Copyright © 2016. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.

Former champion Rafael Nadal was shaken as he lost for only the second time in his career in a grand slam event first round, going down to fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco 7-6(6), 4-6, 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-2 at the Australian Open. The 14-time winner of major championships who claimed the Melbourne Park trophy in 2009, lost for only the third time in 17 meetings with the 45th-ranked Verdasco.

The epic of nearly four and three-quarter hours came with 35 minutes of equaling the semi-final marathon won in 2009 by Nadal over his compatriot.

But this time, Verdasco got the win, coming from a break to start the fifth set and lifting his power to dominate Nadal in the end.

“He played amazing in the last set. if the opponent is ready to hit all of the balls at 100 per cent then you are in trouble. I have to congratulate him,” Nadal said. “I’m not happy with how I played. He played better than me, more aggressive than me and he won.”

The Spaniard was particularly burdened by the fact that his recent form had looked to be improving over the past half year. It’s tough for me to lose, obviously. I’ve been playing and practicing great and working so much. It’s tough when you get to an important event and go out early.

“I know I did everything to be ready, it was not my day. There is nothing to do but to keep practicing the same way I’ve been doing the last four or five months. I know I can compete better than I did today.”

Copyright © 2016. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.