Andy Murray v Roger Federer Live – Australian Open Quarter Finals

Australian Open: Andy Murray V Roger Federer

Wednesday 22^nd January (morning)

British number 1 Andy Murray powered into the quarter-final of this year’s Australian Open by successfully seeing off the challenge of Frenchman Stephan Robert.

Surprisingly, Murray dropped a set in that match (his first of the tournament) and that may be a possible indication that the slog of a Grand Slam is finally catching up with him following back surgery just a few months ago.

This will by far be Murray’s biggest challenge to date and could signal his Aussie Open exit. IF he’s at his best then he can win, but a player of Federer’s class will pounce on any weakness.

It should be a cracking encounter. If you can find a way to watch it, then do.

The Route So Far

Murray has done well to reach the last eight and has only dropped one set. It’s quite a shock that it was Robert rather than Lopez that ended the world number 4’s perfect record but nevertheless it has been a successful return for the Wimbledon champ.

Meanwhile, Federer has enjoyed an equally easy passage to this stage. Most recently he despatched Wilfried Tsonga with an impressive straight sets win on Monday to book his date with Murray and the Swiss superstar will be confident of reaching the last four.

In all probability, world number 1 awaits the winner of this one. It’s hardly a bad motive.

Murray V Federer Head To Head

[quote_right]Bet on Murray v Federer live at Bet365[/quote_right]These two have previously met twice in Melbourne, taking one victory each.

The games most decorated player saw off Murray in the 2010 final, cruising to a straight sets victory to lift the trophy. However, the British number 1 edged a 5-set thriller in last year’s semi-final.

Murray boasts the better record, leading 11-8 and also edges the hard-court meetings 9-7. Nevertheless, the 32-year-old Fed Express is as smart as he is talented and the four-time winner in Melbourne will punish any mistakes from the Brit.

Federer would love to add an 18^th Grand Slam (5^th Australian Open) whilst Murray would love to complete the third leg of his attempt to win all four big events.

It’s a tough one to call and could come down to who wants it more.

Murray V Federer Betting

For the first time in this year’s tournament Murray is not the overwhelming favourite. In fact, he is the slight underdog at Evens, whilst Federer is odds on at 4/5 with Bet 365.

He might have a few hours of court time under his belt but Murray is yet to face a test of this magnitude since returning from injury. The British number 1 has already conceded that it will be difficult to claim the trophy on Sunday. As the match goes on it could start to work into Federer’s favour.

Murray to win Set 1 but Federer to win the match is 4/1 with Ladbrokes.

Federer has won his previous four matches in Melbourne in the minimum 12 sets. Murray should be able to end that record but it may be in vain. Federer to win 3-1 in sets is priced 7/2 at Bet 365 and is our selection for the final score.

Despite being the slight underdog in the match, the bookmakers feel Murray has a better chance of lifting the title. Murray is 17/2 whilst Federer is 11/1 with Bet 365 – who price Djokovic as the clear favourite at 4/6 and Nadal at 12/5.

The other four competitors are condemned to the ‘also ran’ column.