2011 Australian Open Semi-final Preview: Andy Murray vs. David Ferrer
The second semi-final of the 2011 Australian Open will take place at Melbourne Park between Britain’s favourite Andy Murray and Spain’s number two, David Ferrer on 28 January.
Being a veteran compared to the Brit, world number seven Ferrer debuted at the event in 2003 and this is the first time he has made it past the quarterfinal round in his nine straight years of participation. Murray, on the other hand, is putting in his sixth
year at the event, having enjoyed a final run in 2010. After moving past Marin Cilic in the semis, Murray failed to clinch the title, losing to champion Roger Federer.
Still missing the elusive Grand Slam title, Murray stands on an eight-match winning streak so far in the season. Starting the year at the Hopman Cup, Murray partnered Laura Robson. Although Great Britain lost all three ties, Murray won all his singles matches
defeating Potito Starace, John Isner and Nicolas Mahut.
Murray played Karol Beck in his opening match at Melbourne playing. With the latter retiring from the event, Murray received an automatic walkover into the second round. Enjoying straight sets victories and improving at each step, Murray moved past Illya
Marchenko, Guillermo Garcia-Lopez and Jurgen Melzer to meet the Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov in the quarterfinals. The Brit lost only 20 games in 11 sets in the quarterfinal. His first set loss came in the quarterfinal when he was pushed to a four set win
against Dolgopolov. However, defeating Dolgopolov 7-5, 6-3, 6-7(3), 6-3 Murray was able to move into the final four.
Murray will be facing Ferrer in the final four, who caused the surprise upset of top seed Rafael Nadal. Ferrer is one of the five players on the ATP Tour to start the year on a high note. Competing at the Heineken Open in Auckland two weeks ago, Ferrer enjoyed
a successful final run recapturing the title at the event.
Coming into the Australian Open, Ferrer was able to extend his winning streak to nine games as he moved past Jarkko Nieminen, Michael Russell, Richard Berankis, qualifier Milos Raonic and Rafael Nadal to secure a spot for himself in the final four.
Meeting the Brit for the sixth time on the ATP Tour, Ferrer leads the career head-to-head by 3-2. On the other hand, Murray enjoys a 2-0 lead on hard courts. The pair’s last meeting came in the round robin stage of the 2010 ATP World Tour Finals in London
where Murray was able to do away with the Spaniard without losing a set. The score line was 6-2, 6-2.
Although Ferrer is not the favourite to win the event, he intends to give it his all and perhaps give a surprise ending to his so far successful run. Talking about playing Murray, Ferrer said, "I'm very happy with my game. I'm very confident. I will try
to do my best [against Murray], but I need to play very consistently, [stay] very focused all the match, because Andy's a top player."
Prediction: Last year’s finalist at the event, Murray is clearly the favourite to win the semi-final match on day 12. Moreover, Ferrer has never beaten Murray on a hard surface. Hence, the latter has an edge over the former
other than being in top form. However, the underdog is known to surprise on such occasions and Ferrer might do just that.
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