[3] Andy Murray (GBR) vs [7] David Ferrer (ESP)

Andy Murray is playing the best clay court tennis of his career at the right time

This match has a few wrinkles in it.  David Ferrer has typically struggled with the Big 4.  He does however hold a 2012 Roland Garros victory over Andy Murray.  Ferrer also holds a 4-0 career edge over Murray on clay while Murray holds an overall 9-6 head-to-head edge over Ferrer.  I think David Ferrer’s edge on clay should not be oversold.  They have not met on clay in 3 years.  Murray won Munich and Madrid in impressive fashion.  Ferrer started 2015 with a lot of impressive results, but the Spaniard’s play dropped off a bit once Indian Wells started.

Ferrer needs to grind with Murray to win, he needs to sneak into the net at opportune moments, and he needs to try to break Murray’s forehand down.  Also, Ferrer needs to attack Murray’s second serve to win.  Murray needs to pressure Ferrer’s serve and try to control rallies with his superior leverage on court. Murray has the better serve and they both return as well as anyone not named Djokovic.  Murray can become too tentative, and if he does this, Ferrer has a chance to win.  I think Bjorkman’s advice on how to turn a return into an attacking position will be helpful to Murray in this match.

My Prediction: Andy Murray d. David Ferrer 7-6, 6-3, 6-4 I think Andy Murray’s current clay court form is enough to expunge his 0-4 record on clay vs. Ferrer.  That will set up a brand new blockbuster match with the winner of the Djokovic-Nadal match.