Matt Ebden: If Rafael Nadal is at his best, he can be a beast

Australian Matt Ebden wants to the challenge to Rafael Nadal in the Second Round of the Australian Open and seemed rather relaxed about it. Its not my first rodeo on centre court or in a grand slam or against a higher-ranked opponent, Ebden told The Age.

Its definitely going to be one of my favourite matches. Its going to be as big as any. He also saw James Duckworth play aggressive tennis from the start against Nadal but lost in straight sets.

James plays very much one way and if he had executed all that sutff on the edge for a period of time, he couldve won, Ebden said. James and I play a little different, but we do have some similarities in our games.

Though a Top-100 player for over three years consistently, Edben now lurks around the 700s and is looking to get back where he belongs. Thats started to show the last 12 to 18 months and Ive got to keep going on that upwards track, he said.

It doesnt get easier, thats for sure, especially in the slams but if you want to go deep in these slams, these are the guys you have to beat at some point. Ive got to be ready in those moments to take my opportunities, not over-respect and not under-respect and play smart and collected and I think Ive got to be mentally tough as well.

If Rafa is at his best, he can be a beast.