After outlasting David Ferrer in the quarterfinals, Andy Murray is just two wins away from earning his first ever Australian Open title. Murray now heads into the semifinals to go mano-a-mano with World No. 14 Milos Raonic of Canada. Can Murray come away with the win? Or will Raonic get the upset?
Read on below for a comprehensive look at this match. If you’re craving for more tennis action, check out our preview of Novak Djokovic vs. Roger Federer.
Despite a minor blip in the second-set, Milos Raonic is on his way to a first ever semifinals appearance in the Australian Open as he defeated 23rd-ranked Gael Monfils in the quarterfinal round, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. The Canadian stayed composed all throughout and ultimately won the game through his all-around performance.
Raonic exhibited his aggressiveness and efficiency by winning 84% of his first serve points, 62% of his second serve points and more importantly 67% of his net points. He’ll now be facing a much more difficult opponent in the form of World No. 2 Andy Murray.
Key to Raonic’s win would be capitalizing on every opportunity that he sees. Murray has been playing excellent tennis lately, but he clearly showcased some of his weaknesses against David Ferrer in their quarterfinals bout, during which he had 64 unforced errors.
Also, Raonic’s powerful forehand serves could be crucial in this one. In particular, it can help him match up to Murray’s impressive strength and maybe even catch him off guard from time to time. Raonic has converted 83% of his first serve points and has hit a total of 280 winners in the tournament.
Raonic is 9-1 in his past 10 matches on the hard court.
Another day, another win for Andy Murray. The two-time Grand Slam champion is on his way to the semifinal round of the 2016 Australian Open thanks to an entertaining win over World No. 8 David Ferrer in the quarterfinals (6-3, 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-3). Murray started off a little sluggish with numerous careless mistakes but eventually found his groove down the stretch and eventually managed to gut out the win.
The 28-year-old Brit showcased his excellent service game in that match. He overpowered his Spanish opponent by blasting 49 winners and 11 aces while also winning 76 percent of his first serve points. Murray also made good on six out of 13 break point opportunities.
Up next for him is a much-anticipated collision with a very familiar foe in Milos Raonic of Canada. This marks the ninth time that these two stars collide. Murray is 4-4 overall against the Canadian, but the last two meetings have gone towards Murray’s favor.
In order for Murray to continue his dominance, he ought to continue bombarding his opponents with his aggressiveness and brute strength. The Brit has won 80 percent (58-of-72) of his net points in the last three matches and has fired a total of 55 aces in the tournament. But Murray, who committed 64 unforced errors in the previous round, can’t afford any more unnecessary mental lapses against a craftier and more aggressive foe in Raonic.
Writer’s Prediction
Murray (-260) wins a thriller, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 7-5.
