Torrado appeared in court to ratify her complaint accusing him of harassment and stalking.
Araceli, 30, also demanded the seizure of the Argentinian’s electronic devices after accusing Nalbandian of installing a hidden camera at a home he had rented for her in Buenos Aires.
She found the camera in the air conditioning in her bedroom in June.
She handed over a video of the moment her brother made the shock discovery after removing the cover of an air shaft, along with an alleged WhatsApp confession by the former world number three that he had installed the camera.
The initial court probe was shelved but an appeal court ruled Areceli should be allowed to give evidence after her lawyers lodged an application to overturn the decision.
Yesterday the pretty brunette, who dated Nalbandian for around eight months before their split this summer, claimed she felt panic at the idea the former tennis star had videos of her naked on his phone during her two-hour court appearance.
Speaking after giving evidence, Araceli said: “It was a good step being able to talk and give my side of the story.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment for months, since I filed the complaint halfway through the year.
“I feel relieved knowing this has become public and the justice system has listened to me.”
She told Argentinian media: “Nalbandian filmed me and recorded me for enough time to have footage and images of me naked and other private moments involving me, my family and my friends.
“I feel panic and anxiety at what he could have on his phone or on an application.
“We want a court order for the seizure of his electronic devices.”
Nalbandian allegedly told his ex, who claimed she had to move after discovering the camera, he hadn’t seen anything because of “internet problems”.
The judicial ruling on Araceli’s requests is expected to be announced before Christmas.
Araceli’s lawyer Martin Olari Ugrotte said his client had been helped by a victim and witness assistance unit since July.
The camera, controlled by Wi-Fi, was discovered when the model and influencer’s brother noticed a bizarre glow behind an air shaft and removed the cover.
Araceli posted a message to fans on Instagram last month, saying: “In light of the questions I’ve received, due to events I was a victim of and which were caused by David Nalbandian, I want to inform you that I am carrying out the corresponding criminal and civil judicial actions.
“Thank you for caring and supporting me at this time.”
Local reports said the initial criminal inquiry had been shelved because Nalbandian and Araceli shared the home where the camera was installed.
It emerged last week the investigation had been reactivated following an appeal by lawyers acting for the retired tennis player’s ex.
Nalbandian, 41, was one of the sport’s elite stars in the 2000s, rising to as high as world No 3 in March 2006.
He won 11 singles tournaments and along with his appearance in the Wimbledon final 21 years ago when he lost in straight sets to Lleyton Hewitt, Nalbandian also reached the semi-final at least once in the other three Grand Slams.
He decided to try his hand at rally driving after retiring from tennis in 2013. He survived two accidents while racing in April 2015 and November 2016.
He went on to cheat death in a spectacular rally car crash in his native Argentina.