In the longest match in Australian Open history, fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco pushed Nadal to the absolute edge in a 5hr 14min epic before wilting in the last game.

Verdasco, in his first grand slam semi-final showed enormous physical and mental strength to trade blows with the world's best player.

With the biggest forehand in the game, Verdasco hit a remarkable 95 winners to Nadal's 52.

Verdasco looked like he might overpower and create a huge upset with his tremendously powerful shots that kept Nadal sprinting from corner to corner.

But on several important points, Nadal would complete 5 fifty yard sprints, spin around on a dime, and execute an unthinkable passing shot that would leave Verdasco with

nothing to do but stand smiling in disbelief.  But instead of giving up, Verdasco would regroup and come out with all guns blazing in the next point.  And so it went for

more than five hours.  Both men put every possible ounce of effort into their play and left the court exhausted.  They left us with a masterpiece performance! 

* due to length of the match, it comes on 3 discs

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