Verdasco-Nadal match suspected of match-fixing

Rafael Nadal was shockingly defeated by Fernando Verdasco in the first round of the 2016 Australian Open. Ironically, that defeat occurred at the exact time the tennis world was shaken by match-fixing reports from the BBC and Buzz News Feed.

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According to the BBC and Buzz News Feed, a third of the world’s top 50 players have fixed matches, and half of them are participating in the 2016 Australian Open. They also revealed that the “tainted” list also includes a US Open champion and a Wimbledon doubles champion. Nadal, the 2010 and 2013 US Open champion, is therefore also on the suspect list, although no one has specific evidence to accuse him.

Nadal suspected of match-fixing

But yesterday's Spanish civil war between Nadal and Verdasco was put under scrutiny, not only because of its unexpectedness, but also because of Verdasco's suspicious signs over the past five months.

According to analysts, during that time, there were 4 matches of Verdasco that were considered suspicious. Among them was 1 match at the US Open and 2 doubles matches. All 4 matches had very high odds on Verdasco's opponent. In addition, according to BBC and Buzz News Feed, among the Top 50 players who sold matches, there was one who had a habit of losing the first set. According to statistics from the Monte Carlo Masters until the end of 2015, Verdasco played 29 matches and only won the first set 5 times.

Verdasco has a habit of losing the first set.

“People can say a lot about someone,” Verdasco began his statement. “We all know that and try to change it. But it is difficult. There are many people in this world and it is impossible to control them all. If I had the power, I would abolish the betting system, but unfortunately I cannot.” And when asked if he had ever been approached by match-fixers, he replied bluntly: “No, never.”

Fernando Verdasco is 32 years old and is ranked 47th in the world. He has won 6 ATP titles and reached his highest ranking of 7th in the world in April 2009. His best result at a Grand Slam was reaching the semi-finals of the 2009 Australian Open before losing to Nadal.

In the second round of the 2016 Australian Open, Verdasco's opponent will be world No. 87 Israeli player Dudi Sela.

According to Thethaovanhoa