It’s been seven years since Rafael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco engaged in an unforgettable semifinal duel in the 2009 Australian Open. Fast forward to today, both men cross each paths again, as Nadal and Verdasco square off in a first round showdown at the Rod Laver Arena. Read on for more about this matchup. You can also check out our preview of Maria Sharapova vs. Nao Hibino.
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Rafael Nadal vs. Fernando Verdasco Betting Preview
[sc:AUS15-250 ]Facing a fellow Spaniard right in the first round of the Australian Open may not be of Nadal’s liking, but a match against Verdasco should serve as a nice test this early in the tournament for the fifth-seeded tennis star.
Nadal didn’t have great 2015, in which he went 61-20 and won three titles. Considering that he lost just 18 matches and won 14 titles the previous two years, his overall ATP record last year was obviously a disappointment for the Spaniard.
That being said, Nadal should be able to take care of his first round assignment in the form of Verdasco. After all, Nadal has an overwhelming edge in his career head-to-head encounter with Verdasco, 14-2. And that includes his epic 2009 semifinal victory to the tune of a 6-7(4) 6-4 7-6(2) 6-7(1) 6-4 score.
Still, Verdasco remains a dangerous opponent, one that beat Nadal on the hardcourt last year in Miami Masters 1000, 6-4 2-6 6-3. To dispose of Verdasco, Nadal will have to be improve on his receiving game, as he won just three break points in 12 chances in Miami against Verdasco, who also had three break points won but needed just six opportunities.
Will the second time be the charm for Verdasco? Verdasco, who as mentioned gave Nadal a run for his own money in a semis clash back in the 2009 Australian Open, is looking to make waves right out the gate, as he aims to take down fifth-seeded countryman in just their second meeting in the event.
Prior to this tournament, Verdasco had a quick exit in the Qatar ExxonMobil Open early this month, as he was sent packing in the second round of the 2016 Qatar ExxonMobil Open by No. 1 Novak Djokovic, who won a one-sided 6-2 and 6-2 affair.
While there’s no shame in losing to Djokovic, Verdasco could’ve used a much better performance in that match to boost his confidence heading into Melbourne.
In any case, Verdasco will have to find ways to defeat Nadal on the hardcourt once again. Against Nadal in Miami last year, Verdasco made 71 percent of his points on first serves (41 of 58), while Nadal had 62% (38 of 55). Overall last year, Verdasco was ranked 35th on first serve points won with 73%.
Writer’s Prediction
Nadal cruises onto the second round with a dominant win over Verdasco.
