Three things to look out for on day 10 at the Australian Open
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For the first time in over 35 years Britain has two players in the last eight of a Grand Slam tournament, but will both, one, or neither of those two make it to the semi-finals?
While Andy Murray’s place in the quarter-finals is anything but a surprise, the form of Johanna Konta in Melbourne has won plaudits far and wide.
The 24-year-old is up against unseeded Zhang Shuai, while Murray faces a familiar foe in David Ferrer.
Will both Brits be able to make it to the last four? Here’s what to look out for on day ten in Australia…
Andy Murray really should make the semi-finals
The Scot faces David Ferrer, and for all the Spaniard’s talent, he hasn’t done too well against Muzza of late.
Murray has won each of the last five meetings – including three in straight sets – and ATP mainstay Ferrer turns 34 in a few months.
Oddly of the pair it’s Ferrer who is yet to drop a set Down Under, but Murray has arguably had the tougher draw.
The two-time Grand Slam winner has looked sharp in Melbourne and should be reaching his fourth Slam semi in his last five tournaments.
Konta faces a battle to reach the last four
It’s been a memorable Australian Open already for Johanna Konta, but it doesn’t have to end just yet.
This time last year neither Konta nor opponent Zhang Shuai had been beyond the second round in a Slam, and now they’re battling for a place in a semi-final.
The pair have met twice before – claiming one win apiece – and with this match the biggest in both players’ careers thus far, a three-set epic looks in store.
Raonic and Azarenka to progress
After ditching 2014 Australian Open champ Stan Wawrinka in Round Four, Milos Raonic now faces the ever-entertaining Gael Monfils.
Frenchman Monfils has enjoyed a relatively straightforward tournament, so it remains to be seen whether the man once regarded as tennis’ next big thing can step it up when it matters. History suggests he might not be able to do so.
That Wawrinka victory will have prepared Raonic nicely for this clash, and the Canadian is in fine form having already claimed the Brisbane title this year – defeating Roger Federer in the final.
An injury-plagued couple of seasons saw Victoria Azarenka seeded rather lowly for the opening Slam of the year, but the Belarusian hasn’t let that faze her.
Azarenka and Angelique Kerber have dropped just one set between them Down Under, but the German has lost each of the last four contests – all of which came on hard courts.
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