Defending Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic faces tough Spaniard David Ferrer in what could be a tight quarter-final. Join us for live scores and blog from 7:30pm AEST.
After watching both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal play themselves into form with good victories yesterday, Djokovic will be eager to showcase his Grand Slam credentials against the 5th seeded Ferrer.
Having fought off a valiant Lleyton Hewitt in the fourth round, Djokovic will have to go up an extra gear now if he is to get the better of a player that beat him convincingly at the 2011 ATP World Tour finals.
Although Djokovic was battling injury and fitness issues, Ferrer still played well to record a 6-3, 6-1 victory against the Serb last year in London.
Like Hewitt, Ferrer loves a good long battle, and will look to keep things tight for as long as possible against the Serb.
Coming off a straight sets victory over talented Frenchman Richard Gasquet, Ferrer certainly has the form on the board to give Djokovic a few problems if the Serb starts slowly.
On the other hand, this match-up may also be the stage for Djokovic to unleash his best form, and if he does, there is little stopping the Serb from attaining a victory tonight.
Prediction:
Despite his hiccup against Hewitt in the third set last round, Djokovic should be ready to unleash his best tennis here.
Against Ferrer, Djokovic will look to control rallies with his aggressive and precise hitting off both the forehand and backhand side.
In his fourth round victory against Hewitt, Djokovic played the Australian off the park in the first two sets, with the forehand in particular causing immense damage.
If the Serb can find his range early on with the forehand, it will be almost impossible for Ferrer to maintain any control of baseline rallies.
For Ferrer to cause an upset, the Spaniard must stick with Djokovic for as long as possible and perhaps wait for a mental lapse from the reigning Australian Open champion.
If Djokovic does lose concentration for a game or two, Ferrer is good enough to take advantage, as evidenced by his victory against the Serb last year in London.
While his game lacks the power to overwhelm Djokovic, the Spaniard is a masterful counterpuncher himself and will frustrate the Serb if he loses form at any stage of the match.
Although one expects Ferrer to produce a valiant showing, it is most likely that Djokovic will play his best tonight and record a tough straight sets victory.
Alan
Roar Guru
So we have the top four players in the world contesting the semi-finals of the Australian Open in 2012. Nadal plays Federer tomorrow and Djokovic plays Murray in a repeat of the 2011 Australian Open final. What a line-up Thanks for joining us here on The Roar and we look forward to your company next time.
Alan
Roar Guru
Djokovic was really tested by Ferrer, particularly during the second set, when the Spaniard looked to have the better of the world No.1, who was clearly struggling with his breathing. Djokovic however showed his class in the end and secures his semi-final spot against Murray. The final score: Djokovic 6 7 6 Ferrer 4 6 1
Alan
Roar Guru
GAME SET AND MATCH DJOKOVIC - After a very tight tussle in the opening two sets, Djokovic runs away with the match in the third set and secures a tight straight sets victory. The final score: Djokovic 6 7 6 Ferrer 4 6 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Djokovic with a good first serve and its two match points. Djokovic 6 7 5 Ferrer 4 6 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Djokovic with a nice forehand winner here and its 15-15 Djokovic 6 7 5 Ferrer 4 6 1
Alan
Roar Guru
0-15 Ferrer Djokovic 6 7 5 Ferrer 4 6 1
Alan
Roar Guru
BREAK - Djokovic with a forehand winner down the line breaks Ferrer's serve and the Serb will now serve for a place in the semi-finals. Djokovic 6 7 5 Ferrer 4 6 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Great passing forehand winner by Ferrer and its 30-30 Djokovic 6 7 4 Ferrer 4 6 1
jay
Guest
thanks dude, for the score update, you have done a great job. Its good that all top 4 are in semis and we will have a great match to watch
Alan
Roar Guru
Ferrer's defensive lob goes long and its 15-30 Djokovic Djokovic 6 7 4 Ferrer 4 6 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Djokovic's forehand takes control of the rally here and its 0-15 Djokovic 6 7 4 Ferrer 4 6 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Djokovic now in full flight as he lobs successfully over Ferrer to hold serve. Djokovic 6 7 4 Ferrer 4 6 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Djokovic with some good baseline hitting and its 40-15 Djokovic 6 7 3 Ferrer 4 6 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Djokovic with a trademark backhand winner down the line and its 30-0 Djokovic 6 7 3 Ferrer 4 6 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Djokovic with a good wide serve and forehand combination and its 15-0 Djokovic 6 7 3 Ferrer 4 6 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Ferrer manages to hold thanks to a forehand from Djokovic that goes wide. Djokovic 6 7 3 Ferrer 4 6 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Good serve and forehand combination from Ferrer and its 30-30 Djokovic 6 7 3 Ferrer 4 6 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Djokovic with a forehand winner and its 30-0 Djokovic 6 7 3 Ferrer 4 6 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Double fault from Ferrer and its 0-15 Djokovic 6 7 3 Ferrer 4 6 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Djokovic now taking control with his forehand and he holds easily for a 3-0 lead in the third set. Djokovic 6 7 3 Ferrer 4 6 0