The editors of TENNIS.com preview all eight Australian Open quarterfinals.
What Nadal needs to do to win:
Rafa must return well, because Berdych can set the tempo with his serve and take control of the rallies if he gets a so-so response. Berdych is a gifted and bold player, dangerous off both sides. If the first week is any indication, Nadal will have to weather some patches of excellent play by Berdych without getting discouraged.
What Berdych needs to do to win:
Nadal is a master at getting a player on a string and running him around until he either elicts an error or has an opportunity to counter-punch. Berdych will have to impose himself with his big serve, take advantage of any opportunity to come forward, and pressure Nadal at the net. If Berdych can keep the match from becoming a track meet, he has an excellent shot.
The Pick:
Berdych in five sets. It’s taken Berdych a long, long time to overcome his early—and well-earned—reputation as an unpredictable head case. But he’s far more consistent now and has been knocking at the Grand Slam door on a regular basis. He’ll take advantage of the fact that outdoor hard is still Nadal’s least preferred surface and pull off the upset.
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