Aussie Open: Nadal and Murray drawn into Fourth Quarter

Melbourne, Australia— The fourth quarter of the draw boasts world No.2 and reigning champion Rafael Nadal and world No.5 Andy Murray, flanking opposing ends of the section, inextricably slotted to clash in the quarterfinal – a happenstance that should occur if both punch at their weight class in the first week. It goes without saying their quarterfinal billing would be a tennis betting delight for the BetUS online community.

But tennis betting fans, even the players themselves, cannot look that far ahead just yet. The fourth quarter is stacked with potential dark horses and quality outsiders who although have no real hope in the tournament proper can shake up things before all is said and done.

Nadal’s section:

Rafa opened his campaign against Aussie journeyman player Peter Luczak yesterday and although he was tested in the first set, even forced into a tiebreaker, he managed to win in straights 7-6(0), 6-1, 6-4. Rafa was happy to have the first match out of the way and most would agree he was convincing after the first set. This is a good sign for Rafa and bodes well for his title defence campaign. It will only get tougher from here on.

Nadal’s course to the quarters is potentially tricky. He next goes up against Argentinean Leonardo Mayer – a player with some credible hard court skills that could vex him. That said Nadal should survive Mayer and what might be a tough encounter.

Should Nadal go through he could come up against his first seeded threat in Philipp Kohlschreiber or American journeyman player, Wayne Odesnik. Naturally, Odesnik would be the easier contest for Nadal but even No.27 seed Kohlschreiber should not threaten his path all that much. I would wager on Nadal reaching the R16 relatively comfortably, without too much fuss.

The R16 is where things could get rougher for the Spaniard as he could set a date with either of two dangerous Croatians – Ivan Ljubicic or Ivo Karlovic. Either Ljubicic or Karlovic could give Nadal a run for his money. They can win sets off the Spaniard and make the battle for a spot in the quarters competitive.

Murray’s section

Andy Murray opened his Aussie Open bid by annihilating Kevin Anderson 6-1, 6-1, 6-2. It was a dream start to his tournament indeed, underscoring his cast as a favourite to win the Aussie Open title. Murray has flattered to deceive before on the major stage. Caution is advisable and keeping a close eye on his early round matches.

For the most part, Murray should breeze through the first three rounds. In the second round, he could come across against either Marc Gicquel or Simone Bolleli. On paper, neither player looms large nor has any weapons that could hurt Murray.

The third round is where things could get trickier for Murray as he could come up against veteran Jarkko Nieminen or Jurgen Melzer. Both players could make for an interesting clash. Still, one has to like Murray in either option.

The fourth round is where things could get tough. This juncture was where he crashed out of the tournament last year (l. to Fernando Verdasco). And this year it won’t be any easier as he could potentially clash against John Isner or Gael Monfils. The last 16 will be the crucial juncture in Murray’s campaign and one I am not sure he will survive.