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It did not take long for Fernando Verdasco to move through to the fourth round of the Australian Open. This year’s run by Verdasco is far less surprising than his surge through to last year’s semi-finals, but it is no less impressive for that, for the Spaniard appears to have returned to Melbourne Park with ambitions to do even better than in 2009.

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Granted, Verdasco was the beneficiary of his third round opponent Stefan Koubek’s retirement after a first set which lasted just seven games, Verdasco winning it 6-1. Koubek, who came through qualifying at Melbourne Park, succumbed to a fever and was forced to forfeit the match against the world No.9.

The Spaniard hit the practice courts afterwards in the hope of getting a little bit more court time, and afterwards explained that Koubek’s retirement was something of a mixed blessing.

“For one part for sure,” said Verdasco, when asked if it was good fortune to have Koubek retire.

“I want to play more to get more rhythm for the next round. If I win, of course. But it's not bad also to win fast, no, and have one day even more to recover because the next round is going to be so difficult against (Nikolay) Davydenko. Of course you never want one guy to play sick and to feel like this, no? But it's also good and I have more rest, no, for important match in fourth round.”

Verdasco said he was unaware of Koubek’s illness until the Austrian called the doctor to their court after feeling unwell. He had apparently been suffering from an undisclosed illness for several days.

“I didn't know. I was just focus on myself,” said Verdasco. “I didn't know that he was sick for two days. You know, he just call the doctor and he retire straightaway.“

Davydenko is one of the most in-form players in the men’s draw and appears to have picked up where he left on at the end of the 2009 season, which saw him achieve his best-ever tournament victory by winning the ATP World Tour Finals in London. The world No.6 then began the new season brightly with a tournament victory in Doha, climaxing in back-to-back wins over Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to take his 20th career title.

After his third round victory over Juan Monaco, Davydenko was asked whether the real tournament was starting now. He immediately acknowledged the threat posed by Verdasco. “I don't know. We will see after Verdasco match. We’re all top 10 players … it’s the fourth round. Like I said before, it was also difficult for me in the third round because I played a very good player. Mostly everybody is a good player. Depends on me and how I play.”