Australian Open: Men’s 4th round preview
One week of high quality action and drama at the Australian Open has separated the contenders from the participants. The few men left in the draw now have their task cut out as each match poses a greater challenge. As per the predictions of tennis pundits around the world, the “Big Four” have progressed without a hitch. Now it’s to be seen which one would successfully pass the home stretch and will there be a new champion crowned at Rod Laver Arena.
As we head towards the business end of the tournament, here is the preview to the men’s fourth round:
Roger Federer vs Jo-Wilfred Tsonga
Roger Federer faces a tough challenge from Jo-Wilfred Tsonga in the pre-quarterfinal of the Australian Open
For a Federer fan, the draw would be nothing less than a nightmare as Federer has a probability of facing Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic to regain the trophy on Australia Day. However, before that Federer has to face another thorn in his flesh: Jo-Wilfred Tsonga. After an injury filled 2013, Tsonga has returned to the circuit with some inspiring victories and is yet to drop a set at the Australian Open.
While watching Federer play in his previous encounters, one thing was eminent that there were strokes of brilliance followed by some wayward play. Against a quality opponent like Tsonga, Federer will have to notch his game up a level if he has to progress to the quarters. This match would be a tennis lover’s delight and be sure to mark it down in your calendar.
Prediction: Federer wins in 5 sets
Grigor Dimitrov vs Roberto Bautista Agut
“Baby Fed” Grigor Dimitrov has finally lived up to the expectations of his ardent followers by reaching the latter rounds of a Slam. From now on this would be uncharted territory for the Bulgarian as he faces giant killer Roberto Bautista Agut. With both players in good form and aiming for a maiden Grand Slam quarterfinal berth, expect a high intensity match which could very well go the distance.
Prediction: Dimitrov wins in 5 sets.
Novak Djokovic vs Fabio Fognini
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 17: Novak Djokovic of Serbia hits a forehand volley in his third round match against Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan during day five of the 2014 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 17, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
Novak Djokovic has had a sublime start to the year 2014 and is yet to drop a set at the Australian Open. Djokovic would next face world number 16 Fabio Fognini for a place in the quarterfinals. A 6-0 head to head record and present form certainly point towards a comfortable victory for the Serb. However, Fognini has been known to show glimpses of exceptional tennis play. A winning streak last year on the European clay courts is a prime example of the Italian’s talent. On hard courts though, Djokovic would be the favorite to win the encounter.
Prediction: Djokovic wins in straight sets
Tomas Berdych vs Kevin Anderson
A “Tomas Berdych vs Kevin Anderson” encounter has become a regular feature on the ATP tennis circuit. The two players have faced each other nine times in the past two years with Berdych coming out trumps on all occasions. Going into this match, Berdych would be the favorite to book a quarterfinal berth. However, the regular matches between these players would have helped Anderson to improve on the faults from previous matches. Anderson gave Berdych a run for his money at Wimbledon by claiming the first set and leading in the second, but faltered from then on. If Anderson is able to replicate that form we may well have a close match on our hands.
Prediction: Berdych wins in 4 sets
Rafael Nadal vs Kei Nishikori
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 18: Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a backhand in his third round match against Gael Monfils of France during day six of the 2014 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 18, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
After demolishing Gael Monfils in the previous round, Rafael Nadal has sent ominous signs to his opponents for the matches to come. Next up to face the Spanish juggernaut will be Asian number 1 Kei Nishikori. Despite putting up some spirited performances in the earlier rounds, Nishikori will have to play the best tennis of his life if he wants to get anywhere close to beating Rafael Nadal. Looking at current form, I would predict a quick victory for the world number 1.
Prediction: Nadal wins in straight sets
Stanislas Wawrinka vs Tommy Robredo
Wawrinka returns to action after 4 days of rest to face Spaniard Tommy Robredo in the fourth round. Wawrinka has not had much time on court as his first round opponent retired while he got a walkover in the third round. It has to be seen if the Swiss would be rusty against Robredo. On the other hand, Robredo is coming in on the back of a hard fought victory over Richard Gasquet and would be bustling with confidence. To add to that Robredo has had his fair share of success against Wawrinka, having beaten him on 6 occasions and losing just once. This match could turn into one of those epic encounters that Grand Slams are known for.
P.S: People waiting for “Djokovic vs Wawrinka”, remember the last time Robredo spoiled hopes of a “highly anticipated clash” in New York.
Prediction: Wawrinka wins in 5 sets
Andy Murray vs Stephane Robert
Stephane Robert has had a dream run at the Australian Open after entering the main draw as a lucky loser. Having beaten unseeded opponents in the earlier rounds, Andy Murray would be the toughest challenge that the Frenchman would face. Expect a one-sided clash with an easy passage to the quarters for Murray.
Prediction: Murray wins in straight sets
Florian Mayer vs David Ferrer
The ever-diligent David Ferrer has quietly made his way to the round of 16 and faces a tricky opponent in Florian Mayer. The last time these two met, the German emerged victorious beating Ferrer in straight sets. However, in a Grand Slam the stakes are different and the pressure of a 5-setter can take its toll on any player. Mayer would give a fight to the Spaniard, but in the end I believe that Ferrer would be able to safely progress through to the quarters.
Prediction: Ferrer wins in 4 sets