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.
teddy doss
Guest
does anyone no who won game eight in the first set last nite rafael match against fernando and game by game recap for first set
anon
Guest
Nadal no longer has the speed, the endurance and that heavy forehand no longer has any pop. Tactically he's far too conservative. His only chance now is to become more aggressive like he was when he came back from injury and won the 2013 US Open. Verdasco's amazing final set where everything was coming out of the middle of the racquet glosses over how mediocre both players were for 4 sets.
Daven
Guest
Well done Verdasco. What a great match .
Alan
Roar Guru
Another classic. I would hardly call it a stunning upset though. Verdasco has Nadal covered now when it comes to pure firepower. Nadal was invincible for so many years. He is mortal now no question. Has he lost that fear factor? Will Nadal win another grand slam or has his window shut?