Grand Slam Professional Tennis Predictions and Picks by Nick Bollettieri. US Open, French Open, Wimbledon, Australian Open

This article, written by Nick Bollettieri, appeared in The Independent Newspaper in London today.

The talented young Briton must carry on working to improve his future prospects and not dwell on a defeat in which he forced Federer to produce his brilliant best

When push came to shove, Andy Murray was up against the greatest of all time when he faced Roger Federer yesterday, and his defeat was not unexpected. But let’s get a few things straight from the start.

First, there’s no shame in losing to Federer in a Slam final. Some of the greatest players the game has known have also done so, Rafael Nadal and Andre Agassi among them. Andy Roddick has lost four Slam finals to Federer, three at Wimbledon when he was playing out of his skin but Federer played out of this world.

Second, Murray’s on the right track. In my preview in these pages on Saturday I praised him for some stunning form during a great fortnight and nothing’s changed. I also said he’d need his best day to win, while hoping Federer didn’t have his best day. Andy didn’t have his best day, Federer was very close to his.

Third, in situations like these, you learn your lessons and you move on. Australia 2010 is gone and you’ll never change it. Concentrate on what you can control: the future.

My advice to Andy Murray is simple. Keep on doing precisely what you’re doing. You’re in great physical shape, your game is magnificent, you’ve got a good team around you. All these things got you a shot at a Slam title and that alone is an achievement. Then you came up against a better player on the day. You know that. The next match, the next tournament, the next Slam – that’s all that matters.

For me, the story of the final, as is typical at this exulted level, boiled down to a few important points, not a chasm in class.

Yes, we can look at Andy’s first serve percentage early in the match and say that it really cannot be down in the 40s if he wants to win Slams. That’s true. And even while it improved later on, he still ended up with “only” a 57 per cent first serve percentage, while Federer was at 66 per cent, and just awesome in places.

Yes, we can say that Andy was nervous. I don’t mean he was in awe of the occasion or crushed by the pressure but I did sense that he was not as calm as Federer, which is understandable. And obviously when Murray dropped the first set, and then the second, and you could see him swearing at himself, he was getting agitated.

But let’s not make the mistake of thinking Federer had it easy, or dismantled your young Briton. The Swiss genius was required to produce the very best of himself to win in straight sets, and there was tennis of the highest quality on both sides. The early trades of breaks in serve showed us that, not just in some wonderful shot-making but in steely mental application by both men.

The first set ultimately came down to the break that took Federer to 5-3, and the points that sealed it were earned with a ballistic backhand down the line followed by an unstoppable forehand. Some things you just cannot do anything about. That left Federer serving for the set, and that’s when his cool head and his big game experience and his sheer quality kick in. It’s worth reiterating that Federer had contested 21 Grand Slam singles finals before yesterday and had won 15 of them. That is off the wall, incredible, record-breaking, genius. For perspective, would-be critics should remember that.

In the second set, it was all about the early break of serve to love. That was Murray wobbling just slightly, Federer taking ruthless advantage, and the set score on course for 2-0.

So then we get to the third-set tie-break and let’s be honest, Andy Murray really should have won it. He was getting a bit tight in that third set, I felt. Then when he was serving, his legs were letting him down. Murray’s first serve requires him to get that lift so he can power down on the ball but he just wasn’t getting the elevation.

How does a player change their game or their approach to get through a situation like this, and make sure that it doesn’t happen again? I’m sure Andy and his team will do this anyway but I’d advise him to sit and watch that breaker again and again, pick it apart forensically, and then work on a mental drill that might be applied in another situation like that.

I don’t think there was a physical problem, but maybe a mental misfire. Fixing it could be something as simple as a key phrase, a reminder, words that applied over time will lead to an instinctive reaction, something like: “Legs. Up. Power.”

As it was, Andy had five set points in that breaker and he couldn’t convert any of them. Three of those were saved by Federer brilliance, pure and simple. The other two Andy really should have put away, most obviously at 6-5 when he was serving but ended up netting with an unforced error instead of burying his chance.

These things happen, to everyone, even Federer. The guy has also lost six Slam finals, remember. He’s not perfect. He’s just exceptionally good, the best of all time.

Now back to work Andy. Your time will come.

Nick Bollettieri has coached champions from Agassi to Sharapova and the Williams sisters

End game: Blow by blow account of the classic tie-break which ended Scot’s hopes

*Murray serving: He hits 129mph ace. Murray leads 1-0

*Federer serving: Murray attacks, forcing Federer to put forehand out. Murray leads 2-0

*Federer serving: Service winner. Murray leads 2-1

*Murray serving: Federer puts forehand out as Murray forces the pace. Murray leads 3-1

*Murray serving: Murray puts backhand out. Murray leads 3-2

*Federer serving: Service winner. 3-3

*Federer serving: Murray puts backhand long. Federer leads 4-3

*Murray serving: Murray hits big forehand cross-court winner. 4-4

*Murray serving: Murray hits 132mph ace. Murray leads 5-4

*Federer serving: Murray’s superb cross-court forehand forces Federer into volley error. Murray leads 6-4

*Federer serving (set point to Murray): Federer wins point with big cross-court forehand. Murray leads 6-5

*Murray serving (set point to Murray): Hits big serve and fierce forehand, but then nets relatively easy forehand. 6-6

*Murray serving: Federer hits a forehand long. Murray leads 7-6

*Federer serving (set point to Murray): Superb rally ends with Murray stretching for backhand volley which just floats out. 7-7

*Federer serving: Ace. 8-7 Federer

*Murray serving (match point to Federer): Murray hits volley to Federer’s forehand. Federer’s running pass down line is just out. 8-8

*Murray serving: Federer nets backhand. Murray leads 9-8

*Federer serving (set point to Murray): Federer comes into net and is stranded as Murray hits backhand lob. Ball hits baseline – but is inches wide. 9-9

*Federer serving: Federer hits volley winner. Federer leads 10-9

*Murray serving (match point to Federer): Federer hits huge forehand return, which Murray somehow retrieves. With Murray at back of court, Federer plays drop shot. Murray hurtles into net and hits backhand down line, which Federer leaves, mistakenly thinking it was going out. 10-10

*Murray serving: Federer puts a forehand in the net. Murray leads 11-10

*Federer serving (set point to Murray): Service winner. 11-11

*Federer serving: He hits wrong-footing forehand winner. 12-11 Federer

*Murray serving (match point to Federer): Murray puts backhand in net. Federer wins tie-break 13-11

Stay tuned to Nick’s Pick throughout the 2010 Australian Open for in-depth coverage of the tournament!

Andy Murray (GBR) vs. Roger Federer (SUI)

Murray is 6-4 against Federer, but FedEx has won the last two times they played in 2009. I’ve watched countless hours of Australian Open coverage and this final will be as interesting and thrilling as it gets. I will give you an in-depth analysis of each player’s game, breaking down every part of it and I will end with my pick.

Forehand

Federer – On the groundstrokes, Federer has a more compact swing, allowing him to hit every early, which includes the return of serve. His forehand is similar to that of Pete Sampras: the ball hits and runs and doesn’t have a high bounce with more than the normal spin (quite flat).

Murray – He has cut down on his backswing, which has helped him play closer to the baseline, but his balls are not as penetrating as Federer’s.

Backhand

Federer – When you talk about one-handed backhands, I would say that Federer has one of the best ever. He can do so many things with it, including a biting slice, dipping with lots of spin, the drop shot, and he can attack with it. One thing that he does have problems with is the return of serve against high kickers and into the body.

Murray – His backhand ranks with the very best and reminds me of Andre Agassi (especially on the return of serve). I would say that his slice was better than Andre’s because it gives him time to recover and to change the tempo of the rally.

Serve

Federer – This brings him back into the game when he is down a break point or when he needs a big shot. He is able to place it so well with power that it is a big-time weapon in his game.

Murray – He has improved this part of his game and is winning a lot of free points from either a few aces or jumping on a defensive return. Also, he has added a heavier kick to the backhand side.

Volley

Federer – His volley is very basic, but well placed. He is very comfortable attacking the net and because of this, he knows he is coming before he hits the ball which gives him a location to hit his first volley much closer to the net. He also has very soft hands, allowing him to hit deep volleys.

Murray – A much improved part of his game. His volleys are simple as he uses the power of his opponent’s ball and he directs it to the right position or location on the court.

Both players will sneak in to volley, which often make the opponent overhit or panic.

Return of Serve

Federer – He stands very close to the baseline, comes forward a step or two, takes a split step, has a short-compact swing and this gives him a very aggressive return of serve (especially from the forehand side). He is a wee bit more vulnerable from the backhand side when served a ball that jams him or a high kicker.

Murray – He ranks as one of the very best returners in the history of the game. He will attack any defensive sitter and also be able to hit back against a big server because of a strong low foundation, a semi-open stance and almost no backswing.

Movement

What can I say?

1. They are both quick.
2. They are both fast.
3. Their recover is off the wall.
4. They anticipate and react at the very same time.

But, Murray can pull of a much more aggressive shot when running to his backhand side versus a slice from Federer.

Offense

Federer – On the forehand side, his balls are more offensive with little spin. He moves the ball around and has depth at the same time. He doesn’t go for quick winners, but controls play by moving you around at all times. Once you give him a defensive ball he will use his footwork and move to his forehand side.

Murray – Murry will play offense in a little different way. His balls from both sides are rather high with medium pace, but hit very deep. Watch out, he will then come forward and unleash a very aggressive forehand or a two-handed backhand down the line. He will also play offensive by hitting out wide between the baseline and service line, jerking his opponent deep and then out wide.

Defense

I could go on forever on both players, but let’s condense it. To be a true champion like Federer, you must be able to do everything. The majority of tennis players actually think defense means pushing the ball, but this isn’t true. Defense to Roger and Andy means maintaining control of the court with a variation or a combination of shots.

Mental

Federer – He is one of the very best because he knows who he is, he does what he can control and he listens to advice but when it comes down to the end he is the captain of the ship. He is very clever in interviews, coming across in a manner that is very respectful to his opponents and the game while getting in a few jabs and hooks without you knowing it. He also shows little emotion on court, but at times will let it out visibly showing he is a human. Lastly, he is so confident that when the almost impossible has to be done, he will do it.

Murray – He has made leaps and bounds in this department and this didn’t come by accident. He carefully selected a team that he felt comfortable with and would also listen to and take their advice.

Physically

Federer – He gets an A+ in this department! What’s interesting to note is how smooth he is in everything he does. He never wastes an ounce of energy!

Murray – He has worked his butt off to be where he is today. What most fans and players do not see is his ability to be stretched out wide and recover from one side of the court to the other. He has done this by spending grueling hours in the gym building up lower body strength. Be sure you observe the use of his legs and the push up to the ball when serving. He is able to split step and then make that last movement to the ball for his volleys.

Nick’s Pick – I’ve broken it all down and I think this is going to be a great match. I have to give a slight edge to Federer, but if this match goes five, watch out! Federer in 4 sets

Stay tuned to Nick’s Pick throughout the 2010 Australian Open for in-depth coverage of the tournament!

Serena Williams (USA) vs. Justine Henin (BEL)

It took Serena just over two hours to beat Na Li in the semis, taking her down in two tiebreak sets. On the other side, Henin was able to eliminate Jie Zheng in just under an hour and only lost one game! Since the draw came out, this is the match that everyone has been looking forward to. From the outset, the odds-makers favored these two women to reach the finals and here we are. When these two women are playing their best, they are clearly the two top women on the WTA Tour. I am extremely excited about this match and I can’t wait for it to start!

Match-Up:

Serena is 7-6 against Henin and the two have had some serious battles over the years. The last time they met was in the quarters at Miami and Serena won that match 6-2, 6-0. Serena looked like she was slowing down a bit in the second set of her semifinal match against Li. If that’s the case, Henin will pounce all over her. If Serena is healthy and moving like she did in all her other matches, she has the edge because of her strength. Her groundstrokes will force Henin to hit the ball early, go for broke, and come in as much as possible. Serena also needs to serve better than she did in the semis, and if she is able to, that will put a lot of pressure on Henin. Henin’s serve, specifically her second serve, has been vulnerable and Serena will jump all over that throughout the match.

The shorter this match is, the better for Serena. If this goes three, and Henin sees that Serena is tiring, the edge will go to her. I am going to go with Serena in two tough sets.

Nick’s Pick – S. Williams in 2 sets

Na Li

Despite falling to Serena Williams in two tiebreak sets, I was thoroughly impressed by Na Li. She is one heck of a tennis player and he groundstrokes are excellent from both sides.

Why?

1. She has a very compact swing pattern from both sides with instant backswing preparation.
2. She has a very low base and uses her strong legs for balance and power.
3. She stands very close to the baseline because of the previously mentioned items and this allows her to make early contact and puts her opponents on the defense.
4. She covers all of the court as well as anyone.
5. She is in tip-top shape.
6. She hits with very little spin and still has control and depth.
7. She also plays great defense and anticipates the path of the ball extremely well.

What does she need to improve on?

1. Her second serve needs work.
2. She could play with more variety by hitting slices and adding a little more height and spin. This could really help by moving her opponents even further back behind the baseline and will also throw off their rhythm.
3. She could come into the net more often. Her ability to take the ball so early gives her this opportunity. This addition could increase her chances of being one of the very best in the world.

Overall, I came away extremely impressed by her. Serena gave everything she had and Li was able to resist and I really feel that if this match went three sets, Li would have won it. If Li continues to play like this I wouldn’t be surprised to see her compete for titles throughout 2010.

Stay tuned to Nick’s Pick throughout the 2010 Australian Open for in-depth coverage of the tournament!

Andy Murray (GBR) vs. Marin Cilic (CRO)

Murray played fantastic in the first two sets against Rafael Nadal in the quarters, and then Nadal retired midway through the third allowing Murray to advance. This is his first career appearance in the semis of the Australian Open and his third career Grand Slam semifinal. A win here would put him in the finals of a Grand Slam for the second time.

Cilic knocked out Andy Roddick in five sets and has now won consecutive five-set matches. This is his first career appearance in the semis of a Grand Slam and at the age of 21 he is certainly one of the best young players in the world. This is a big step for Cilic and if he continues on this path it won’t be long now until people start considering him a title contender each time he takes the court.

Match-Up:

Murray is 3-1 against Cili, but the Croat did win the last time they faced (2009 US Open). Everything about Cilic is big. His serve, his groundstrokes, and his body! Despite that height, Cilic moves well and does a good job of covering the court. He is definitely controlling his emotions better which has enabled him to stay in more points longer. Against Murray this is going to be a must! Murray’s return of serve is going to be a big factor in this match. Once the ball gets into play, I believe Murray has the advantage. His serve is improved and his footwork is fantastic. This is going to be close, but I give a slight edge to Murray.

Nick’s Pick – Murray in 4 sets

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) vs. Roger Federer (SUI)

After dropping the third set to Djokovic 6-1 in the quarters, it looked like Tsonga was done. He dug deep though and was able to win the last two sets 6-3, 6-1. He has had great success at the Aussie Open in the past, reaching the finals in 2008 and the quarters in 2009. In fact, he must love Australia because he has never been past fourth round in any other Grand Slam.

Many people thought Davydenko had a good chance to beat Federer in the quarters, but he demonstrated once again why he is the best player in the world. Federer’s ability to step his game up in big matches is what makes separates him from everyone else, and when he is able to do this consistently: WATCH OUT!

Match-Up:

Federer and Tsonga have played twice before with each player winning a match. Tsonga won the last time they faced which was in the quarterfinals in Canada. This match will be determined by Federer, and Federer alone. I’m not saying that Tsonga can’t win, but basically everything Tsonga does, Federer can do it a little better. He has the mental, physical and tactical edge and will need all of it for this match. I look for Federer to advance, but Tsonga will give him everything he has.

Nick’s Pick – Federer in 4 sets

Stay tuned to Nick’s Pick throughout the 2010 Australian Open for in-depth coverage of the tournament!

Jie Zheng (CHN) vs. Justine Henin (BEL)

Zheng is in the second Grand Slam semifinal of her career and she did with a rather easy victory over Maria Kirilenko. She is one of the two Chinese women left in the draw and that is huge for China. A win here would give China its first representative in the finals of a Grand Slam, it would also be the biggest of Zheng’s career.

Henin won a tough two set match over Nadia Petrova and is in the semis of the Australian Open for the fourth time in her career. She won this title back in 2004 over Kim Clijsters and then in 2005 she fell to Amelie Mauresmo in the finals. I think everyone is looking forward to a Serena/Henin final, but neither girl should look past their opponent!

Match-Up:

Henin is 1-0 against Zheng, but that match took place all the way back in 2005. This is going to be an excellent match between two of the smallest players on the WTA Tour. Zheng will stay on or near the baseline, hit the ball flat and will work Henin side to side. Henin plays with more variety, will come into the net often, and will attack Zheng’s serve whenever possible. The difference in this match is going to be Zheng’s serve. If she gets it in play and is serving well she has a good chance of pushing Henin, if not, Henin has the clear edge. Either way I like the Belgian.

Nick’s Pick – Henin in 3 sets

Serena Williams (USA) vs. Na Li (CHN)

Serena made an incredible comeback in the quarters as she was down a set and 4-0 before storming back to win in three over Azarenka. You could take all the lessons in the world with the world’s best coaches, but you can’t teach what Serena has. Her ability to dig deep within herself is what separates her from everyone else.

Li scored a major upset in what wasn’t the prettiest match in the quarters, taking out Venus Williams 2-6, 7-6(4), 7-5. This is her first appearance in the semis of a Grand Slam and after the tournament ends she will become the first Chinese player to enter the top 10 when the WTA rankings are released.

Match-Up:

Serena is 3-1 against Li and beat her the two times they faced in 2009. I don’t care what anyone thinks, I believe that Venus’ loss effected Serena before she took the court. These two are like twins and when one is hurting the other feels for them. Despite that and the fact that she played her worst tennis of the tournament, she was still able to will herself to a win. When you combine her mental strength with her physical prowess, she is extremely difficult to beat. Li will give her a match, but I look for Serena to advance.

Nick’s Pick – S. Williams in 2 sets

Stay tuned to Nick’s Pick throughout the 2010 Australian Open for in-depth coverage of the tournament!

Serena Williams (USA) vs. Victoria Azarenka (BLR)

Serena knocked out Sam Stosur in straight sets in the fourth round and she has yet to drop a set in this tournament. In fact, she has only lost a total of 15 games in four matches. To say she is the favorite is an understatement, and if I was a betting man I would put my money on her!

Azarenka barely survived her fourth round match against Vera Zvonareva as she was down a set and a break before battling back to win in three sets. This is her third appearance in the quarters of a Grand Slam, and if she wins, it will be the first time she reaches the semis of a Grand Slam in her career.

Match-Up:

Serena is 3-1 against Azarenka and has eliminated her from the Australian Open the last two years. Azarenka did beat her in the finals at Miami last year though so she has that to help her confidence. Everyone has been commenting how aggressive and relentless Serena has been throughout the tournament. I definitely feel she is at her best when she plays like this. Her serve is one of, if not, the best on the women’s tour and when you combine that with her groundstrokes she is nearly unbeatable. Azarenka will try her best, but Serena is just too strong.

Nick’s Pick – S. Williams in 2 sets

Venus Williams (USA) vs. Na Li (CHN)

Venus dropped the first set to Francesca Schiavone in the fourth round, but then looked great in the next two sets, beating the Italian 3-6, 6-2, 6-1. Amazingly, Venus hasn’t been to the semis down under since her run to the finals back in 2003 where she lost to her sister in three sets. Could this be the year that Venus wins her first Aussie Open?

Na upset fourth seeded Caroline Wozniacki in straight sets in the fourth round to reach her third career, and second straight, Grand Slam quarterfinal. A win here would put her in the semis of a Grand Slam for the first time and would be a huge boost for tennis in China with Zheng already securing a spot in that round.

Match-Up:

Li is 1-0 against Venus with that win coming back at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Venus can’t worry about the past, she needs to focus on the future. Li has the game to keep Venus off-balance, but if the American is playing her best she is clearly the favorite to advance. Venus needs to serve better and keep the unforced errors to a minimum to win this match. I look for Venus to win, but it’s going to be tough.

Nick’s Pick – V. Williams in 3 sets

Nadia Petrova (RUS) vs. Justine Henin (BEL)

Petrova has played extremely well in the last two rounds, beating Kim Clijsters and Svetlana Kuznetsova in back-to-back rounds. This is her second appearance in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, and she is looking to reach the semis for the first time in her career. In fact, Petrova has only been to the semis of a Grand Slam twice before, and those were both at the French Open (2003 and 2005).

Henin’s comeback has gone perfectly to script thus far, and she is definitely one of the favorites to win this tournament. She showed a little vulnerability in the fourth round when she slipped by Yanina Wickmayer in three sets. I don’t think that it’s a bad thing for her to lose some sets in the early rounds, because she hasn’t played a lot of tennis recently and she could use the match play.

Match-Up:

Henin is 12-2 against Petrova and just beat her earlier this year 7-5, 7-5 in Brisbane. Despite that lopsided record, I really feel that Petrova has an excellent chance to win this match. She has already beaten two contenders and really has it going on. She is serving well, her groundstrokes are extremely solid and she has the mental approach to win. The longer this match goes, the more it favors Petrova. If Henin is able to get off to a fast start and use her versatility and movement to keep Petrova off balance than she will win. This match could go either way.

Nick’s Pick – Henin in 2, Petrova in 3

Maria Kirilenko (RUS) vs. Jie Zheng (CHN)

It seems like every year we have a women’s quarterfinal that features two players you didn’t expect to be here. Kirilenko beat Sharapova in the first round, but really hasn’t been tested since. She was up 5-4 in the first set against second-seeded Dinara Safina in the fourth round, but Safina was forced to retire from the match with a back injury. Now, Kirilenko finds herself one win away from the first Grand Slam semifinal of her career.

Zheng made a great run to the semis of Wimbledon back in 2008, but this is her best result at a Grand Slam since. She beat Marion Bartoli in the third round and then Alona Bondarenko in the fourth round to get here. She is an excellent doubles player and she did win the doubles title at the 2006 Aussie Open, so she has had success in Melbourne.

Match-Up:

Zheng is 4-1 against Kirilenko and beat her once last year in Madrid. The weakest point of Zheng’s game has been her serve, but she seems to have worked on that during the off-season and she is serving better. Her movement is fantastic, she is comfortable at the net, and she is an extremely fierce competitor. I think with Zheng’s footwork and her groundstrokes, she has the edge in this match. Kirilenko has the talent to win this match for sure, but Zheng has been here before and I see her advancing.

Nick’s Pick – Zheng in 3 sets

Stay tuned to Nick’s Pick throughout the 2010 Australian Open for in-depth coverage of the tournament!

Roger Federer (SUI) vs. Nikolay Davydenko (RUS)

Federer dismantled Lleyton Hewitt in the fourth round and since his tough first round match against Igor Andreev, Federer has looked brilliant. He has reached at least the semifinals in the last 22 consecutive majors, and of those 22, he has been to the finals of 17! That is truly remarkable.

Davydenko is making his fourth appearance in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, and is looking to reach the semis for the first time in his career. Davydenko is playing some of the best tennis of his career and this is a great opportunity for him to win his first Grand Slam title.

Match-Up:

Federer is 12-2 against Davydenko, but the Russian has beaten him the last two times they have faced including once already this year. There isn’t much in this match that I can break down for you because everyone knows how these two play. I cannot and will not give my man Mr. Federer a thumbs down, but what I will say is that he needs to be careful because the almost invisible man, Davydenko, is on a mission. I don’t care what time this match is on: WATCH IT!

Nick’s Pick – Federer in 4 sets

Novak Djokovic (SRB) vs. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA)

Djokovic has progressed through the draw rather quietly and I think that’s a good thing for him. His focus needs to be on tennis and tennis alone for him to have a chance to get back to the finals of where he won his one and only Grand Slam title.

Tsonga played his first career five-set match in the fourth round, beating Nicolas Almagro 9-7 in the fifth set! Tsonga really seems to thrive down under, because this is the only Grand Slam tournament that he has been able to get to the quarters of. Can he repeat his great run of 2008 and get back to the finals?

Match-Up:

Tsonga is 4-2 against Djokovic, but Djokovic did beat him in the finals of the 2008 Australian Open. Djokovic is about as perfect technically in every aspect of the game as anyone. He seems to be focusing more on the tennis now than in the past and that is a big plus for him. On the other side, everything depends on Tsonga’s health. If he is feeling okay physically than this will be a match, if not, Djokovic will run him off the court. I give the advantage to Djokovic, but this has the potential to be a great battle.

Nick’s Pick – Djokovic in 4 sets

Andy Roddick (USA) vs. Marin Cilic (CRO)

Down two sets to one in the fourth round, Roddick dug deep and beat Fernando Gonzalez 6-2 in the fifth to advance. He’s been to the semifinals down under four times previously, including last year, but he has never been to the finals. Could this be the year that Roddick makes an appearance on the final Sunday?

Cilic took down fellow young-gun Juan Martin Del Potro in five sets to advance to the quarters of a Grand Slam for the second time in his career. Cilic certainly stepped his game up during the big points and with a win here, he will reach the semis of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career.

Match-Up:

Roddick and Cilic have played twice, with each player winning a match. They most recently met back in 2008 at Canada with Cilic winning in three sets. Both of the quarterfinal matches on this half of the draw are tough to call, but I’ll do my best to break them down for you. Roddick is in fantastic shape, he’s getting a high percentage of his first serves in, he mobility is excellent, his slice is now a weapon, he is in control of his emotions and he is a fierce competitor. Right now, he is playing some of the best tennis of his life and I truly feel he could beat anyone at this point. On the other side, Cilic is also playing great tennis. He has monster strokes from both sides, has a sonic serve and is brimming with confidence. With the way Roddick is playing right now, and with his complete game I have to give him a slight edge.

Nick’s Pick – Roddick in 4 sets

Andy Murray (GBR) vs. Rafael Nadal (ESP)

Murray is the only man left in the draw who has yet to drop a set and he has done so rather quietly. He beat John Isner in the fourth round and is into the quarterfinals of the Aussie Open for the first time in his career. Murray has now been to at least the quarterfinals in every single Grand Slam.

Nadal needed four sets to get past big-serving Ivo Karlovic in the fourth round. Karlovic was able to test Nadal, but the Spaniard had too much for him in the end. He has been to the at least the semis of six out of the last eight Grand Slams and anything less for him is a disappointment.

Match-Up:

Murray is 4-2 against Nadal, but has lost to him the last two times they have played. They actually met in the fourth round of the 2007 Australian Open and Nadal won that in five tough sets. Murray’s movement is off the wall, he is both fast and quick. He is able to turn defense into offense better than just about anybody, and that is what really makes him stand out above his competition. His return of serve remind me of Andre Agassi. He has a very short backswing and comes forward into the court as he hits the ball. I think he is darn close to having everything to winning a Grand Slam, but the one thing he needs a little more of is power on his driving forehand. Nadal hasn’t looked like the Rafa of old. He doesn’t seem to have the same pop on his forehand or his serve, but Nadal at 90% is better than most players at 100%. He still has the ability grind out points and use his strength to keep his opponents pinned back.

I really feel like the longer this match goes, the more it favors Murray. In the past, I would have said Nadal, but right now I think Murray has the edge. I am going to go with the Scotsman, but it is very close.

Nick’s Pick – Murray in 4 or 5 sets