Australian Open 2014: Men’s Quarterfinal Predictions

Rafael Nadal (1) vs Grigor Dimitrov (22)

Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates winning a point during his men’s singles match against Japan’s Kei Nishikori on day eight of the 2014 Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 20, 2014

Grigor Dimitrov has played spoilsport to the pre-tournament predictions as he makes a surprise, but long overdue, appearance in the quarterfinals, much to his relief I would imagine. There are no easy matches at this level though, and Dimitrov gets a first taste of that when he plays World No.1 Rafael Nadal in the quarterfinals.

Form: Nadal has been his usual dominating self through the early rounds of a Slam on his return to Melbourne Park after missing the tournament through injury last year. He started off by ruining the dreams of two young Aussies, as Bernard Tomic retired after a set in the opening round, and Thanasi Kokkinakis put up a good fight before succumbing to the Spaniard’s might in the second round. A ruthless display against Gael Monfils in the third round was followed by a tough and testing three-setter against Kei Nishikori in today’s fourth round encounter. Dimitrov has Roberto Bautista Agut to thank, the Spaniard having knocked out the Bulgarian’s main competitor, Juan Martin Del Potro, in the second round. However, take nothing away from Dimitrov, who has shown tremendous resolve along with some scintillating play to finally reach the second week of a Grand Slam. After defeating Bradley Klahn in four sets in the opening round followed by a straight sets win over Yu Hsen Lu in the second round, Dimitrov scored a morale-boosting four-set win over fellow youngster Milos Raonic, in what was one of the best matches of the first week. He then showed calm and patience in seeing off Del Potro’s conqueror, Bautista Agut, in today’s fourth round match.

What’s in store for them: Nadal is a man on a mission, knowing that he is within reach of Federer’s Grand Slam record, and of course, being the first man since Rod Laver to win all four Grand Slams twice. While he may keep denying that that is not on his mind, it surely must be in the back of his mind as he seeks to create history. Dimitrov must relish being on the big stage and will have nothing to lose, something Nadal must be wary about. There is also a fear that Dimitrov may find the occasion too much to handle, and may fritter away against his more illustrious opponent. If he manages to keep his head, we could have a very interesting encounter on our hands.

Prediction: Nadal to beat Dimitrov in straight sets