Australian Open Quarter-final previews

Roger Federer versus Andy Murray
Let’s kick serve with the blockbuster. This is, and fittingly so, the night match. Federer’s pairing with Edberg plus the faster courts seems to be quite the dream match. Hitting 34 net winners in his beautiful display against Tsonga, Federer is thriving in Melbourne. His opponent Murray has had something of a nothing draw, not to discredit his competition, but Robert in the last sixteen is no Tsonga when it comes to prepping you for the business end of a Major. Murray’s loss of a set to Robert suggests that he has not yet found his best form and having not played anyone in the top ten since Wawrinka in New York, a match he lost, it could turn out that a revived Federer will be too much for him.
Prediction: Federer to win in 4 sets.

Rafael Nadal versus Grigor Dimitrov.
This is Dimitrov’s first Major quarter final and he has reached it in great form, playing confidently and with a clear head, his point construction and variety a real marvel. Nadal though is a match too much for him though. Pushed to the absolute limit by one member of the next generation in Nishikori in the previous round, Nadal is match tough and playing some of his best tennis. While Dimitrov has the tools to trouble him, it is hard to see Nadal’s power, desire and experience not overwhelming the Bulgarian.
Prediction: Nadal to win in 3 sets, 2 easy ones, 1 tough.

Vika Azarenka versus Agnieszka Radwanska.
Radwanska is not the player she was a year back while Azarenka is even better. Vika has proven herself to be the second best hard courter on the tour, the second best player and the very best of her generation. Radwanska has not posed her any problems in recent years and is unlikely to do so in the last eight here in Melbourne.
Prediction: A straight forward straight setter for Vika.

Halep versus Cibulkova
Cibulkova leads the head to head 2-1 and beat Halep in straights last Indian Wells but Halep has come a long way since then. Both women are in great form, both of them know they have a great opportunity to make the last four here and both will throw everything at each other.
Prediction: Expect a great encounter and for Cibulkova, the more experienced at this level, to come though in 3 sets.