Day 7: Australian Open Match of the Day

A night match in Australia, Andy Roddick an Stanislas Wawrinka.

These two will be playing for the right to play Roger Federer in the quarters.  Wawrinka may be playing better at the moment, but Roddick has a much more impressive resume and a better record in Grand Slam tournament. 

The two have played three times, with Stan holding a 2-1 advantage.  The interesting fact is in the two victories by Wawrinka, Roddick had to retire in each match with injury.  The only time they played a complete match was in 2009 when in a Davis Cup tie, Roddick beat Wawrinka 6-4, 6-4, 6-2.

Look for the competitive juices to be flowing in this one.  Roddick will have to serve big, and Wawrinka will have to return well.

Look for a tight 4-setter with Roddick winning a tie-breaker in the 4th to take the match. 

Roddick in 4.

*Upset alert -  Nicolas Almagro is playing well and he plays Novak Djokovic.  Its an afternoon match on Hisense and it wouldn't surprise me in the least if Almagro takes it 5 sets and wins.

Day 5: Australian Open Match of the Day

Men's 3rd Round on Rod Laver Court

Stanislas Wawrinka vs. Gael Monfils

It doesn't get much better than a night match on Rod Laver with these two shotmakers.  I don't expect either player to give and inch and we should see a tie-breaker or two.

The two have played 3 times with Monfils holding a 2-1 advantage.  They have never played a 3 out of 5 set match, though.

Stan reached the third round with two straight-set wins while Monfils had to come from two down to beat Thiemo DeBakker and dropped a set to young Federico Gil in the second.  This is a match Monfils should win, but I think in the end, Wawrinka comes through with a 5-set win.

*Upset alert - Don't be surprised at all if Venus Williams goes out tonight losing to Andrea Petkovic, a German that will be in every point.