Australian Open Quarter-finals: Predictions and Expectations

We are down to 8 men and to the finest 8 athletes in men circuit as they have proved in the last 9 days. The first Grand Slam of the year brings with it an air of excitement and fills the lives of every tennis fan with thrill and joy yet again as it is the first important tournament after the year-end break.

First week brought us a lot of memorable moments like Gael Monfils jumping around the court in vintage superman style and many emotional moments like Lleyton Hewitt calling it a day at the office for the last time. However, the greatest moments are yet to come as we approach the quarter-finals stage. Let us break-down each fixture to analyse what lies beyond the names and what we can expect in the next days.

1. Novak Djokovic Vs Kei Nishikori

Novak Djokovic has been crowned the champion of Australian Open at 5 occasions. Novak is also the defending champion. This is no surprise as he had posted some mind-boggling numbers last year and won almost everything he put his finger on.

He is the top seed and is scheduled to play the Japanese number one Kei Nishikori in the quarter-finals. Novak has been in a good form parting his fourth round match against Simon in which Novak committed 100 unforced errors. But having survived the scare Novak will want to forget his fourth round performance and concentrate more on his terrific performance last year and pick up from there.

Kei Nishikori, on the other hand, has made it to the quarters at an expense of just one set. In his fourth round match, Kei played some impressive tennis to take out the powerhouse Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in straight sets.

With his experience, skill and confidence, Novak should win this quarter-final encounter and move one step closer to clinching his 6th Australian Open crown.

2. Roger Federer Vs Tomas Berdych

The number 3 seed, Roger Federer, has improved upon his last year’s Australian Open campaign in which he suffered a shock exit to Seppi. Roger has paved his way to the quarter-finals, taking out ‘baby Federer’, Grigor Dimitrov, in four sets in their fourth round fixture.

Mr Consistent, Tomas Berdych, has yet again reached the quarter-finals stage of a major. Berdych survived a five-set marathon match against Bautista Agut, eventually winning 4-6 6-4 6-3 1-6 6-3.

Roger will face Tomas for the 22nd time in his career. With 15-6  head to head record heavily in his favour, Roger looks the more likely player to prevail at the end of this match.

3. Gael Monfils Vs Milos Raonic

As Nadal went out in the first round of the Aussie Open, doors were open for a surprise entry in the quarter-finals. The showman, Gael Monfils seized the opportunity as he stormed his way into the quarters to face Milos.

Raonic has produced some of the most memorable moments of this year already. He defeated Roger Federer in Brisbane finals to lift the trophy and now took out the other Swiss, Stan Wawrinka in the fourth round to mark his entry in the quarter-finals.

This match promises to be an entertaining match. As Raonic will fire aces from both courts, it will be amusing to see Gael’s reaction to it. However, with Raonic playing good tennis and confidence riding high in his team after the addition of Carlos Moya, the Canadian should come out victorious at the end of the day.

4. Andy Murray Vs David Ferrer

Many have predicted Andy Murray as the only man in ATP at the moment who can stop Novak’s stunning run of form. He is already into the quarters, but can he win this crown which has eluded him over the years ?

Andy won his fourth round match against hometown favourite Bernard Tomic in straight sets. The final scoreline was 6-4 6-4 7-6.

David Ferrer took out one of the finest server on tour, John Isner 6-4 6-4 7-5 to advance to the quarter-finals stage.

Andy and Ferrer have faced each other 18 times and know enough about each other. However, with a positive head to head record (12-6) and an extra motivation to win this trophy, Andy should be confident about his chances of winning this match.

With such high-octane tennis still to be played, expect some good matches to come our way in next couple of days.