Fernando Verdasco of Spain celebrates a point against compatriot David Ferrer during the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York September 7, 2010. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT TENNIS)

Someone Had to Win, So Verdasco Did.

by Parsa Samii, GEM Tennis (parsa@gemtennis.com)

New York, US Open — In a never ending tussle between two compatriots, Fernando Verdasco outlasted David Ferrer 5-7, 6-7(8), 6-3, 6-3, 7-6(4) in 4 hours and 23 minutes. This highly competitive and boisterous affair had the making of a classic before it ever began. Both players are very proud and part of the Spanish Armada at this years US Open. For these guys the only thing worse than losing at a grand slam is losing to their countryman at a grand slam. They pushed each other to exhaustion, but the emotions of their play made the atmosphere electric and they fed off of the energy.

Tactically, I’d love to talk about this detail or that one, but put it this way, this match was a street fight. No rules, no strategy … just fight. Two players going punch for punch until the bitter end. The last point was the best point of the match and it featured a little defense and offense from Verdasco. It ended with an incredible swinging forehand passing shot by Verdasco while sprinting the entire length of the court to get to the ball. Incredible!

Bravo to both players for putting on a great show and playing the match of the 2010 US Open!

Stay tuned to GEMTennis.com for the latest from the US Open!