It's semi final day at the Australian Open but who will prevail? Michael Burgess sets the scene ahead of three big clashes at Melbourne Park today
Andy Murray vs Tomas Berdych
An intriguing battle in prospect here - almost too close to call. Both men in good form and both confident after coming through tough matches against Grigor Dimitrov and Rafa Nadal respectively. Murray is a grand slam semi final specialist - playing the 15h of his career tonight - only behind Roger Federer, Nadal and Djokovic among active players.
Berdych has been the nearly man of the tour, a permanent fixture in the top ten since 2010 but only once reaching a major final. The win over Nadal was a psychological breakthrough for the Czech, and he has spent one and a half hours less on court than his British rival.
Head to head: Berdych leads 6-4
Tip: Murray.
Serena Williams vs Madison Keys
Keys is a big shot maker who already has a win over Venus Williams and the fourth seed Petra Kvitova in this tournament. But beating Serena might be a bridge too far; only seven players in history have beaten both Williams sisters at the same tournament and that illustrious list includes Steffi Graf, Martina Hingis, Justine Henin and Kim Cljisters. Williams has improved with every match and barely broke a sweat in her quarter final, qualifying for her first Melbourne semi final since 2010.
Head to head: First meeting
Tip: Williams
Maria Sharapova vs Ekaterina Makarova
All the signs point to Sharapova prevailing in this all-Russian battle. She has never lost to Makarova and has the vital experience edge, with a truckload of grand slam finals appearance and five titles. Makarova is only two years younger but has yet to reach a major final, and tends to rely on a counter punching game which won't be enough against her powerful compatriot. She's a gritty player - who has claimed wins over both Williams sisters in the past - but if Sharapova serves well it should be a fait accompli.
Head to head: Sharapova leads 5-0
Tip: Sharapova
Stat of the day: If Berdych reaches the final, he will set a new record for most Australian Open appearances before reaching a decider. The Czech is appearing in Melbourne for the 12th time. The current mark stands at 10 (1980 finalist Kim Warwick) while Lleyton Hewitt and Stan Wawrinka both reached the final during their ninth stint at Melbourne Park.
