Prior to this year's AO, the head-to-head between these two was 5-0, but we all know what happened in the last 16 at Melbourne Park... Still, a chance now to avenge that defeat in five sets - but he's going to have to buck up his ideas: his win over Troicki today was no more than adequate. As a friend of mine put it, Troicki was (unexpectedly, I venture to suggest, given the ease with which he dismissed Numpty) playing spectacularly badly & thus making Andy look good. C'mon, Andy. We know you can do better. Prove it against Verdasco...
This won't be easy. Verdasco seems to have gained a new lease of life after the DC. Andy better be at the top of his game. Today proved to be not much more than a gentle work out, but then, that's all it needed to be.
Well, hallelujah! Midnight tonight UK time - I'm actually going to be able to watch this one! (if I can stay awake)
I am convinced that a 100% Andy can beat the new improved Verdasco. The only trouble is I'm not convinced Andy is back at 100% yet. So - tranquillisers, defibrillator, mittens (to prevent chewing fingers) and cushions at the ready.
It's not exactly a thrilling match so far. Sadly I missed nearly all of the Nadal Del Potro match, just caught the last half of the third set tiebreak. Looks like it must have been really good.
This match isn't over yet and maybe Verdasco will make a come back and give Andy more of a fight.
-- Edited by GavinUK on Friday 3rd of April 2009 12:56:31 AM
Andy seemed to play a smart match, putting the ball where Verdasco would be tempted to go for shots but end up over-pressing due to the wind and the slow nature of the conditions. Once Andy saved 4 break points early in the second set, both players appeared to be going through the motions, with the result inevitable.