Three exciting battles that defined the career of Fernando Verdasco

Just a week ago Spanish tennis said goodbye to one of its most talented players: Fernando Verdasco said goodbye after more than two decades dedicating his heart 100% to the sport of the racquet. Here at TennisUpToDate, we will remember three of the best matches of the left-handed player from Madrid.

Throughout his career, Fernando Verdasco lived unforgettable moments on the court. The former number 7 of the world ranking had a phenomenal tennis, managing an excellent fluidity and cleanness in his strokes, both forehand and backhand. Perhaps, in the best period of the Spanish generation, Verdasco has enough merits to fight Ferrer for the second place in terms of results, always behind Rafael Nadal, of course.

He was always recognized for the speed of his game and his aggressive style, dominating from his forehand, generating space with impossible angles to finish off the point; His two-handed backhand is not to be underestimated, given that the Spaniard was able to print a lot of force to this blow, especially taking advantage of the high balls.

His serve improved over time and became an important weapon in his game, winning many free points and setting the pace. Verdasco accompanied this solidity in his strokes with an excellent mobility on the court, counterattacking from any position to his rivals.

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The epic duels against Rafael Nadal in Australia

In the semifinals of the 2009 Australian Open, Verdasco and Nadal offered a unique show that would remain in the collective memory. Both Spaniards shone to star in a true anticipated final.

At the time, Nadal was ranked No. 1 in the world, while the recently retired Verdasco was the 14th pre-ranked player.

The match played at the Rod Laver would go straight into history, after 5 hours and 14 minutes of intensity and drama rarely seen, playing 3 tiebreaks. The final score favored Nadal (who was looking for his first title in Melbourne): 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(2), 6-7(1), 6-4.

The tension of the match kept the crowd on the edge of their seats for every minute. Both Rafa and Fernando played incredible tennis, with Nadal getting into serious trouble on multiple occasions. It was one of those duels that you never want to end, where the Spanish left-handers brought out the best of their repertoire in a match that would automatically become one of the classics of modern tennis.

After the match, Verdasco declared: "Even if I lost I have to be happy with the level I gave". Nadal also praised the performance of his compatriot: "It was one of the toughest matches I've played, Fernando played incredible, his level was spectacular".

Australian Open 2016, time for a rematch

Seven years later, destiny crossed both stars again in the first Grand Slam of the season. Rafa arrived as number 5, being one of the favorites for the title. Fernando, on the other hand, arrived with more inconsistency, which was reflected in his No. 45 ranking. Nevertheless, Verdasco had a unique opportunity to vindicate himself in the first round of the tournament.

The match was a second chapter of the masterful duel of 2009, with the Madrid-born player giving the big blow beating his rival in five sets by 7-6 (6), 4-6, 3-6, 7-6(4) and 6-2. A more than significant victory for Verdasco, who kept his cool despite being down in the fourth set, showing great heart to stand up to one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

The key was to maintain his constant aggressiveness, not to let Rafa take the initiative and capitalize on the opportunities that came his way. Not to underestimate his commitment and fighting spirit, as there are not many players on Tour who can say they turned a match around against the winner of 22 Grand Slam titles. 

"I didn't expect a match like this again, but what was clear to me was that I didn't want to lose at any price," said the former No. 7 after defeating his compatriot.

Davis Cup 2008: The hero in Mar del Plata

One of the most outstanding milestones of Fernando's career would come early, in 2008, when Argentina and Spain were defining who would be the Davis Cup champion on the fast courts of Mar del Plata.

Spain, which was unable to count on the presence of its winning card, Rafael Nadal, due to injury, faced the Argentine legion in search of its first silverware at home.

The series found in Lopez and Verdasco two unexpected but much needed heroes. The former would defeat Juan Martin del Potro and the latter would give the definitive blow to the Albicelestes. Together, they would also put Argentina in check after the doubles. After the match with Feliciano, which put Spain ahead in the series, Verdasco declared: "We played great tennis to win, and we knew that you can't relax with them because they will eat you".

With the series 2-1 in favor, Verdasco was selected to play the fourth point against Jose Acasuso, in the first round of the day on Sunday. The atmosphere and the pressure played a crucial role, with both players making mistakes, but with the Spaniard showing more determination, winning the important points.

Fernando showed his tenacity by overcoming a 2 sets to 1 disadvantage in front of the Argentinean crowd. Fortunately, when Acasuso had to close the match, the player from Madrid played his best tennis. The final score was 6-3, 6-7(3), 4-6, 6-3, 6-1, with Verdasco securing another title for Spain.

Throughout his career, Fernando Verdasco also won important titles at ATP level, such as the Barcelona Tournament, the ATP 500 in Hamburg and the ATP 250 in Valencia, among others. He managed to defeat Nadal 3 times and Novak Djokovic 4 times, being the Swiss master, Roger Federer the only member of the Big-3 he could not beat.

With his retirement, the circuit will miss one of its most versatile and talented players, but his legacy will always remain in the memory of the fans. Congratulations Fernando!

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