Bet of the day: Nadal beats Verdasco 3-2 at Australian Open
Published:![](https://sports.coral.co.uk/news/cdn/img/ab49c19f-0f46-422d-8a27-8b3e7d750fea.jpeg?w=1920&fm=webp&q=75)
Jamie Clark, Sports Editor | January 18, 2016
Coral’s bet of the day
- Spaniards Nadal and Verdasco face off at Australian Open
- Nadal has lost two of last three meetings with compatriot
- Verdasco went down in five sets when they previously played at this Grand Slam
Nadal begins latest bid for Grand Slam glory
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Rafael Nadal gets his Australian Open campaign underway against fellow countryman Fernando Verdasco as two Spaniards battle Down Under.
Although he holds a dominant 15-2 head-to-head record over his compatriot, Nadal has suffered a couple of defeats by Verdasco, including one last year, so will be taking him seriously in Melbourne this time around.
It has all the makings of a classic first round encounter, and Coral offer a sweet 7/1 price on Nadal edging it in five sets.
Miami Masters loss motivation for Rafa
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When these two Spanish tennis pros last met on a hard court at the 2015 Miami Masters, Verdasco ran out a 2-1 winner in a best of three sets affair.
Nadal will be seeking to avenge that defeat, but that does not mean this will be plain sailing for him. A high intensity game has been his hallmark, but a career effected by knee injuries means he needs to pace himself.
The days of smashing opponents in straight sets look numbered for Nadal, so backing him to come through a long game rewards punters with attractive odds.
Verdasco defeated at Australian Open before
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What’s encouraging for Nadal is he has beaten this opponent by a 3-2 scoreline in Melbourne before back in 2009. That was a semi-final rather than an opening round clash, but it was a treat to behold.
Verdasco took the opening set in a tiebreak before Nadal came back at him to lead 2-1, then won another set that went the distance forcing a decider.
Related
View our previous bets of the day in our archive. Coral’s comprehensive coverage of the Australian Open can be found, meanwhile, over at our tennis section.