Australian Open Predictions: Expect a Berdych-Djokovic Final

Australian Open Predictions: Day Ten and Eleven, Nate

It’s no surprise that Novak Djokovic had little trouble in dispatching Milos Raonic. Djokovic did not face one break point in his demolition of the big-serving Candanian. That is troubling for Raonic if he wants to take the next step in his tennis career. The top players have little trouble holding serve against him and he cannot use his serve to plow through to a tiebreak as he does against lesser competition. If he does not improve his return game, he is forever destined to remain where he now stands in the rankings.

For Djokovic, he will be pleased to reach his fifth Australian Open semifinal. He has not dropped a set the entire tournament and has only dropped serve once. As the quality of his opponents has risen, so has Djokovic’s play. He is poised to raised the trophy once again.

Last night’s other quarterfinal was a bit more surprising. Many in the tennis world expected Kei Nishikori to advance. If he didn’t, a grueling match was anticipated. Instead Wawrinka marched forward in straight sets on his sixth match point. He is determined to defend his title and last night was the best match he has played in Melbourne.

Australian Open Predictions So Far:

average out of 32 – later rounds worth more

Geoff – 23, 26, 16, 24, 28, 24, 32, 32, 16, 16 = 23.7

Nate – 24, 26, 20, 26, 24, 20, 32, 32, 16, 16 = 23.6

Brandon – 25, 25, 18, 24, 20, 16, 24, 32, 16, 32 = 23.2

Nate Slaymaker’s Semi Final Predictions

1st Half, Djokovic’s Half

Novak Djokovic (1) d. Stan Wawrinka (4)

Wawrinka extinguished any doubters with his big win over Nishikori. Concerns over an elbow injury have been erased. The beautiful one-handed backhand was on full display. Wawrinka control the points, standing closer to the baseline than his capable opponent. While Nishikori has established himself with the game’s elite, Djokovic is a whole different beast.

When Djokovic is at his best, he turns his superb defense into obliterating offense in a matter of seconds. He created numerous break point opportunities against Raonic, one of the best servers in the game. Djokovic’s serve isn’t too shabby either. He’s only been broken once down under. Djokovic holds an 18-3 lead in the career series. His quarterfinal loss to Wawrinka at last year’s Aussie Open is his only loss to Stan the Man since 2006. Experts have been discounting Wawrinka’s repeat chances all tournament. At the risk of joining in their error, Djokovic will go through in four.

2nd Half, Federer’s Half

Tomas Berdych (7) d. Andy Murray (6)

These two men are both playing some of the best tennis of their careers. Murray has overcome two daunting tasks to reach the semis. He first topped Grigor Dimitrov, one of the more talented youngsters clamoring for a seat at the Grand Slam table. In his quarterfinal match, he squared off against another young talent in Nick Kyrgios, not to mention a raucous crowd. Murray passed both tests with flying colors.

Berdych’s straight sets victory over Rafael Nadal is the best win of his career. He has a different demeanor about him this tournament. He is calm and collected, not letting emotions dictate his play. Throughout the tournament, he has mentioned his renewed focus on keeping a level head. It has worked wonders. Berdych is yet to lose a set down under. Many may consider it an upset if he advances, but he actual holds a 6-4 advantage over Murray in their careers. His game is built to give Murray trouble. Berdych will move on to his second ever Grand Slam final in four tight sets.

Next: ATP Tennis Power Rankings

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