Australian Open preview and odds: Milos Raonic vs Andy Murray
Published on: 28/01/2016
Australian Open preview and odds: Milos Raonic vs Andy Murray
January 29 2016 19:30pm - Rod Laver Arena
Australian Open - Semi-finals
After yet another impressive performance in the quarter-finals against tough nut David Ferrer, Andy Murray is now just a Milos Raonic-shaped step away from yet another Australian Open final. So, will it be another routine win for the British player or can the 14th-ranked Canadian upset the odds?
Roanic in final quest
Milos Raonic has already surpassed many people`s expectations by reaching the semi-finals in this tournament. He put in a solid display to defeat World No. 23 Gael Monfils by four sets (6-3 3-6 6-3 6-4) in the quarter-finals and now faces the challenge of the World No. 2, And Murray.
Raonic has a decent 4-4 record against the Scot, but his last win came nearly two years ago and Murray won their only previous meeting at a Grand Slam (US Open 2012).
The Canadian served well in the quarter-final and that allowed him to control the game and enjoy plenty of success at the net. He will need to serve at his best and capitalise on every Murray mistake if he is going to feature in a Grand Slam final for the first ever time.
Key stats from Raonic`s quarter-final match:
- First serve success: 61%
- Points won on first serve: 84%
- Points won on second serve: 62%
- Net points won: 67%
- Unforced errors: 36
- Returns won: 33%
- Break points won: 3 out of 8
Murray dominant despite errors
As predicted, Andy Murray took four sets to find a way past tricky eighth-ranked opponent David Ferrer and book his place in yet another Australian open semi-final.
During that 6-3 6-7(5) 6-2 6-3 battle, Murray once again succumbed to some error-prone spells, but still produced enough overall quality to finish the task without too much trouble.
Murray`s first service game was as good as ever and his second serve continues to improve. More importantly, he dominated at the net, winning 38 (82%) points on the approach. This could be a crucial area against his semi-final opponent.
Key stats from Murray`s fourth round match:
- First serve success: 61%
- Points won on first serve: 76%
- Points won on second serve: 48%
- Net points won: 82%
- Unforced errors: 64
- Returns won: 42%
- Break points won: 6 out of 13
Betting odds and tips
Murray is an Aussie final regular and should have the quality and experience to see off the challenge of Raonic.
You can back Murray to win with a -4 Handicap at 6/5 with Bet365.
By Neil Morris
Published on: 28/01/2016
Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (28/01/2016 11:43:22) but are subject to change.
Go To bet365
Bet Credits
