By Erik Gudris | Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer face each other once again as Serena Williams aims for another Grand Slam final.
Photo Credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve
Each day we'll preview and predict results for several must-see Melbourne matches. Day 11 previews are here.
Watch: Murray's One Handed Hot Shot Against Ferrer
(1) Serena Williams vs. (4) Agnieszka Radwanska
Rod Laver Arena (second match)
Head-to-head: Williams leads 8-0
"I'll need to play my best tennis or I will be in big trouble."
That’s what Radwanska said when asked about what she would need to do in the semifinals against either Williams or Maria Sharapova. A prescient analysis from the Polish star, especially now that she’s up against Williams whom she has never beaten.
Radwanska, the “ninja” of slices, spins, and drop shots will need to use all of those in her arsenal and them some if she hopes to disrupt Williams who is not only playing with dominant form, but with none of the pressure placed on her last season during her Grand Slam run. Though Radwanska’s game gets comparisons to Roberta Vinci, who upset Williams at the US Open, will all that slicing and dicing be enough, even though Radwanska does it much better than the Italian?
Radwanska will have to serve very well too, especially since her serve doesn’t have the bite of Sharapova. She’ll also have to use her stylish defense to keep getting balls back and forcing Williams to take one more shot, and hoping that Williams will miss. Radwanska certainly proved in the Wimbledon final a few years ago she can stay close with Williams. But unless Williams has a very off day, this again looks to be decidedly in favor of the defending champion.
The Pick: Williams in two sets
(7) Angelique Kerber vs. Johanna Konta
Rod Laver Arena (third match)
Head-to-head: First meeting
An intriguing first time meeting with a lot on the line - a first ever Australian Open final for either player.
Kerber finally solved the riddle that was Victoria Azarenka for her in beating the former No. 1 for the first time ever. Kerber hit more winners than we’re accustomed to seeing from her, and it’s certainly a game plan that she will want to stick to, especially if she potentially faces Williams in the final. But first there’s Konta who is making all sorts of history for Great Britain and is definitely someone not to take lightly in this one.
Konta shows great movement on court, has a potent backhand and a better forehand than even a year ago. She also serves with good placement when needed in pressure points. The biggest weapon she has though may be her head. She’s proved over the last year that’s she not fazed by big matches or big name players. And that might give her an edge over Kerber who certainly will, at least, feel some pressure to reach her first ever Grand Slam final.
Kerber, who saved a match point in her first round match, certainly has a tendency to go sideways mentally when things aren’t going her way. She can’t allow Konta to dictate the rallies nor can Kerber just rely on her defense. The German will need to use the same aggression again that worked so well for her against Azarenka. Like they say, if it’s not broke, don’t fix it.
The Pick: Kerber in two sets
(1) Novak Djokovic v. (3) Roger Federer
Rod Laver Arena (night match)
Head-to-head:Tied at 22-22
The 45th career meeting between these two with the winner not only taking the overall lead in their rivalry, but also becoming the clear favorite to win the title.
Djokovic and Federer split their last two meetings in the ATP Finals, with Djokovic however winning the final. It’s worth bringing up those indoor matches since with rainy weather in the Melbourne forecast, the likelihood the roof will be closed over Rod Laver Arena is high.
Factor in that the main courts are playing a bit quicker than last year and the conditions start favoring Federer even more. Yet, once again Federer, will have to play exemplary tennis if he wants to defeat Djokovic in best of five. The backhand to backhand battle between both men on the baseline will again be key, especially since Djokovic targeted Federer’s one-hander with great success in their US Open final. Yet if that wing can hold up for Federer, along with his serve throughout, he just might place enough pressure on Djokovic to once again make this a tight contest.
Djokovic has played even better than that final in New York over the last few months with few expecting him to not win in Melbourne again. Unless Djokovic has another off day, like he did against Gilles Simon, once again the top seed will rise to the occasion against Federer and book his place yet again in the final.
The Pick: Djokovic in four sets.
.