I’ve been completely drawn away from everything by the best tennis match since last year’s Wimbledon final. This is extraordinary.
The raw power of Nadal against the exceptional shot making of Verdasco.
Watch the fifth set, live, here.
The longest match in Australian Open history. Five sets. Two tie-breakers.
Fernando Verdasco has come from almost nowhere to give the world number one and Wimbledon champion a complete run around at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. His shot making was extraordinary.
It’s hard to imagine this was a player Andy Murray was expected to destroy a few days ago, having beaten him the first five times they played. But, as we know, that wasn’t to be and his game has soared.
Where has that come from? It was like watching Roger Federer in his pomp. As much as I enjoy watching Rafa Nadal play, Federer v Verdasco would be a site to behold.
Certainly, it was the best tennis match since last year’s Wimbledon final between Nadal and Federer.
Seeing Nadal cross the net at the finish was a nice touch, he knew how easily it could have gone the other way.
I still can’t imagine why the organisers of the Australian Open think it’s ok to keep the players on court until well past 1am, but I’m grateful to have seen it.
