Back to the Tennis Newsfeed

Verdasco stuns Nadal in first round

Rafael Nadal suffered the only first-round exit of his career at the Australian Open after Fernando Verdasco recorded a stunning five-set win.

The Spanish left-handers produced an exhibition of hard-hitting in a match which spanned four hours and 40 minutes in the Rod Laver Arena.

Verdasco saved a break point to prevent going 3-0 down in the decider, going on to win 7-6 (8-6) 4-6 3-6 7-6 (4-7) 6-2.

The world number 45 hit 90 winners and meets Israel's Dudi Sela in round two.

His display throughout thrilled spectators and as his momentum in the deciding set proved saw him win six-straight games to shock the fifth seed.