Predicted Winners in BOLD
Rafael Nadal (ESP) [1] vs. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) [22] – I think Grigor may win a set. Winning 4 matches here bodes well for Grigor’s transition to the top tiers of tennis, but Rafa is very likely too much for Dimitrov at this time. Don’t be shocked if Rafa does what he did to Monfils. Rafa has to know with JMDP and Nole out of the event, that he has a golden chance to win his second title in Melbourne. Nadal d. Dimitrov 6-3, 7-5, 6-2
Andy Murray (GBR) [4] vs. Roger Federer (SUI) [6] – Federer’s 4 wins in Melbourne and runner-up in Brisbane make me think that he is in better form than Murray. I think it will be a close match, but Murray has to also think that Nadal is his last huge obstacle for an Australian Open title. Murray d. Federer 4-6, 6-4, 6-2, 7-6.
Tennis Abides: Dan Martin on Tennis and Life 
i am kind of surprised you picked murray dan because i seem to recall you’re a fed fan and because fed is reportedly in great form. however, your motivation reasoning is sound.
I am a Fed fan. I just think all things being equal I take the guy in his 20s over the guy in his 30s. Murray at present is likely a better player right now. He’s gotten enough matches and reps in that I think he wins in 4 tight ones even if I want Fed to win.
But what about Andy’s back; do you think it’s fine? That was one factor that might make me second guess picking Andy. Definitely he’s got an excellent AO record though.
Yeah, I thought about rust, stamina and his back. I think it is a 55-45% thing so if Fed wins as I hope I won’t be surprised but I think Murray is just going to be a tough out
I am not sure. Andy lost a set to Robert. I didn’t see it. Was it concentration or did his form slip? Anyhow, I’ll say 50/50. 🙂
Yeah he dropped a set there and nearly did to someone else. I just think Andy will be up for playing Roger and a semifinal slot and earlier stuff was just making sure his body did not rebel against him. I want Roger to win, but young legs get my choice. Young legs give Dimitrov his only chance vs. Rafa (along with Rafa’s left hand blister) I don’t see it happening, but at some point someone is going to have a better motor than Rafa, I just think 2015 or 2016 is when someone proves it.
So it was Fed Dan! I had a hunch he’d win. Actually Nadal looked beatable the last 2 rounds, but Kei and Grigor kind of choked at key moments, and actually could’ve, in theory, beat Nadal in straight sets!
Grigor could, if he does the right things, be a very serious contender in the coming years. I was surprised and impressed. If I were him, I would pick Edberg’s brain a bit as he has Roger playing better than I have seen in a long time.