2011 Australian Open: Andy Murray vs. Alexandr Dolgopolov
Seeded fifth at the event and British number one, Andy Murray will face the unseeded Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov in the last quarterfinal of the 2011 Australian Open today. The two have met only once before, with Murray coming out as the dominant winner, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. Although there is a gap of 41 rankings, with Murray at 5 and Dolgopolov at 46, there is every reason to believe that this match-up shall be as exciting a game as any that has come before it in the tournament.
When looking at the draws, Murray must have expected to face Robin Soderling at this stage. However, had it not been for Dolgopolov, Soderling would have been there. After playing a marathon five setter that he initially looked like losing, Dolgopolov created space for himself in the quarters by causing one of the biggest upsets of the tournament. Currently ranked number four in the Association of Tennis Professionals rankings, Soderling, the man who has beaten both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer was one of the pundits’ favourites to make it to the semis knowing his penchant for causing upsets, even the final and the trophy. On the other hand, Dolgopolov fought against all odds for his well-deserved victory and he was rewarded with his best performance at a major event to date.
His tournament has been a spree of giant killing. After the first couple of games in one of which he was extended to four sets by Benjamin Becker, Dolgopolov faced Jo Wilfred-Tsonga, the French Open finalist. In a match that spanned over five sets, Dolgopolov displayed endurance and grit to win 3-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1, 6-1. Matching Tsonga blow for blow and completely dominating the last two sets, Dolgopolov dispatched Soderling for his spot here, a win made even more amazing considering that it was his second consecutive five set match.
Andy Murray’s tournament, on the other hand, has been a display of sheer class. It has been an easy journey for him, winning every match in straight sets and improvement being evident with every passing match. In his most recent match against 11th seeded Jurgen Melzer, Murray was brutal. Winning 6-3, 6-1, 6-1, the Briton marvel served a storming 13 aces, dictating his returning game and winning an astounding 56 percent of his receiving points. He broke the Austrian’s serve an amazing seven times in the match, and allowed Melzer no mean foe, no foothold in the match.
The encounter is all set to be a meeting of two players in superb form and definitely an exciting spectacle to watch. Considering all factors though, Andy Murray should have the edge in this encounter not just because of his skill and experience at the highest level in contrast with Dolgopolov’s relative newness, but also because the former plays a game that is exacting on his opponents. With long rallies and brilliantly constructed points, Murray is the master of endurance and coming out of two consecutive five setters, Dolgopolov just might not be able to keep up.
Still, this match is far from a done deal and tennis fans all over the world shall watch when these two players clash at the Rod Laver Arena.
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