It is a case of head ruling the heart once again here, as suddenly we find ourselves at the last four stage in both competitions after what has been a tumultuous fortnight in terms of scheduling.
Serena Williams vs Kiki Bertens
Serena has looked sluggish and pretty dire for big parts of the tournament, but her desire, self-belief and always-in-reserve power have seen her through. Bertens has had an amazing run and is the tournament’s true ‘seed-killer’. With a victim roster including Keyes, Kerber and Bacsinszky the diminutive Dutchwoman can be very happy, but it all stops here.
Serena in 2
Garbine Muguruza vs Sam Stosur
The Spaniard has been one of the players to follow the formbook and offer the draw some credibility this fortinight. She was tipped to do well here and so she has – and with little fuss.
Stosur is of course a finalist here and has looked more and more impressive with every round (not least against two former fellow finalists in Safarova and Halep). I really am struggling to call this one, but have to go with the Australian who looks ready for a fight.
Stosur in 3
Novak Djokovic vs Dominic Thiem
Young Austrian Thiem – a very credible candidate for the ‘future of men’s tennis label’ bandied about to many right now, is another to have justified the hype surrounding him. A consummate run to the semi-finals does indeed point to an entertaining match-up with the Serbinator.
Djokovic? Well he has looked a little out of sorts, Berdych aside he has been lucky with the draw as well. But the two crucial factors of Thiem’s likely nerves and Novak’s bulletproof mental and physical state in the latter stages of slams points to only one outcome.
Djokovic in 3
Andy Murray vs Stanislas Wawrinka
Now this will be a feast for the eyes! A shot-maker and a pusher combined can make for the most thrilling of match-ups, and these two are arguably the best in their respective businesses right now.
Again, too tough to call this – one would hope that Wawrinka’s A-game will show itself and stay with us, but Murray has swatted aside any doubts so far – yes even after some considerable scares.
Murray in 4
All Things Tennis 