[3] Rafael Nadal (ESP) vs [7] Tomas Berdych (CZE)

Based on what I saw of Rafa in Asia last fall and on his own pre-tournament words, I would give Berdych a fighting chance in this match.  Rafa who typically downplays his chances said he felt he was in good form after defeating Kevin Anderson.  That does not bode well for Berdych.  Also, Anderson is a good sparing partner to have when preparing to face Berdych.  I could see Tomas take 1 set, but 3 sets are not coming his direction as far as I can tell.  Rafael Nadal d. Tomas Berdych 6-3, 6-4, 6-4

[6] Andy Murray (GBR) vs Nick Kyrgios (AUS)

I just wrote a column on Kyrgios and Nadal, but shockingly I am not picking Kyrgios to set up a second match with Rafa.  Andy Murray showed a lot of fight in preventing a 5th set vs. Dimitrov.  Kyrgios is young enough to recover from a long round of 16 match in which he too displayed a lot of heart.  I think Murray’s return game, this surface, and Murray’s general form will be enough to win this match in four sets.  Murray’s task is to keep the crowd from becoming a huge factor as a Davis Cup environment would make anything possible.  Andy Murray d. Nick Kyrgios 7-5,  3-6, 6-4, 6-3