Murray v Cilic – Australian Open Semi Final Day in Melbourne

It’s semi final day at the Australian Open, with Britain’s great hope Andy Murray in action against Croatian Marin Cilic. Murray won through after getting himself well ahead against World Number Two Rafael Nadal in the Quarter Finals, before the Spaniard had to retire through injury. He is now just one match away from the Grand Slam final, another step closer to his dream of winning the first Grand Slam of his career. The best performance that Cilic, ranked 14th, has put in at a Grand Slam, was his Quarter Final finish at the US Open late last year. He triumphed over American Andy Roddick in their Quarter Final match, looking quite sharp. He did take five sets though to get past Roddick, whereas Murray only played two and a half sets in his Quarter Final match. Incidentally, Nadal had nothing but praise for Murray, stating that he deserves to win the Australian Open. That’s probably out of wishful thinking, as it would meant that his rival Roger Federer doesn’t.

Andy Murray to win: 2/9 at BetFred
Marin Cilic to win: 4/1 at Bet365

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But World Number 5 Andy Murray will be starting as favourite anyway in his match against Cilic. He continued his great form against Nadal, looking composed and sticking to his tactics. All the focus on this semi is about revenge for Andy Murray, as it was Cilic who ended the Scot’s run in the US Open in the Grand Slam of 2009, winning straight sets. Cilic has already beaten one of the tournament favourites, the in form young Argentinean Juan Martin del Potro, and that should send large warning signals over the threat he can cause anyone. This is a great chance for Murray now though, as his performances and ranking will hopefully be enough to see him through. The winner of Murray v Cilic will await to see whether they play Roger Federer or surprise semi finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the final of this year’s Australian Open Men’s Final. Federer looked down and out in the early stages of his match against in form Nikolay Davydenko. The big Russian looked to have Federer beaten hands down, but Federer’s success highlighted a day of comebacks.

Roger Federer to win: 1/5 at William Hill
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to win: 9/2 at Bet365

Tsonga upset third seed Novak Djokovic on a day of surprises and comebacks at the Australian Open. On form and ranking, this should have resulted in an easy victory for World Number 3 Djokovic, but the Frenchman Tsonga had other ideas. In the women’s draw, Venus Williams crashed out to a stunning comeback from China’s Na Li, which means that two of the semi finalists are Chinese. Can there be an unprecedented all-China final? Jie Zheng (ranked 35th) completely breezed past Maria Kirilenko in their Quarter Final match, her diminutive figure a huge presence on the court. She now plays Belgian Justine Henin in the semi final, ensuring that at least one un-seeded player makes it to the final. Her best finish at a Grand Slam was a fourth round exit at Roland Garros in her first full season, several years ago. Henin, who has simply been the epitome of hunger, desire and skill, would be a popular winner, and as if expected, meets Serena Williams in the Final, then it would be a huge achievement for her in her first Grand Slam tournament back after retirement.

Serena Williams to win: 2/13 at Boylesports
Na Li to win: 21/4 at Boylesports

Serena Williams had a monumental task on her hands in her Quarter Final match, as she looked to be on the brink of elimination, but found a way to come initiate an incredible comeback against Victoria Azarenka. The Belarusian looked in complete control, one set up and cruising in the second. She looked sharper, more creative that Serena Williams, but then on the flick of a switch, Williams found a dozen more gears and in a whirlwind completely out powered and crushed Azarenka’s challenge. All looked a bit bewildering, and felt a bit sorry for Azaranka, who looked crest fallen. Just goes to prove what a champion Serena Williams is, as she goes in search of her first back to back Australian Open titles.

Justine Henin to win: 1/4 at SkyBet
Jie Zheng to win: 18/5 at Boylesports