Australian Open preview and odds: Rafa Nadal vs Fernando Verdasco

Published on: 18/01/2016

Australian Open preview and odds: Rafa Nadal vs Fernando Verdasco

January 19 2016 11:00am - Rod Laver Arena

Australian Open - Round 1

Seven years after their epic semi-final showdown in the 2009 Australian Open, Rafa Nadal and Fernando Verdasco will go head-to-head once again, in what should be a fascinating first round clash at the Rod Laver Arena.

Rafa rising again

The 2015 comeback trail proved to be a rocky path for Rafa Nadal, but he seems to be carrying some decent form into the New Year. Having hauled himself back up to number five in the world, the Spaniard will be keen to put in a competitive performance in the first Grand Slam event of the year.

Nadal probably would not have chosen a clash against his fellow compatriot for his opening game, but it should offer viewers and betting fans a decent gauge of his big tournament form. It could also provide the 2009 champion with a good warm-up for the latter rounds.

Nadal won three ATP titles in 2015 and finished with a disappointing 61-20 record including a defeat to Verdasco on the hard courts of Miami. However, his overall record against his opponent is good with 14 victories against just two defeats.

Verdasco struggling for form

The last time these two met in the Australian Open back in 2009, Nadal prevailed in a five-set semi-final thriller and went on to lift the trophy. Back then, both players were in top form but they now meet in very different circumstances with Nadal in recovery and 45-ranked Verdasco on the decline.

Verdasco will have to play even better than he did in Miami if he is going to bag a third win against his fellow countryman. Since that match, Nadal has improved in all areas of his game, including his first serve points percentage which was particularly low in that event.

Betting odds and tips

Nadal is improving all the time - since the US Open, he has reached three finals and a semi-final on the tour, and also made the semis of the World Tour Finals in London.

In contrast, Verdasco has not made it past the second round of an event in that same period.

Back Rafa Nadal with a -7 Game Handicap at 6/5 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 18/01/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (18/01/2016 11:58:08) but are subject to change.