Events / Ben Caudell / 02 April 2009 /

Andy Murray will have his work cut out in the highlight of this evening's matches but Ben Caudell believes the Brit can prevail against a resurgent Fernando Verdasco.

Roger Federer completed his 17th win over number five seed Andy Roddick in a late night thriller.

With a record crowed of 12,606 fans creating a fever pitch atmosphere on the Stadium court, the pressure was on both to produce the goods. Crucially it was the Swiss who at 5-4 in the final set rode his luck with a backhand pass that clipped the top of the net and soared over Roddick's outstretched racket to land just inside the baseline, presenting Federer with his first match point. The number two seed clinched victory after two hours and three minutes with a forehand pass which sets him up with a tantalising semi-final match against Serbian Novak Djokovic.

Djokovic overturned his four match losing streak against Jo-Wilfred Tsonga in compelling fashion. Tsonga hadn't been broken on serve all week but was up against it when his second serve started to crack during key points. The Serb took advantage, breaking serve twice and himself managing to hold on to his own serve, comfortably winning the match 6-3 6-4.

There are only four singles matches being played today, the women's semi-finals and the remaining men's quarter finals kick off at 18:00 (UK Time). I can't see there being an upset today although Andy Murray will have his work cut out against the reformed Fernando Verdasco in what I think will be the highlight of the evening matches.

Today's Selections:

Andy Murray (GB) v Fernando Verdasco (SPA)

Tonight, Andy Murray faces Spaniard Fernando Verdasco, the man who denied him the chance of winning his first Grand Slam at this year's Australian Open. Verdasco has been something of a revelation this year. Ever since his performance against Argentina that helped Spain re-capture the Davis Cup, the Spaniard has shown the kind of strength and determination usually associated with players ranked in the top five in the world. With his new found confidence and a 17-4 record in 2009, Verdasco will surely be challenging for a slice of the Grand Slam cake and a place in the world's elite some time soon.

Murray is another player who is determined to move up a step in the world rankings, if he manages to reach the final in Miami he will finally eclipse Novak Djokovic at number three in the world, his highest ever position. To do this he must first defeat Verdasco. The fiery Brit admitted to having a bad day at the office when he lost to the Spaniard in Melbourne. There was talk that Murray was slightly ill on the day and his performance reflected this. Murray will be seeking revenge tonight, there will be no questions asked about his physical or mental state coming into this match, and he will want to win this match-up badly.

Rafael Nadal aside, Murray has a 23-3 record against left-handers and is 8-3 at Masters event quarter-finals. Verdasco has never made it through to the semi-finals of a Masters series event and with this in mind I will be siding with the Brit.

Selection:

Back Andy Murray to win match @ 1.5
Back Murray @ 2.2 to win handicap (-3.5 games)

'.$sign_up['title'].'

'; } } ?>

:

:

:

?

: