Roger Federer and Andy Murray, who have faced each other three times at the Australian Open, could collide in the quarterfinals for a second straight year. That much was confirmed on Friday when the draw ceremony was held at Melbourne Park.
Federer and Murray are in a tough final section of the bracket that also includes Grigor Dimitrov and Ivo Karlovic. The 33-year-old Swiss may run into Karlovic in the fourth round, while another showdown in the last 16 could put the sixth-seeded Scot against Dimitrov.
What are likely considered ideal semifinal matchups also became possibilities with the unveiling of the 128-man field.
Novak Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka, who have split a pair of five-setters against each other in the last two years at the Happy Slam, are on a collision course for the last four. Another installment of one of tennis’ greatest rivalries is also a possibility in the semis, as Federer and Rafael Nadal are in the bottom half.
Nadal avoided obvious danger in the form of big hitters, the likes of which have troubled him in the past. Karlovic, of course, is in Federer’s quarter. John Isner is in Djokovic’s eighth of the draw and Milos Raonic is in the same quarter as Isner and Djokovic. Juan Martin Del Potro also finds himself in the top-ranked Serb’s section. Nick Kyrgios, who stunned the Spaniard at Wimbledon, is near Federer and Karlovic.
Wawrinka, the defending champion, is in a quarter that is not at all deep, but without question top-heavy. Kei Nishikori looms especially large and Doha champion David Ferrer can never be discounted.
“Against Novak last year, (that) changed everything,” said Wawrinka, who was present for the draw ceremony. “To finish as the winner, it gave me the confidence and put me in the semifinals there. I was feeling great, and [after that match] I had the level to win a Grand Slam.”
Topics: Andy Murray, Australian Open, Federer, GRIGOR DIMITROV, Ivo Karlovic, milos raonic, Novak Djokovic, Rafa, Ricky Dimon, Tennis
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