| 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 |
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.
Ben Lewis
Roar Pro
If Nadal is to go over the Demon; I would love to see Fedal in the semi final. Nadal is in tremendous form and Federer is just Federer (although his match today had me worried a bit).
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thanks for joining me this evening on The Roar for our live coverage of the 2019 Australian Open. Hopefully you enjoyed the call. Be sure to stay tuned to The Roar for all your Australian Open needs in the coming days. Bye for now.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thoughts on the match Roarers?
Scott Pryde
Expert
Fair to say Nadal is in ominous form then. Two easy wins to start his Australian Open campaign.
Scott Pryde
Expert
GAME, SET, MATCH, RAFAEL NADAL Nadal goes wide, gets a short return and puts the match away with an easy forehand into the open court up the line. Matt Ebden's campaign is done, and Nadal will be through to the third round, where he is going to take on a fatigued Alex De Minaur or Henri Laaskonen, who are locked in battle during the 5th set. Matthew Ebden 3 2 2 Rafael Nadal 6 6 6
Scott Pryde
Expert
Heavy serve out wide, a forehand back in behind and Ebden nets the forehand this time, reaching for it. Match point No.2 Ebden 3 2 2 - Nadal 6 6 5 - AD
Scott Pryde
Expert
Wide serve. Unreturnable. Ebden 3 2 2 - Nadal 6 6 5 - deuce (2)
Scott Pryde
Expert
Fault from Nadal. The second is down the middle and returned down the line, with Nadal then slicing a backhand into the net. Ebden 3 2 2 - AD Nadal 6 6 5 -
Scott Pryde
Expert
Nadal with some heavy hitting here, putting a forehand long in the end though, so Ebden saves the match point. Ebden 3 2 2 - Nadal 6 6 5 - deuce (1)
Scott Pryde
Expert
ACE! Out wide from Nadal and here is the first match point after 1 hour, 52 minutes on court. Ebden 3 2 2 - 30 Nadal 6 6 5 - 40
Scott Pryde
Expert
Wide serve, returned into the net on a slap backhand. Ebden 3 2 2 - 30 Nadal 6 6 5 - 30
Scott Pryde
Expert
Nadal with a fault, then one down the middle. Ebden returns short and defends, before Nadal sends a forehand long. Ebden 3 2 2 - 30 Nadal 6 6 5 - 15
Scott Pryde
Expert
Fault from Nadal. The second this time is at the forehand, returned well and Nadal slaps a ball wide. Ebden 3 2 2 - 15 Nadal 6 6 5 - 15
Scott Pryde
Expert
Wide serve from Nadal. Ebden returns the forehand into the net. Ebden 3 2 2 - 0 Nadal 6 6 5 - 15
Scott Pryde
Expert
Nadal shouldn't be able to make that. Ran off the court, then got to a volley and put it away, followed up by an overhead. Nadal to serve for the match after the change. Ebden 3 2 2 - Nadal 6 6 5 -
Scott Pryde
Expert
Not a terrible drop shot, but Nadal gets there, plays a drop volley and the running lob from Ebden goes long. Another break point. Ebden 3 2 2 - Nadal 6 6 4 - AD
Scott Pryde
Expert
Double fault from Ebden. Ebden 3 2 2 - deuce (2) Nadal 6 6 4 -
Scott Pryde
Expert
Nadal runs around a serve, plays some forehands, then nails one on a crazy angle. Ebden 3 2 2 - deuce (1) Nadal 6 6 4 -
Scott Pryde
Expert
Poor forehand from Nadal along the baseline and that goes long. Ebden 3 2 2 - 40 Nadal 6 6 4 - 30