Fernando defeated fellow Fernando, Gonzalez, that is, in his first match of the 2010 season at the AAMI Classic in Kooyong. The two held serve until Fernando finally managed to break Gonzalez’s serve at a crucial 6-5 in the opening set to take it 7-5. Fernando then went on to win the second set 6-1. Fernando looked in very good form throughout the match, especially during the second set. He was wearing his new kit (pictures in the gallery below!) and sporting a slightly shorter and gel-free haircut reminiscent of his Wimbledon style from last year.

Fernando will face Novak Djokovic in the semifinal round. Novak leads their head-to-head 5-2 and has won their last five meetings, including at the US Open and China Open last fall.

I will probably livetweet Fernando’s next match, so make sure you’re following the Verdasco News twitter for stream links and live updates :) Vamos Fernando!