Australian Open: Day eight preview

Kei Nishikori of Japan stretches out for a shot to Steve Johnson of the U.S. during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne. Photo / AP

Kei Nishikori aims to outrun the `running man', Serena Williams aims to preserve an incredible record, Novak Djokovic is back in action and Venus Williams hopes for more history as Michael Burgess previews the best action at Melbourne Park on day eight.

Don't miss: Kei Nishikori vs David Ferrer
The Japanese world no5 is arguably the most exciting young talent on the circuit, after his run to the US Open final last year where he beat three top ten players in consecutive matches. He has looked assured and relaxed during this Melbourne campaign and hopes to become the first Japanese male to reach the last eight here on two occasions. Ferrer is aiming to reach his fifth successive Australian Open quarter final but will have to reverse a four match losing streak against Nishikori.

Don't bother: Novak Djokovic vs Gilles Muller
Unless you are a big fan of the Serbian world No1, it's hard to get excited about this match. Djokovic looks better with every outing at Melbourne Park and should be far too good for his opponent today. The 31-year-old Muller is in career best form but hasn't beaten a top ten player at a grand slam since 2008.
Head to head: First meeting.

Worth a watch: Serena Williams vs Garbine Muguruza
Williams will be out for revenge, after suffering her worst ever grand slam defeat at the hands of the Spanaird at the French Open last year. She lost 6-2, 6-2 to Muguruza in the second round that day, but rebounded later in 2014 to lift the US Open. Muguruza is a talent on the rise and is one of the few players that can match Williams' strength from the baseline.
Head to head: 1-1

Also worth a watch: Venus Williams vs Agnieska Radwanska
It's a sister act on Monday as the older Williams leads off the night session on centre court. Venus is enjoying a career renaissance; after winning the ASB Classic two weeks ago, she's now in the last 16 of a grand slam for the first time since 2011. But the underrated Radwanska will probably be a bridge too far for Williams, who hasn't beaten the Polish world No6 in their last three matches.
Head to head: Williams leads 5-4

Best of the rest:
# Stan Wawrinka vs Guillermo Garcia-Lopez. The world No4 will be heavily favoured against the veteran Spanaird but will have uneasy memories of a shock loss to the same player at the French Open.
Head to head: Wawrinka leads 4-3

# Victoria Azarenka vs Dominika Cibulkova. Unlikely as its sounds, the world no44 Azarenka is probably the favourite against the much higher ranked Cibulkova, due to her pedigree in Melbourne (two titles) and current form.
Head to head: Azarenka leads 7-2

Kiwis in action:
Michael Venus and Austrian partner Oliver Marach take on the Italian pairing of Fabio Fognini and Simone Bolelli in the third round of the men's doubles this afternoon.

Stat of the day:
Only four players have beaten Serena Williams on multiple occasions at a grand slam. The quartet are Venus Williams (five times), Jennifer Capriati (four), Justine Henin (four) and Sam Stosur (two). Garbine Muruguza hopes to join that exclusive club later today.