Australian Open 2014: Rafael Nadal set for Fernando Verdasco clash
Saturday 16 January 2016 11:25, UK
Rafael Nadal admits he will be wary of his first-round opponent Fernando Verdasco with memories still fresh of their epic 2009 semi-final duel at the Australian Open
Nadal showed incredible resilience to win 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 7-6 (7-2) 6-7 (1-7) 6-4 in a battle with lasted five hours and 14 minutes.
Despite the brutal but high-quality marathon, he went on to spend another four hours and 23 minutes on court to beat Roger Federer in the final and win his only title in Melbourne.
Despite Verdasco slipping down the rankings to 47, Nadal knows he has his work cut out against his fellow left-hander from Spain.
"Very tough first round. Not a lucky first round, I think, for me. For him either," said Nadal, seeded five.
"Will be a tough match. I need to be ready to play very good tennis if I want to be through."
Nadal, who suffered a heavy loss to Novak Djokovic in the Qatar Open earlier this month, still has vivid memories of their marathon encounter seven years ago.
"Obviously that match gave me the chance to win the only Australian Open that I won. That was an unforgettable memory for me. I think it was a huge level of tennis there. Some spectacular points," he said.
"A lot of people always talk to me about that match. I enjoyed that match. Was a tough one. Was a great experience."
Nadal endured his worst season in a decade last year and is looking for a solid start to 2016.
His reign as French Open king ended at the quarter-final stage in 2015, and he also failed to reach the semi-final at the US Open, Australian Open and Wimbledon.
If he gets past Verdasco, his next major challenge should come against Swiss fourth seed Stan Wawrinka in the quarter-finals.
We will bring you all the news, views and reaction from the Australian Open starting on Monday 18th January.
