Fernando Verdasco has sent Rafa Nadal crashing out of the Australian Open in the opening round for the first time ever. 87 winners fired Verdasco over the finishing line 7-6(6), 4-6, 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-2.
WIN OR LOSE, ALWAYS WITH RAFA!
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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: Rafael Nadal of Spain serves in his first round match against Fernando Verdasco of Spain during day two of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: Rafael Nadal of Spain serves in his first round match against Fernando Verdasco of Spain during day two of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: Rafael Nadal of Spain serves in his first round match against Fernando Verdasco of Spain during day two of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Sweat drips from the nose of Spain’s Rafael Nadal during his first round match against Spain’s Fernando Verdasco at the Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park, Australia, January 19, 2016. REUTERS/Thomas Peter
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts in his first round match against Fernando Verdasco of Spain during day two of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a forehand in his first round match against Fernando Verdasco of Spain during day two of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a backhand in his first round match against Fernando Verdasco of Spain during day two of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a forehand in his first round match against Fernando Verdasco of Spain during day two of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
A ball boy places an ice pack over the shoulders of Spain’s Rafael Nadal during his first round match against Spain’s Fernando Verdasco at the Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park, Australia, January 19, 2016. REUTERS/Thomas Peter
Spain’s Rafael Nadal sits in his chair with ice packs on his head during his first round match against Spain’s Fernando Verdasco at the Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park, Australia, January 19, 2016. REUTERS/Thomas Peter
Spain’s Rafael Nadal wipes his face with an ice pack during his first round match against Spain’s Fernando Verdasco at the Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park, Australia, January 19, 2016. REUTERS/Thomas Peter
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a forehand in his first round match against Fernando Verdasco of Spain during day two of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a forehand in his first round match against Fernando Verdasco of Spain during day two of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates a point in his first round match against Fernando Verdasco of Spain during day two of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal during his first round match against Fernando Verdasco at the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal during his first round match against Fernando Verdasco at the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal during his first round match against Fernando Verdasco at the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts in his first round match against Fernando Verdasco of Spain during day two of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal during his first round match against Fernando Verdasco at the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal during his first round match against Fernando Verdasco at the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal during his first round match against Fernando Verdasco at the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal during his first round match against Fernando Verdasco at the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal during his first round match against Fernando Verdasco at the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal of Spain changes his head band during his first round loss to compatriot Fernando Verdasco during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016.(AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Rafael Nadal during his first round match against Fernando Verdasco at the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal during his first round match against Fernando Verdasco at the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal during his first round match against Fernando Verdasco at the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts in his first round match against Fernando Verdasco of Spain during day two of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a forehand in his first round match against Fernando Verdasco of Spain during day two of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal during his first round match against Fernando Verdasco at the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal during his first round match against Fernando Verdasco at the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal signals a ball boy to bring his other towel during his first round match against Spain’s Fernando Verdasco at the Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park, Australia, January 19, 2016. REUTERS/Thomas Peter
El tenista español Rafael Nadal devuelve la bola a su compatriota Fernando Verdasco durante su partido de primera ronda del Abierto de Australia de tenis disputado en Melbourne, hoy, 19 de enero de 2016. EFE/Mast Irham
El tenista español Rafael Nadal saca la bola ante su compatriota Fernando Verdasco durante su partido de primera ronda del Abierto de Australia de tenis disputado en Melbourne, hoy, 19 de enero de 2016. EFE/Mast Irham
El tenista español Rafael Nadal devuelve la bola a su compatriota Fernando Verdasco durante su partido de primera ronda del Abierto de Australia de tenis disputado en Melbourne, hoy, 19 de enero de 2016. EFE/Mast Irham
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates a point in his first round match against Fernando Verdasco of Spain during day two of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal throws his towel to a ball boy during his first round match against Spain’s Fernando Verdasco at the Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park, Australia, January 19, 2016. REUTERS/Jason O’Brien
Spain’s Rafael Nadal hands plastic to a ball boy as he changes shirt during his first round match against Spain’s Fernando Verdasco at the Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park, Australia, January 19, 2016. REUTERS/Thomas Peter
Spain’s Rafael Nadal sits in his chair as he puts on a new head band during his first round match against Spain’s Fernando Verdasco at the Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park, Australia, January 19, 2016. REUTERS/Thomas Peter
Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts during his first round match against Spain’s Fernando Verdasco at the Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park, Australia, January 19, 2016. REUTERS/Thomas Peter TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: Rafael Nadal of Spain removes his sweatband after losing his first round match against Fernando Verdasco of Spain during day two of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: Rafael Nadal of Spain removes his sweatband after losing his first round match against Fernando Verdasco of Spain during day two of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal, left, of Spain congratulates compatriot Fernando Verdasco after their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016.(AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Rafael Nadal, right, of Spain congratulates compatriot Fernando Verdasco after their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016.(AP Photo/Mark Baker)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: Rafael Nadal of Spain congratulates Fernando Verdasco of Spain on winning thier first round match during day two of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal, right, of Spain is consoled by compatriot Fernando Verdasco after his first round loss to Verdasco at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016.(AP Photo/Mark Baker)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: Rafael Nadal of Spain walks off court after losing his first round match against Fernando Verdasco of Spain during day two of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal of Spain packs his bags as he leaves Rod Laver Arena following his loss to compatriot Fernando Verdasco in their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016.(AP Photo/Mark Baker)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: Rafael Nadal of Spain walks off court after losing his first round match against Fernando Verdasco of Spain during day two of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal gestures as he leaves the court after defeat in his men’s singles match against compatriot Fernando Verdasco on day two of the 2016 Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 19, 2016. AFP PHOTO / WILLIAM WEST– IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE
Rafael Nadal of Spain waves as he leaves Rod Laver Arena following his loss to compatriot Fernando Verdasco in their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016.(AP Photo/Mark Baker)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: Rafael Nadal of Spain walks off court after losing his first round match against Fernando Verdasco of Spain during day two of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: Rafael Nadal of Spain walks off court after losing his first round match against Fernando Verdasco of Spain during day two of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts as he leaves after losing his first round match against Spain’s Fernando Verdasco at the Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park, Australia, January 19, 2016. REUTERS/Thomas Peter
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: Rafael Nadal of Spain walks off court after losing his first round match against Fernando Verdasco of Spain during day two of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: Rafael Nadal of Spain walks off court after losing his first round match against Fernando Verdasco of Spain during day two of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: Rafael Nadal of Spain walks off court after losing his first round match against Fernando Verdasco of Spain during day two of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: Rafael Nadal of Spain walks off court after losing his first round match against Fernando Verdasco of Spain during day two of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: Rafael Nadal of Spain walks off court after losing his first round match against Fernando Verdasco of Spain during day two of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
This was a disappointment as Rafael made a great effort. Stay positive, as you need to keep your focus even though changes need to be made. Execution of these changes is never easy, but a warrior finds a way.
in sports you don’t need to be saint rafa …….
u have to compliment other player just for the fact u have to
and to be angry with urself of ur play and then making no dela about it and assure u will find a way to win next grandslams
we wnat to see a hunger in ur eyes
IF U CANT DO IT GET A SPORTS PSYCHOLOGIST
BEWARE FANS ANY THING CAN HAPPEN IN NEXT FEW DAYS
I do believe that you badly needed a new coach idol.