Andy Murray and Rafal Nadal gear up for huge tests at Australian Open

Andy Murray literally faces a giant test in the Fourth Round of the Australian Open. He squares off against John Isner, who stands at a massive 6’ 9”, and knows how to use that height to his advantage. The American, who only turned pro a couple of years ago, but has climbed to a rank of 33 in the world, dispatched Gael Monfils (ranked 12) in the previous round, taking out the Frenchman in straight steps. That will be a warning to Murray, that he will need to be on top of his game if he is to progress to the expected meeting against World Number 2 Rafael Nadal in the Quarter Finals.

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Murray has looked in fine shape so far, not having dropped a set on his progress through the tournament, and looking very well composed and assured. There have been a couple of small lapses in concentration, and some concern over his first serve, but he has handled everything extremely well, and looks very dominant on the court. Isner’s victory over Monfils was something of a surprise, as the American needed five sets to get past un-seeded Andreas Seppi (ranked 49th) in the first round. But with his extra height, he is able to get some extra power behind his serve, as well as reach wide balls which may elude others. Isner came into the Australian Open in good form, winning his first ATP tournament in Auckland, prior to the big event.

Isner is under illusion about how good his opponent is, though, recognising Murray as one of the favourites to lift the title. A win for Andy Murray would put him in the Quarter Finals of the Melbourne tournament for the first time in his career. Should he arrive, then in all likelihood, there will be a massive game against Nadal awaiting him. Nadal faces a similar task to that of Andy Murray, when he plays his Fourth Round match against Croatia’s Ivo Karlovic, who stands at 6’ 10”. Despite the difference in rankings between Murray and Nadal’s respective opponents, the two seeded players could face uncomfortable rides if they are going to progress. Murray (ranked 5th) and Nadal (ranked 2nd) will of course be seen as favourites, but this will be their toughest challenges yet, ahead of what would certainly be their toughest challenge if the two meet in the next round.

As the tournament starts to get down to the nitty gritty, there are some interesting Fourth Round matches to look out for. One which stands out, is World Number One Roger Federer v Lleyton Hewitt. Andy Roddick’s match against Fernando Gonzalez could well be the most enticing one of the round, while Juan Martin Del Potro will have his hands full of Marin Cilic (ranked 14th). All match prices for the fourth round of the men’s Australian Open draw are below.

In the women’s tournament, US Open winner Kim Clijsters has fallen by the wayside, losing to 19th seed Nadia Petrova, and sadly, from a spectators point of view, Ana Ivanovic also surprisingly departed from the tournament. Belgian Justine Henin though, has been involved in some of the best matches in the women’s tournament so far, and is showing all the resilience that has made her a champion in the past. There will remain a slight doubt over whether or not she has the stamina to win the tournament, and her Fourth Round match against Yanina Wickmayer (ranked 16th) should be very interesting. Both of the Williams sisters seem to be on elite cruise control at the moment, and will take some stopping, and they could potentially clash in the semi finals. Two other women who are performing very well, is second seed Dinara Safina, and Caroline Wozniacki.

Andy Murray to win: 1/7 at Boylesports
John Isner to win: 6/1 at Bet365