Rafael Nadal admitted Saturday he faces a “very, very dangerous” Australian Open first-round clash against Fernando Verdasco with memories still fresh of their epic 2009 semi-final duel.
Rafael Nadal admitted Saturday he faces a “very, very dangerous” Australian Open first-round clash against Fernando Verdasco with memories still fresh of their epic 2009 semi-final duel.
At five hours and 14 minutes, that battle seven years ago was then the longest match in the tournament’s history with a shattered Nadal showing incredible resilience to win 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 7-6 (7/2), 6-7 (1/7), 6-4.
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 Australian Open title.
The two Spaniards have been pitted together again at Melbourne Park and despite Verdasco slipping down the rankings to 47, Nadal knows he has his work cut out.
“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 lost to Novak Djokovic in the Qatar Open this month, still has vivid memories of the 2009 encounter with his fellow left-hander.
“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.”
Fit-again Azarenka buzzing with excitement
Victoria Azarenka said she was buzzing with excitement ahead of the Australian Open as the music-loving former world number one gets back in the groove after a torrid two years battling injuries.
The Belarusian, a two-time champion at Melbourne Park, struggled with foot and knee problems in 2014 and only played nine tournaments, also battling depression and a split from long-term boyfriend Stefan Gordy, better known as Redfoo, the US musician and reality TV star.
Then a painful thigh strain in 2015 sent her spiralling down the world rankings.
But she won the build-up Brisbane International last weekend in convincing fashion. “I feel good, I’m feeling excited. I had a good week of practice here.”” she said.
