The Hidden Talent and Unlocked Potential of Fernando Verdasco
To fully appreciate the inherent talent and tennis potential which Spanish tennis pro Fernando Verdasco is capable of, it is imperative to discuss his 2008 Toronto Masters match against current World Number 5 Robin Soderling. The tournament was heavily undermined
by inclement weather, and Soderling (who was at that time ranked outside the top 40 players on the ATP) and Verdasco were forced to take their second-round match to a practice court.
Although the crowd disappeared because of the rain, the 20 or so people watching were awestruck as the two players combated against each other for three sets. The shots of the players were fired with such force that they were more audible than the umpire’s
voice. Despite the fact that there were no seats, spectators stood riveted to the match. Although Robin Soderling won the match with a score line of 6-4, 6-7(4), 6-4, it was a match worth watching.
While the court they played on was primal at best, the standard of the match was no less than modern tennis brutality. For each loud shot fired, it was answered by equally forceful momentum. By the end of the match, spectators were sure that these two players
with huge forehands were definitely going to rise on the charts.
And they certainly were not disappointed. In January 2009 at the Australian Open semi final, Verdasco set up a five hours and five set long match against eventual champion Rafael Nadal; it was arguably the match of the year. Robin Soderling’s success, apparent
from his rankings, was also proven at the next Grand Slam at Roland Garros. The Swedish player upset Rafa in a spectacular match and proceeded to the final of the event. Before the Barclay’s ATP World Tour Finals, Robin Soderling also took away his first career
Masters title in Paris.
World Number 9 Fernando Verdasco was also present at London, but only as a back-up for any one of the eight qualifiers. He missed a slot in the event despite the fact that he reached four finals and won two titles this season. It is, though, the second straight
time he has ended the year as a top-ten player. However, he has not yet achieved the magnum opus of his career. He has won no Masters events, hasn’t reached a Grand Slam final and hasn’t yet made it to the Top Five players. On the other hand, Soderling has
accomplished all three of those feats.
While Verdasco’s fans are confident that his slow approach will yield the same results as Soderling’s rapid ascent, he will only be able to accomplish this once he acquires a little more consistency. His serve, for example, needs work. There is much variation
between his safe, gliding serves and his hard-hitting offerings that they appear to be two utterly different shots. Merging those shots would be helpful for the player and his first and second serves.
In addition to this, his court positioning is slightly off. When he’s in form, he stays at the baseline and has total control of the point. But sometimes he plays defensively behind the white line, which hands points to his opponents. Soderling has made
considerable changes, and Verdasco must attempt to do the same; although adjustments are difficult at the age of 27, a change in strategy might give the player an advantage.
Another edge which Verdasco has over other players is that he is left-handed. If he brings his A-game to the court early on during rallies, he will be able to fire shots at his opponent’s weaker sides with steady lefty forehands. Given some time to adjust
and motivation, Fernando Verdasco has all the makings of a Top Five player.
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