Verdasco recalls 2009 loss to Rafael Nadal: 'I didn't have great feelings'

recalled his epic 2009 Australian Open semifinals loss to . The 36-year-old lost in five sets, the match ended at past 1:00 AM and not even two days after Nadal would go on to win his first and so far only title in Melbourne.

Ending up losing you do not have amazing feelings, despite I played very well, admitted Verdasco. Its clear that it was something unbelievable, my first semifinal, and it also lasted five hours and a quarter against Rafa.

But in the end you definitely prefer to win playing bad than losing doing well. Verdasco was happy to have ended his 2018 season in the top 30 rankings: Last year I played well in general. I am very happy for being more stable, but I need to continue and start this season as best as possible.

The Madrid native defeated Radu Albot in the second round to book a clash against Marin Cilic. Verdasco aims to upset the defending finalist. In that match, I have to show that if I am at the level to beat a hard opponent.

Cilic is one of the best players in the world, he is very complete. He has an unbelievable serve, he puts pressure from the return and he moves very well, he concluded. ALSO READ: Rafael Nadal: Worse players than David Ferrer won a Grand Slam title