Bet of the day: Nadal beats Verdasco 3-2 at Australian Open
Published:
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
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
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
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.
