Tomas Berdych (CZE) [7] vs. Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) [8]

First, this should be a great match.  Tennis has been dominated by four players for several years now.  Each of these men has been trying to break through, and each now has a chance to play for a Grand Slam title if he wins this match.  Berdych has been in this spot more often having reached the semifinal round at the 2010 French Open and 2012 US Open in his career as well as having been the 2010 Wimbledon runner-up.  Wawrinka is in his second consecutive Grand Slam semifinal after dropping a tough 5 set affair to Novak Djokovic at the 2013 US Open.

I think Berdych is perfectly capable of winning this match and perhaps winning this tournament.  Still, Wawrinka seems to have come into his own on tour since August 2013.  I think Wawrinka is believing in himself and a 9-7 victory in the 5th set over the 4-time and 3-time defending Australian Open has to further Stan’s self-belief.  His day of rest after playing Nole at night should mean that Stan is fit.

Prediction:  Throw almost everything out the window as neither man has a unique opportunity to win the Australian Open.  Wawrinka d. Berdych 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 because both guys can dictate play, but Stan has more ability to steal a point here and there when scrambling.