Scoreline Murray 6-3, 7-6, 6-3
Murray with a professional performance tonight and he shows why he is a genuine threat at the Australian Open. Kyrgios pushed him considerably in the second set and had his chances to force the issue but some unforced errors at key moments really cost him dearly. Murray was extremely solid off the forehand and backhand side tonight and he now faces Berdych for a place in the Aus Open final.
Two-time major winner Andy Murray stands in the way of Nick Kyrgios as the Australian bids to reach a maiden Australian Open semi-final. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:00pm AEDT.
Kyrgios showed tremendous fighting qualities to defeat the in-form Andreas Seppi in the fourth round and his reward is a showdown against former Wimbledon and US Open champion Murray.
Although Kyrgios managed to rally from two sets down against Seppi, he can ill-afford to give Murray such a start tonight on Rod Laver Arena.
Murray is in exceptional form at the moment as evidenced by his strong four-set victory over the talented Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov in the fourth round.
Indeed Murray doesn’t need too much introduction. His court coverage is right up there with the very best the ATP tour has to offer and his ball striking is a lot more aggressive than what it was five or so years ago.
In short, Murray is a significant step up in class compared to Kyrgios’ previous opponents at the Australian Open and the young man from Canberra is certainly aware of what the Scotsman brings to the table.
In their only meeting so far, Murray easily defeated Kyrgios in straight sets at the Toronto Masters last year.
Despite the defeat, Kyrgios does possess the arsenal to trouble any player on the ATP tour. His serve, forehand and backhand are all major weapons and if Kyrgios finds his range early and builds confidence, than Murray may find it difficult to control the tempo of this contest.
Although a semi-final spot is on the line tonight, Kyrgios really has nothing to lose. Given his recent issues with back problems, a quarter-final birth is a tremendous achievement and the young Australian really should come out swinging against Murray.
At his best, Kyrgios has what it takes to cause the upset tonight. His form during matches though can be hot and cold and such inconsistency may prove his undoing against a quality opponent like Murray.
Prediction: Murray in four sets.
JR Salazar
Guest
Thank God I was following the Socceroos instead of this glorified scrimmage/exhibition.
Avatar
Roar Guru
Tough luck for Kyrgios, but if he can build on from his performance at the Australian Open there is a chance he'll be seeded at Roland Garros in May.
Ross Fleming
Roar Rookie
We can be proud of the Victorian player, he has done Melbourne and Australia proud
jamesb
Guest
Sadly as predicted.
Alan
Roar Guru
Murray with a professional performance tonight and he shows why he is a genuine threat at the Australian Open. Kyrgios pushed him considerably in the second set and had his chances to force the issue but some unforced errors at key moments really cost him dearly. Murray was extremely solid off the forehand and backhand side tonight and he now faces Berdych for a place in the Aus Open final.
Alan
Roar Guru
GAME SET AND MATCH MURRAY Murray 6 7 6 Kyrgios 3 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Murray with two match points now courtesy of another forehand winner Murray 6 7 5 Kyrgios 3 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
30-15 Murray Murray 6 7 5 Kyrgios 3 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Superb backhand passing shot from Murray on the defensive. That is all class. 15 all Murray 6 7 5 Kyrgios 3 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Murray once again too solid when it counts and Kyrgios gives away the break with the unforced error. 0-15 though now Murray 6 7 5 Kyrgios 3 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
BREAK MURRAY Murray 6 7 5 Kyrgios 3 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Murray too good as Kyrgios is too casual with the forehand volley. Murray won't miss with the forehand there. Break point Murray 6 7 4 Kyrgios 3 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Kyrgios sends the backhand long and its deuce Murray 6 7 4 Kyrgios 3 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Game point Kyrgios Murray 6 7 4 Kyrgios 3 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Murray with his best point of the match really. Superb hustle to stay in the point after Kyrgios unleashed some great forehand shots. Murray though then produces the forehand passing winner after producing superb defence. Murray 6 7 4 Kyrgios 3 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Kyrgios gives up the point as he tries to challenge but the umpire not allowing him too. 15-30. Murray 6 7 4 Kyrgios 3 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
A few unforced errors from Murray allows Kyrgios some room to breath in the third set. Can Kyrgios level the scores? 15-0 is a good start. Forehand winner for 30-0. Nice Murray 6 7 4 Kyrgios 3 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Hmm. Murray could have gone clear there but he is broken for the first time in the match against the run of play. Kyrgios still alive in the third set! Murray 6 7 4 Kyrgios 3 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
BREAK KYRGIOS Murray 6 7 4 Kyrgios 3 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Kyrgios can return a first serve just fine as he shows just there with the forehand that forces the error. Another break point. Murray 6 7 4 Kyrgios 3 6 2