Rafael Nadal,Simona Halep stunned as shocks rock Aussie Open

Fernando Verdasco sent shockwaves through the Australian Open on Tuesday by defeating Rafael Nadal 7-6(6) 4-6 3-6 7-6(4) 6-2 to send the former world No. 1 crashing out in the opening round.

Nadal, who recovered a bit in the latter part of the 2015 ATP season to climb back to World No. 5 in the ATP rankings, admitted that he’s in for a hard first round match-up in the first Grand Slam tournament of the year.

But Verdasco overcame an early break in the fifth set to turn the tables on his good friend, in the process delivering the 14-times major victor only his second first-round loss in 44 grand slam appearances.

Should the defeat be treated as a one-off, or does it indicate the 14-time Grand Slam champion, who turns 30 this year, is in a state of decline?

The veteran lefthander was beaten 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-6 (4) on Thursday by Dudi Sela of Israel.

French Open champion Wawrinka was leading 7-6 (2), 6-3 when his opponent Dmitry Tursonov retired with what appeared to be an upper leg injury. They’ll play the first night match on Rod Laver Arena, and the expected 15,000-capacity crowd will likely give Hewitt a rousing send-off if it ends up being his final match in Australia.

“I don’t know how I did it”. Rafael Nadal has a tough first-round match against fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco in the last afternoon match at Rod Laver. “I think it’s a little bit hypocritical”, Murray said.

Verdasco completed his win in fitting style, blasting a forehand crosscourt victor past Nadal.

On the women’s side, No. 3 Garbine Muguruza beat Anett Kontaveit 6-0, 6-4 and No. 7 Angelique Kerber had a 6-7 (4), 7-6 (6), 6-3 win over Misaki Doi.

Nadal has now failed to reach the second week of his last three majors, compiling a record of 3-3.

Williams lost 6-4, 6-2 to Johanna Konta, her eighth first-round loss at a major. “So that’s the mistake for me today”.

Murray, a four-time finalist at the Australian Open, will now face Australian Sam Grot in the second round. Canadian Milos Raonic, who beat Roger Federer in the Brisbane International final two weeks ago, has a tough second-rounder against Tommy Robredo, who’s made it to the fourth round the past two years at Melbourne Park.

Verdasco hits insane big and misses a lot, except when he doesn’t, which was the case back on that unforgettable day in 2009 when he and Nadal played one of the best matches of the Open era on the same court in Melbourne Park. “To win against a top-two player, I’m so happy, so excited”.

Rajeev Ram beat No. 11 Kevin Anderson and Gilles Muller defeated No. 20 Fabio Fognini.