David Ferrer has had some success versus Andy Murray, but he is decidedly the underdog heading into this match. Ferrer has played quite well at this event, and my predictions have been wrong on him in multiple rounds. I think Ferrer’s best chance at victory comes with Murray having a bit of an off day. Ferrer’s tireless style of tennis is not what a player wants to see when everything is a little bit off. Ferrer has also switched racquets in a sign that at his age he is not looking to ease into retirement. Murray will need to keep his error total low, be prepared to pass Ferrer if Ferrer hits a big ground stroke to take command of a point, and will need to not play too passively. I think Murray is likely to execute his game plan and win, but I expect Ferrer to take at least 1 set.
My Prediction: Andy Murray d. David Ferrer 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4
Tennis Abides: Dan Martin on Tennis and Life 