Australian Open Quarterfinals: Ranking the Final Eight

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AO Quarterfinals: Ranking the Final Eight

Sep 3, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Andy Murray (GBR) returns a shot to Novak Djokovic (SRB) on day ten of the 2014 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

2. Andy Murray

How he got here:

R1: Yuki Bhambri in three

R2: Marinko Matosevic in three

R3: Joao Sousa in three

R4: (10) Grigor Dimitrov in four

Possible path to title:

QF: Nick Kyrgios

SF: (3) Rafael Nadal

F: (1) Novak Djokovic

Chance at Championship:

The draw has shaped up rather nicely for Murray. For a former Grand Slam Champion, he quietly found himself in the Round of 16 with little fanfare. He faced a top-level opponent in Grigor Dimitrov. Dimitrov played well, but Murray was still able to play the match he wanted and control most of the points. He now will face Kyrgios. While Kyrgios will have a crazy amount of support from the crowd, it will also put pressure on him. That’s something Murray can sympathize with after all the scrutiny he faced in Wimbledon. At this point in their careers, Murray is the far superior player both talent-wise and mentally. He should easily move on to the semis while his counterparts struggle. A rested and healthy Murray can beat anyone on tour.

Australian Open Champion Percentage: 18%

Next: Australian Open Quarter Final Ranks: Number 1

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