Fernando Verdasco in 2009-- Rise or Fall?

Fernando Verdasco, Davis Cup hero against Argentina.

Fernando Verdasco ended 2008 on a high. He had lifted his ATP Tour ranking to 11th in the world, including a title in Umag (Croatia), and he beat Argentine Jose Acasuso in the last rubber of the Davis Cup Final to secure victory for Spain. Before the match, Verdasco had told Spain's Davis Cup coach Emilio Sanchez that he wanted to be a hero, and he delivered.

According to Deuce Magazine, Verdasco then did something that was for him uncharacteristic. Leaving his family behind in Spain, Verdasco flew to Las Vegas in December to work with Gil Reyes, the trainer who played a key role in making Andre Agassi a great tennis champion. Anyone who has seen Verdasco's sculpted body, and many have had the chance since he agreed to pose nude for the UK version of Cosmopolitan in 2008, might find it hard to believe that he needed to increase his fitness, but Verdasco wanted to start strong in 2009.

So far, it seems his plan is working. He made it to the final of the tournament in Brisbane, two weeks before the start of the Australian Open and is seeded 14th at the Open. Unfortunately, he will find himself in the quarter of the draw anchored by world number 4 Andy Murray, who turned into a powerhouse in 2008, winning 5 titles and making it to his first Grand Slam final at the U.S. Open, where he lost to Roger Federer. Murray has already started 2009 with a roar, winning the title in Doha by beating Roger Federer in the semifinal and Andy Roddick in the final. Also in Verdasco's quarter are last year's Australian Open finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, seeded 5th, 9th seeded James Blake, and 22nd seed Radek Stepanek, to whom Verdasco lost in the final at Brisbane.

Fernando Verdasco would have had a tough row to hoe at the Australian Open in any case, because his record there is a miserable 4-5, and he has lost in the second round the past three years. This year, if he makes it to the third round, he will be facing his Brisbane nemesis, Radek Stepanek. If he gets past Stepanek, he will have to face Andy Murray. If he were to beat Murray, he would have his countryman, number 1-ranked Rafael Nadal in his future. Frankly, his prospects are not good, but even making it past the third round would be a victory of sorts and a contribution to the fast start he is hoping for in 2009.

After the Australian Open comes the early clay court season in South America, where Verdasco has a chance to shine, followed by two Masters Series tournaments in the USA, then the important European clay court season leading to Roland Garros. If Fernando Verdasco wants to rise above his 2008 11th place ranking, he needs to keep his momentum going and become better known for celebrating victories than posing without his clothes.