Spanish rivals Rafael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco do battle in a fascinating first-round match-up at the Australian Open. Join The Roar for live scores from 1pm (AEDT).
Nadal faces some stiff competition against a player who has a favourable recent record against the nine-time French Open champion.
Verdasco has notched up two victories from the pair’s last three meetings, the most notable at last year’s Miami Masters on hard courts.
On that occasion, Verdasco defeated Nadal 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 in a convincing display that proved the performance gap between the pair has well and truly narrowed.
It’s no secret Nadal is nowhere near the form that saw him dominate the tour several years ago. His performances at last year’s majors proved that his intense style of play might finally be taking its toll physically.
A quarter-final appearance at the Australian Open and French Open was the best he could muster last season, to go along with early round exits at Wimbledon and the US Open.
And despite making the final of the Qatar Open this year, he was well beaten by Novak Djokovic in a match where Nadal openly conceded that he played against the “perfect” player.
Given today’s match is on hard courts, another early exit for Nadal at a major is a realistic possibility. Indeed, a repeat of the 2009 Australian Open semi-final epic between these two players could be on the cards, given the close contests between the pair in recent seasons.
Nadal starts a warm favourite given his reputation, but punters will no doubt be wary of Verdasco, whose serve and forehand are major weapons that will trouble Nadal if he is allowed to find his range.
In a close contest, Nadal may show just enough quality to edge this.
Nadal in five sets.
Alex de Minaur has missed out on the chance of a lifetime to beat Rafael Nadal on clay in successive tournaments, blown away by…
The Spaniard scores first Top 20 win since November 2022, and reversed the result of a few weeks ago where the Australian came out…
Former Wimbledon champion, double grand slam winner and Australian Open finalist Garbine Muguruza has announced her retirement from tennis at the age of 30.…
Rafael Nadal has hailed the brilliance of Alex de Minaur, calling him "a great player" after the Australian forced the Spanish legend to say…
The clay season promises to be one of high level and tight margins. With the Monte Carlo open just around the corner, it will…
In incredible scenes, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz's quarter-final clash with Alexander Zverev at Indian Wells was halted abruptly due to a "bee invasion." Less…
