The editors of TENNIS.com preview all eight Australian Open quarterfinals.
What Djokovic needs to do to win:
The defending champion must continue to hug the baseline, win the battle of court positioning and minimize Ferrer's opportunities to take charge in baseline rallies. The Djokovic backhand down the line—one of his favorite shots—could be a game-changer in that Ferrer loves to run around his backhand to fire his inside-out forehand.
What Ferrer needs to do to win:
The 2011 semifinalist must continue to compete with pit-bull perseverance and try to drag Djokovic into long, grueling physical exchanges to drain some strength from his legs and lungs. Ferrer knows mixing up his serve and maintaining a high first-serve percentage will be crucial against the world's best hard-court returner.
The Pick:
Djokovic in four sets. If past history is an indicator, this match may be a tight test as Djokovic is 6-5 lifetime vs. Ferrer. The feisty Ferrer is at his best grinding opponents down from the baseline, but the World No. 1 has more weapons, has won the title in two of the last four years and should rise to the challenge and prevail.
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