Nadal - Murray set to clash in Quarter Finals tonight. Nadal camp picks Murray as the favorite.

It is the biggest draw of this year’s Australian Open so far and I wish it lives up to the billing. Nadal v Murray will happen today and it will be the biggest test for Nadal in his quest towards retaining the crown he won last year.

Nadal and Federer have been so dominant over the past few years and the way they are playing it won’t be a surprise if they make it to yet another final in Melbourne. The biggest threat to that ‘dream’ final stands in front of Nadal today and it’s none other than Andy Murray.

Murray has a good record against Nadal but still it is quite surprising for Nadal camp to consider Murray as the favorite not only for this match but also for the tournament. Uncle Tony and Nadal have put the pressure right on Murray by calling him the top contender this year and it could be a ploy to stress Murray out even before the match starts. Nadal camp believes that the surface in Melbourne is Murray’s best and therefore he would be a favorite.

I personally believe that Nadal has not quite touched his form from last years’ Australian Open and that is quite evident from the results since he won here last time. He was quite ordinary in years ending Masters where he was eliminated in the group stages. Nadal is trying to regain his top form and Murray would provide him with sternest of tests tonight. This quarter final clash could well have been a deserving final and therefore the winner of today would be tipped to go all the way this year.

I would pick Murray above Rafa for tonight only because Rafa is still not at his best and Murray has enough firepower to upset him. Whoever wins it would be a close match and the one to watch.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2010/jan/25/andy-murray-rafael-nadal-australian-open1