By Erik Gudris | Saturday, January 24, 2015
Rafael Nadal headlines a day filled with intriguing men's matches that includes two Aussies and a rematch between Grigor Dimitrov and Andy Murray.
Photo Credit: Corleve
Each day we'll preview and predict results for four must-see Melbourne matches. Day 7 previews are here.
(2) Rafael Nadal vs. (14) Kevin Anderson
Rod Laver Arena (third match)
Head-to-head: Nadal leads 1-0
After struggling in his early matches, Nadal appears to slowly be working his way into contention for his second Australian Open title. But he'll face another test in big-serving Anderson of South Africa.
Though both are the same age at 28, it's interesting that they've only met once in their careers. That was a win for Nadal in Toronto five years ago. Anderson seeks to reach his first ever major quarterfinal having equaled his best performance by reaching the round of 16 in Melbourne for a third straight year.
But can Anderson, despite being a solid veteran, perhaps pull off an inspired upset like Andreas Seppi did? That will depend on if Anderson has an outstanding serving day and can perhaps stay close with Nadal in several tiebreaks. Nadal, for his part, won't want to get involved in a complicated match that comes down to a few break points here or there. The first set will be key for both. Anderson has a chance, but Nadal appears ready to take his game to the next level.
The Pick: Nadal in four sets
(6) Andy Murray vs. (10) Grigor Dimitrov
Rod Laver Arena (second night match)
Head-to-head: Murray leads 4 to 2
The potential match of the day is also a huge opportunity for both Dimitrov and Murray to go deep in the draw. With Roger Federer now out of the way, both men know that a run to the final looks possible for either.
While Dimitrov is known lately for being "Mr. Hot Shot", he's proved he's a lot more than that in his early round wins. With victories over another shotmaker in Dustin Brown and the crowd pleasing Marcos Baghdatis, Dimitrov showed improved patience and stamina. That owes a lot to his continued work with coach Roger Rasheed. Dimitrov, who beat Murray at Wimbledon last year, admitted he expects a different Murray to show up on court this time.
Murray remains something of an unknown quantity as far as his prospects in Melbourne. While he continues touting his work with Amelie Mauresmo, it's still not clear what changes, if any, she's made in his game. Murray will have to weather Dimitrov's ability to hit winners from anywhere. And the Scot will have to serve well and not just rely on his backcourt defense to win this. He'll have to take it from Dimitrov who won't wilt if it should go into extended sets. Both men have something to prove, but Murray just a little bit more that, yes, he really is still part of the "big four".
The Pick: Murray in four sets.
(7) Tomas Berdych v. Bernard Tomic
Margaret Court Arena (third match)
Head-to-head:Berdych leads 2-0
Could this be Berdych's chance to possibly win his first Grand Slam title? While we might be getting ahead of ourselves, Berdych finds himself flying under the radar in the draw while so far having not dropped a set.
The same can't be said for his opponent Tomic. The Australian hope is once again facing scrutiny from his local fans to make a deep run at home. Yet Tomic, despite his recent troubles, is playing well, looking fitter, and looking more focused on living up to his massive potential.
Berdych has won both meetings between the two at Wimbledon over the last two years. Hard courts won't seem to favor either man, but this has the potential to be yet another back and forth battle. Crowd support for Tomic could play into this. Yet though Tomic has the game to pull off the upset, Berdych's experience might just see him into the last eight.
The Pick: Berdych in four sets.
Nick Kyrgios vs. Andreas Seppi
Hisense Arena (fourth match)
Head-to-head: Kyrgios leads 1-0
The only man probably happy that he isn't facing Roger Federer in the fourth round is Kyrgios who now gets the unexpected Seppi in a huge match for both. Kyrgios admitted he'd rather play Seppi, though now the pressure will be on the young Aussie even more to pull off the win.
How will Seppi rebound after his career-best win the other day? That could determine a lot on how this match plays out. Kyrgios has more game than Seppi, so the Italian will have to hope he can repeat his steady form that helped him defeat Federer.
While there's been a lot of discussion as to why Kyrgios hasn't been playing on the biggest stages at Melbourne Park, Hisense Arena should pack enough Aussie fans to give Kyrgios the emotional lift he'll need should this get close. Kyrgios should rise to the occasion.
The Pick: Kyrgios in four sets.