Fernando Verdasco
Eighth seed Fernando Verdasco
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Thursday, 18, Jun 2009 12:03
Date of birth: 15/11/1983 (Age: 25).
Nationality: Spanish
Height: 6ft 2in
Weight: 180lbs
Plays: Left-handed (two-handed backhand)
Turned professional: 2001
Current ATP singles ranking: 8
Best Wimbledon performance: Fourth round - 2006, 2008
Grass court pedigree
Like his compatriot and Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal, Verdasco is left-handed and an offensive baseliner. Unlike Nadal he has not experienced success at Wimbledon, failing to progress to the latter stages despite ability on all surfaces.
Before last year, his best performance at SW19 was the fourth round in 2006, yet at Wimbledon 2008 he exited at the same stage after a mammoth 13-11 fifth set against Mario Ancic.
This early departure was a surprise after showing excellent form to claim a runners-up spot in Nottingham. His most recent form on grass is impressive, holding an 8-3 win record in 2008.
Wimbledon seeding: 8th
Chances of SW19 success?
Can he get beyond the fourth round at the third time of asking? His talent is undeniable, but many have previously noted a brittle mentality in big games. At one time he was prone to double faults and a lack of concentration at the end of sets - far from matchwinning traits.
However, this year saw Verdasco link up with Team Agassi in Las Vegas - the American great's fitness coach Gil Reyes and former coach Darren Cahill teamed up with Agassi himself to offer advice on conditioning and winning championships.
The turning point was the Australian Open in January, where a self-assured Verdasco appeared in an epic battle with Nadal in his first grand slam semi-final. After five hours, 95 winners and 21 aces, Verdasco lost the match but gained respect.
Self-belief is at a career high and if he maintains concentration and focus he will back himself to cause an upset or two along the way.
Prediction: Quarter finalist
Will survive to the last eight if he continues to mix up his play. Imparts enormous topspin on his fierce forehands, but needs more variation to truly challenge at this level.
Verdasco has the power game to get into the net but like his fellow Spaniard, prefers to stay at the back and slug it out. If he does, expect more talented hitters to unseat him.
The key is the mental side; with a 0-9 record against incumbent champion Nadal, Verdasco may still fear the big names and is unlikely to feature beyond the last eight.
Marcus Dubois