RICKY DIMON LOOKS @ DRAW AND FEDERER AND MURRAY IN SAME AUSTRALIAN OPEN QUARTER, NADAL AVOIDS DANGER

Written by: Staff on 16th January 2015

RICKY DIMON LOOKS @ DRAW AND FEDERER AND MURRAY IN SAME AUSTRALIAN OPEN QUARTER, NADAL AVOIDS DANGER

epa04562070 Roger Federer from Switzerland squeezes his hat in the sun during a practice session prior the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament in the Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Park, in Melbourne, Australia, 16 January 2015. The Australian Open tennis tournament runs from 19 January until 01 February 2015. EPA/BARBARA WALTON |

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.

Roger Federer (L) of Switzerland is congratulated by Andy Murray (R) of Britain after winning their quarter final match at the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 22 January 2014. EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON

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.

Spansh tennis player Rafael Nadal in action during a training session, in preparation for the Australian Open tennis tournament, at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia, 16 January 2015. The Australian Open tennis tournament runs from 19 January until 01 February 2015. EPA/DAVID CROSLING AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT

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.”

Ricky contributes to 10sballs.com and also maintains his own tennis website, The Grandstand.

Topics: Andy Murray, Australian Open, Federer, GRIGOR DIMITROV, Ivo Karlovic, milos raonic, Novak Djokovic, Rafa, Ricky Dimon, Tennis

Follow 10SBALLS.COM on:

Facebook:

Twitter:

10sBalls_com says:

January 16, 2015 at 8:40 am

-@Dimonator LOOKS @ DRAW AND @rogerfederer AND MURRAY IN SAME @AustralianOpen QUARTER…http://t.co/FNx0OHT3tY #AusOpen #atp #AO2015 #tennis
Dimonator says:

January 16, 2015 at 9:37 am

RT @10sBalls_com: -@Dimonator LOOKS @ DRAW AND @rogerfederer AND MURRAY IN SAME @AustralianOpen QUARTER…http://t.co/FNx0OHT3tY #AusOpen #…