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(7) Fernando Verdasco

  • DOB: 15/11/1983
  • Nationality: Spanish
  • Became Pro: 2001
  • Height: 1.88
Verdasco: Can continue fine progress.

Player Profile

Fernando Verdasco came agonisingly close to reaching the quarter-finals of Wimbledon for the first time last year and it's hard to forget his absorbing five-set defeat to Mario Ancic, who clinched the deciding set 13-11.

Since then the hard-hitting Spaniard's reputation has grown further as he powered his way into the semi-finals of the Australian Open in Melbourne, ending the hopes of Andy Murray along the way.

His impressive run finally ended against eventual champion Rafael Nadal but only after another titanic five-set battle in a Grand Slam - at five hours and 14 minutes it became the longest match in the tournament's history.

The 25-year-old has maintained consistent momentum throughout 2009, reaching the fourth round at the French Open but perhaps more impressively progressing to the quarter-final stage of all five Masters 1000 events.

Best on clay, Verdasco is generally regarded as being comfortable on all surfaces and following his year of improvement he'll be looking to venture further than ever on the grass at SW19 this time round.

Ten-year Grand Slam History

2009200820072006200520042003200220012000
Australian Open SFR2R2R2R2R1----
French Open R4R4R4R2R1R2----
Wimbledon -R4R3R4R2R2R1---
US Open QFR3R3R3R4R2R3---

More Profiles

Nadal: Hoping to retain title Federer - has won every Grand Slam title Murray - targets first Grand Slam title. Djokovic: All court performer Del Potro: one to watch Roddick: Big-serving American Verdasco: Can continue fine progress. Simon: Out to impress Tsonga: Genuine chance Gonzalez: On form Cillic: One to watch Davydenko: Outsider Soderling: Nothing to lose Safin: Shone in '08 Robredo: Woeful Wimbledon record Ferrer: Has won on grass before

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