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| Match: Finished | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| M. Ebden (AUS) | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| R. Nadal (ESP) [2] | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Completed Sets | ||
|---|---|---|
| Set won by R. Nadal | 2 - 6 | R. Nadal leads 0 to 3 |
| Set won by R. Nadal | 2 - 6 | R. Nadal leads 0 to 2 |
| Set won by R. Nadal | 3 - 6 | R. Nadal leads 0 to 1 |
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Matthew Ebden will be out to cause the biggest upset of the Australian Open when he takes on Rafael Nadal in the second round. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from around 8:30pm (AEDT).
The Australian has improved his game out of sight in the last 12 months, moving up the world rankings to be within sight of a seeding at the major tournaments this year.
Unfortunately for Ebden, he missed out at Melbourne Park and is has landed him a difficult assignment against former champion, world No.2 and one of the best players of all-time, Rafael Nadal.
Ebden’s biggest strength has been his ability to serve accurately, but not big, while also getting around the court and using every opportunity to get forward in the court, taking time and space away from his opponent with a strong volleying game.
The Aussie kicked off his home slam with a four-set, 1-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4, victory over Jan-Lennard Struff. The experienced German took the first set in convincing fashion, but it was impressive to see the way in which Ebden was able to fight back.
Nadal, on the other hand, has his section of the draw full of Aussies and might be up against not only Ebden, but the crowd again this evening on Rod Laver Arena.
His first-round match, which was also the first match of his season after withdrawing from his 17th hard court tournament in the last year and a half at the Brisbane International, came up against James Duckworth, and could face Alex De Minaur in the third.
Nadal came away with a convincing performance, beating Duckworth in straight sets.
The pair have faced off on one previous occasion, with Nadal winning that match in straight sets on the grass court in London at Queen’s Club.
Prediction
The Australian will fight hard, get around the court and do everything he can to put Rafa off his game, but at the end of the day, he will be lucky to grab so much as a set here, pending on the fitness issues which could possibly be faced by the Spaniard.
Nadal in straight sets.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of the 2019 Australian Open from around 8:30pm (AEDT) or at the completion of Beatriz Haddid Maia vs Angelique Kerber on Rod Laver Arena and don’t forget to add a comment in the section below.
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