Novak Djokovic of Serbia stretches out for a return to Milos Raonic of Canada during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open. Photo / AP.
On the eve of the second men's semi final, we explain why Novak Djokovic deserves to be the overwhelming favourite as well as offer a few reasons why Stan Wawrinka can't be written off.
Novak Djokovic vs Stan Wawrinka
Anybody who has tickets to this match - or a few spare
hours allocated in front of the television - should feel extremely fortunate - as this match should be a beauty. These two players meet for the third consecutive occasion at an Australian Open tonight. Last year Wawrinka won 9-7 in the fifth set to break an eight year drought versus Djokovic while in 2012 their fourth round match lasted over five hours.
Why Djokovic is favoured
- Form: He has yet to drop a set in Melbourne in this campaign.
- Confidence: The Serbian has won his last eight matches against top ten opposition
- Experience: Djokovic plays tonight in his 25th grand slam semi final
- Pedigree: On each of the four previous occasions Djokovic has reached the last four at the Australian Open, he has gone on to win the title.
Why Wawrinka can't be written off
- Form: Wawrinka is on a ten match winning streak, yet to lose a match in 2015.
- Tougher road: Wawrinka has had a more challenging route to the final, with Guillermo Garcia-Lopez and Kei Nishikori providing tough assignments on the way.
-Pedigree: The Swiss beat Djokovic on the same court, in a similar situation last year.
-Confidence: Wawrinka is coming off a career best year, with a grand slam victory, a first Masters truimph and the unforgettable Davis Cup triumph.
Head to head: Djokovic leads 16-3
Tip: Djokovic
