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By Erik Gudris | Wednesday, January 28, 2015

 
Andy Murray Australian Open 2015

While Andy Murray faces off against Tomas Berdych, top seed Novak Djokovic prepares for another marathon against current champion Stan Wawrinka.

Photo Credit: Corleve
 

(6) Andy Murray vs. (7) Tomas Berdych
Rod Laver Arena
Head-to-head: Berdych leads 6-4


Do both players really know what the other will do in this semifinal? After all, Murray's former assistant coach Dani Vallverdu now coaches Berdych. While there's probably no hard feelings on either side, you know that both players have a lot to prove as they each try to reach the final.

Australian Open: Berdych and Murray Coaching Connection

Berdych continues playing inspired tennis that has allowed him to not drop a set all tournament. That includes his stirring defeat of Rafael Nadal that ended a 17-match win streak the Spaniard held over Berdych. The former Wimbledon finalist is not only serving big, but he's also added some patience to his potent forehand. Now he waits for the right moment to attack instead trying for his usual one two punch.

Murray himself has seen off a pair of younger talents in Grigor Dimitrov and Nick Kyrgios who have both been touted as the sport's future. Murray is now older and wiser and looks more in command of his game and his often grouchy on-court persona that in the past sometimes got the better of him. He'll have to keep a cool head as he watches Berdych's big serve whizz by him as he waits for the right opportunity to do damage with his own return.

Berdych won their last two meetings but that was back in 2013. Murray won their only meeting, until now, on a hard court at a major at the 2012 US Open semis. From that win, Murray went onto claim the title. A similar scenario looks likely now. Though Berdych is playing well, and has the tools to win, Murray has the demeanor of somebody who wants to prove something. That, in fact, his career isn't on a plateau but in fact steadily climbing back up to the top of the mountain.

The Pick: Murray in four sets.



(1) Novak Djokovic vs. (4) Stan Wawrinka
Rod Laver Arena
Head-to-head: Djokovic leads 16-3


"The crowd is definitely expecting a marathon like the last couple of years," said Djokovic on his upcoming semi versus the "reigning" champion Wawrinka as he likes to be called. Melbourne crowds have been treated to two straight classic five set marathons - one that Djokovic won 12-10 in the fifth and then last year when Wawrinka prevailed 9-7 in the fifth.

But will they get another marathon this time? Many wondered how Wawrinka would respond coming in as a defending major champion for the first time. He won his early rounds, but didn't really look impressive. That all changed when Wawrinka stepped up in a big way to take out Kei Nishikori in three sets. Wawrinka says he feels more confident than he did last year. Still, one can't help but think Wawrinka is always feeling like he has to prove something, even he really doesn't. That little chip on his shoulder might just give him the edge against Djokovic.

Djokovic has been mighty impressive himself. He hasn't dropped a set and made rather routine work of the improved Milos Raonic in his last round. The key for Djokovic this event has been his second serve. He leads all men in terms of second serve points won at 68%. That solid stat means Djokovic has the confidence to go for more on his first serve knowing if he misses, he's likely going to win the point on his second delivery. Something that wasn't always the case in the past.

Grueling rallies between both men will be expected. Yet even with all of Wawrinka's confidence as "reigning" champion, this tournament still in many ways is Djokovic's domain. Djokovic will feel that after last year's loss to Wawrinka, he is due to resume his reign as champion.

The Pick: Djokovic in four sets.

 

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