Andy Murray’s bid for a first Australian Open title remains right on track after thrashing Bernard Tomic in the fourth round on Monday. The two-time Grand Slam champion will look to book a place in the semifinals this coming Wednesday when he takes on the ever-dangerous David Ferrer.
Read on below for an in-depth breakdown of this blockbuster matchup and while you’re at it, you can check out our preview of the last-eight clash between Novak Djokovic and Kei Nishikori.
Andy Murray secured his seventh Australian Open quarterfinal Monday with a convincing 6-4, 6-4, 7-6(4) win over hometown favorite Bernard Tomic on Rod Laver Arena. It was a dominating performance from the world No. 2, who needed two and a half hours to record the straight-sets win.
[sc:AUS15-250 ]Murray, who improved to 4-0 against Tomic, blasted 43 winners and committed just 22 unforced errors. What proved to be the difference in the contest, though, was his excellent return. Murray won 48 percent of his receiving points against Tomic, with the British No. 1 converting six of his 13 break point chances.
Next up for Murray is a quarterfinal clash with David Ferrer. The 28-year-old will fancy his chances against Ferrer as he has won 12 of his 18 previous matches against the Spanish star, including all five of their recent meetings. Murray enjoys a 10-2 advantage against Ferrer on the hard courts.
For Murray to extend his dominance against Ferrer, he will need to continue his aggressive style of play in the quarterfinals. He won 11 of his 16 net points against Tomic in the previous round. Murray has won 80.4 percent (45-of-56) of his total net points in the entire tournament thus far.
David Ferrer barged into the quarterfinals of the Australian Open with a convincing 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 victory over John Isner on Monday. It was an impressive showing from the 33-year-old, who needed just two hours and four minutes to eliminate the hard-hitting American.
Just like in his previous three matches, Ferrer’s serve was the main difference once again. He won 82 percent of his first serve points in the straight-sets win against Isner. Ferrer also blasted 28 winners in that fourth-round contest, stretching his tournament total to 101.
Ferrer has been sensational in this year’s Australian Open as he has yet to drop a set in his opening four matches. He will look to continue his excellent form in the quarterfinals when he takes on fan favorite Andy Murray. However, Ferrer will have his work cut out for him against Murray, as he is just 1-3 against the British star in Grand Slam matches. One of those losses came in the semifinals of the Australian Open back in 2011, which Murray won in an epic four-setter, 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-1, 7-6(2).
For Ferrer to record the victory this time around, he will need to continue his highly-efficient play. He committed just 17 unforced errors in the win against Isner. Ferrer is averaging just 25 unforced errors in his opening four matches here in the Australian Open.
Ferrer is 6-4 in his last 10 matches.
Writer’s Prediction
Murray (-450) edges past Ferrer in four tough sets.
