2015 Australian Open Semifinals: Murray vs. Berdych

[rafanoy1992]

Berdych leads the H2H record 6-4 and he has won the last two meetings over Murray.

This is a tough one to call. Both players are playing exceptionally well. Berdych is moving well and hitting the ball big and precisely. He also hasn't lost a set yet. As for Murray, he's movement has been great especially in his last two matches. In addition, he is striking the ball beautifully especially his backhand.

It will be interesting to see in which game plan would work in this match. Oh by the way, Murray's former coach Dani Valverdu, is now coaching Berdych so you know Dani will tell Berdych all Murray's tendencies on the court.

I think it all comes down to in which style of play will prevail in this match. If Berdych can serve well and hit the ball cleanly then he would win the match. However, if Murray can disrupt Berdych's power and move him from side to side like he did to Kyrgios, then he would win the match. Hopefully, we could get a great match!

Prediction: Murray in five sets

PS: Both them are now engaged so it will be interesting to see if they will become each other best man at their respective wedding after this match :laydownlaughing

 

[Riotbeard]

It could obviously go either way, but I am picking Berdy in 4.

 

[Kieran]

An interesting match, and I'm surprised to see the H2H is in favour of Berdy. 3 of those six were on clay, so they don't indicate much going into this match, but in fairness, it's a close call, if we went by the H2H. I wouldn't, however. Berdych isn't a guy you can rely on in the latter stages of slams, and that indicates more to me. He'll need more chances to close it out, whereas Andy can hone in quicker. I fancy Andy to win this one, it might get tetchy, and it'll be done in four...

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

In this particular match up the h2h means nothing to me.I am going on present form.

Both Murray and Berdych have played well to make the s/finals at the AO.

I just feel Murray has the edge over Berdych,he returns better,his use of the slice will come into contention in this match,Murray has a great slice,his 2nd serve at times can be his downfall.This surface suits Murray's game.

Murray to win in 3 sets.

 

[sid]

Last time these guy's played in a Slam Andy won 5-7, 6-2, 6-1, 7-6(7) On a hard court Andy's 4-3 up H2H.Going Andy in 4 sets.I hope we have some wind on court when match is being played.Berdych likes a high ball toss on serve & does not play as well.

 

[Moose]

I am loving Tomas' level of play right now. Add in the fact that he has Murray's old team coaching him, and I think it's Tomas in 4.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Both players playing good. I think this will come down to the serves. Murray has to serve a high percentage of first serves in, otherwise Bird will punish the second ones and put Murray on his heels. I think Rafa won only 1 point behind his second serve in the first two sets yesterday. And of course Bird has to serve well himself.

I see this one going the distance with Bird prevailing in 5. Or Murray in 5. Did I leave any other options out?

 

[nehmeth]

Murray's good return and better movement will give him more looks at Berdy's serve than Rafa had. Either one of these guys in four. Picking Tomas.

 

[mrzz]

I am loving Tomas' level of play right now. Add in the fact that he has Murray's old team coaching him, and I think it's Tomas in 4.

Well spotted. Berdych will attack that second serve, and if he has a good serving day, he may walk away with this one. He's a head case, but his win over Nadal may give him extra-confidence. Given the circumstances, TB in four.

 

[TennisFanatic7]

The manner of TB's win over Rafa has me intimidated slightly even though I haven't seen him hit a ball in this tournament. However, Andy is playing well so I'm still going to back him to win in four very competitive sets.

Going to be an interesting match but unfortunately I won't be able to see any of it due to it being a night match on a week day. Pretty heartbreaking. Hopefully this will inspire Andy to win so I can actually watch him in the final on Sunday...

 

[Carol]

Muzz seems to be a different player than the last year. Berdych is playing excellent against who is not enough fitted (Nadal) but against Muzz is going to be a different story

 

[brokenshoelace]

Murray in 4.

 

[Riotbeard]

Muzz seems to be a different player than the last year. Berdych is playing excellent against who is not enough fitted (Nadal) but against Muzz is going to be a different story

Bit early to claim that don't you think? But who knows, he could be.

 

[tented]

Murray in 3.

 

[Kirijax]

Of this year's quarterfinalists, the only one of the bunch that did appear ready to win the tournament was Krygios. Any of the other seven are more than capable of winning. I don't know if it's because Federer/Nadal are already out, or because of the young guys like Nishikori or Raonic, or because of a guy like Berdych who is trying to finally win a Slam, but this tournament is very very interesting.

Some updated predictions:

Djokovic over Raonic (rooting for Raonic)
Nishikori over Wawrinka (rooting for Nishikori)

Berdych over Murray (rooting for Murray)
Djokovic over Nishikori (rooting for Nishikori)

Djokovic over Berdych (rooting for Berdych!)

 

[Denis]

Berdy in four to reach his second slam final.

revenge for that wind-spoiled semi at the U.S. open 2012.

 

[Carol]

Muzz is better player than Berdych and he is playing well. Berdych will lose in three or four sets:deadhorse

 

[auto-pilot]

So it looks like Berdych only has a complex with Nadal and Djokovic.
He could win a slam if he can stay healthy in his old age while Nadal/Djokovic recede a bit (although good luck outlasting Nadal's domination at Roland Garros!).

 

[Carol]

Muzz seems to be a different player than the last year. Berdych is playing excellent against who is not enough fitted (Nadal) but against Muzz is going to be a different story

Bit early to claim that don't you think? But who knows, he could be.

You'll see

 

[DarthFed]

I think Berd in 4. Great form and he's always been tough for Murray. Murray will return better than Nadal did but that 2nd serve is a weakness and Berd will be dictating play a lot from the baseline. If Murray is to win I think it will be a 5 setter.