Melbnourne - A gallant Fernando Verdasco was gracious in defeat Friday after his epic Australian Open semifinal against Rafael Nadal, saying it was a match he will remember for the rest of his life.
Nadal finally won 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 7-6 (7/2), 6-7 (1/7), 6-4 after a five hours and 14 minutes marathon, the longest in Australian Open history.
"I'm sad to play a match like this and lose but I am also very proud of myself for the match I played and how I have done in this tournament," said the Spanish world number 15.
"Both of us played unbelievable. I will have this match in my mind for the rest of my life."
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Verdasco's defiant challenge was testament to his staying power against a player who is world number one.
He has credited his strong showing to the work he did pre-season in Las Vegas with boyhood idol Andre Agassi's old mentor Gil Reyes.
Pumped on adrenaline, he push Nadal to the limit, hitting 95 winners to Nadal's 52. But he also committed 76 unforced errors to his opponent's 25.
"Tennis is like that sometimes, what can you do," he said. "Both of us had a lot of chances."
Verdasco and Nadal's are close friends and his worry now is that his countryman won't be at his best against Roger Federer in Sunday's final.
"It is a pity for Rafa that he had to play such a long match ahead of the final when Roger only played three sets," he said.
"I want him to be 100 percent to play in the final. I lost but he is a big friend and I hope he wins on Sunday. I wish him all the best."
Verdasco had never been past the fourth round of a Grand Slam in 22 previous attempts, but said that after beating Jose Acasuso to give Spain the Davis Cup in Argentina last November he believed he could do anything. - Sapa-AFP
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