Well we’ve sat and watched patiently for 10 days now and the time has finally come to see the cream of the crop ply their trade on Rod Laver Arena.
Stanislas Wawrinka and Novak Djokovic will meet for the third time in as many years at the pointy end of the tournament and everyone is expecting an epic after both players put on blistering exhibitions in their respective quarter-finals.
Wawrinka dispatched Kei Nishikori in straight sets with a brutal display of power, giftwrapped in that beautiful one-handed backhand that is the envy of everyone on tour.
Forget BBL04, in the space of two hours Wawrinka displayed more power with one hand than any pinch-hitting batsman did with two over the last month or so.
He has ensured (along with his countryman Roger Federer) that the slow, painful death of the one-hand backhand will be put on ice for a few years yet, as he ripped winners all over the court seemingly at will.
If Wawrinka was looking to make a statement, Djokovic certainly took note, and duly issued a straight sets walloping of his own to young Canadian Milos Raonic.
Nicknamed the ‘Maple Leaf Missile’, the 6’6” world number eight has possession of tennis’ deadliest serve.
Looking at last night’s score line, you wouldn’t know it. 7-6 6-4 6-2 looks like the typical first round stroll a world number one goes through in every Grand Slam.
Djokovic has long been considered the best returner in tennis, however his form of late has included a markedly improved serve. He has only dropped his serve once throughout the entire tournament thus far.
It was hard enough finding holes in Novak’s game several years ago, but know he is being down right rude with this new serve and all.
He’s playing like a PlayStation character out there now, running down everything and not missing a ball with five-star shots littered in his bio.
Wawrinka will have his hands full getting a ball past the Serb, who makes the court look far too small given his speed and agility.
If Wawrinka’s backhand is power, Novak’s is control, and it is the contrast in styles that often make for the most memorable of matches.
Having delivered the goods for two years running now, you’d be a pessimist to assume tomorrow night’s battle won’t have all the ingredients necessary to stir the crowd into a five set frenzy.
We’ve had the upset of Federer and the emergence of youth in Nick Kyrgios, but Australian Open 2015 is still missing the give-set classic a slam so badly wants every year.
This match could be it.
Grab a cold beer, stock up on snacks and shotgun the comfy chair because this one could be a marathon.
And if it doesn’t deliver, just be glad that a bloke out there is still displaying the most beautiful shot in tennis with effortless power and balance.
My prediction?
Wawrinka in five, from a biased tennis nut.
Bandy
Roar Guru
He is still at a staggering $9 to win from this position Mitchoh! Good value for such a dangerous player I reckon.
Mitchoh
Guest
I hope your right. I loaded up on Wawrinka at $17 pre tournament
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Roar Guru
You also forgot to mention Rafa who in 2009 played that epic five-set semi-final against Verdasco then backed it up by outlasting Federer in the final. From what I think this year's Australian Open has surpassed the 2009 tournament for most five-setters, which I see as being the most exciting part about men's Grand Slams.
clipper
Guest
Not forgetting the marathon Nadal played against Verdasco and then came back and won the final - so don't think fitness is a worry for those in peak condition.
Bandy
Roar Guru
I agree that a brutal 5 setter takes its toll, but these top guys find a way to give their best when they need to. Remember Novak in 2012? Played Murray in 5 in the semis and then prevailed in that marathon 5-setter against Rafa. And Wawrinka last year came back strong against Berdych in the semis after a 5-set win over Novak in the quarters. The modern player is so fit that a 5-setter doesn't disadvantage them too much, if anything - the extra day off for Murray can actually hurt him a little by breaking the momentum he has built up. The winner of tonight will come into the match battle-hardened and running on adrenaline.
Bandy
Roar Guru
it is an incredible shot Riccardo. Murray has finally regained some of the form that won him 2 grand slams and I think he will be close to a 50/50 shot in the final no matter who he plays. This match up is certainly the most mouth-watering thus far and I agree with your idea. The player willing to attack and come to the net will win. Hoping for Wawrinka myself!
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Roar Guru
I think that whoever wins this semi, whether it'd be in five sets or straight sets, will feel the effects of yet another brutal match between the two, if their 2013 and 2014 meetings are anything to go by. I expect Djokovic to win and gain some revenge for last year's loss which stopped him from getting a shot at title number five, after all he is the top seed and is in very good form. However whoever wins will also have one less days' rest than Andy Murray, who has also been in good form and dispatched Tomas Berdych in the first semi-final. While I'm hoping that Murray does break through after three previous failures, my head think that whoever wins THIS semi will win the title on Sunday night.
Riccardo
Guest
It IS a pretty backhand isn't it. Grace and power. While I'm not prepared to write off Murray who actually looked pretty good against Berdych I think Novak and Stan are in a class all of their own right now. Anyway this semi is the match f the tournament and I can't wait. Novak's punching accuracy vs Stanislav's power. My tip: the player that utilises the net and is prepared to volley in this contest will gain the upperhand. Hoping and predicting Wawrinka in 4.