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Novak Djokovic and David Ferrer clash in an Australian Open semi-final pitting two of the fittest and most durable players on the ATP tour against each other. Join us for live scores and commentary from 7:30pm AEDT.
Ferrer solidified himself as one of the great competitors in men’s tennis when he defeated Spanish compatriot Nicolas Almagro in five sets in the quarter-final.
Trailing by two sets, and with Almagro serving for the match in the third, Ferrer never gave up and eventually fought back to register a terrific victory that allowed him to progress to his second Australian Open semi-final.
At 30 years of age, Ferrer has never played better. His name is constantly popping up during the latter stages of Grand Slam tournaments, and it really takes the very best players on tour to defeat him.
Ferrer’s terrific attitude and fighting capabilities however may not be enough against Djokovic tonight.
Djokovic has won his past three meetings against Ferrer, which included victories at last year’s Australian Open and US Open.
Although Djokovic will start a warm favourite again in the semi-final, the Serb will have to be at his best if he is to outlast an opponent that always gives 100 percent.
Prediction
Ferrer’s biggest problem against Djokovic surrounds the fact that everything the Spaniard can do; the world no. 1 can do better.
Both players possess similar styles of play, with each basing their strengths on their ability to defend well and wear opponents down with their relentless intensity.
What separates Djokovic from Ferrer however are his groundstrokes, with the Serb very capable of generating constant winners off the forehand and backhand side.
The reigning Australian Open champion also possesses the bigger serve whilst remaining the best mover on the ATP tour.
While Ferrer can match Djokovic’s court coverage, the Serb is by far and away the better shot maker, and this key advantage will once again play into Djokovic’s hands tonight.
If Ferrer is any chance of causing the upset, he will have to take a lot more risks against Djokovic and go away from the percentage based game that has served him so well thus far.
Although Ferrer is certainly a chance of keeping Djokovic honest tonight, the Serb is in hot form and should be favoured to progress to his third consecutive Australian Open final.
Djokovic in four sets.