Australian Open: Federer to meet Murray in the mouth-watering semi-final

The 17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer will take on the Olympic gold medallist Andy Murray on Friday night at Rod Laver Arena. Both these players met on a number of occasions in the past, with Murray leading head to head by 10-9, however, the Swiss player has never lost to Murray on a Grand Slam meeting (3-0).

Murray had the easier run into the semi-final after dismissing Jeremy Chardy of France with a comfortable 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 victory. The world number three was on a different level on Wednesday night, as the Frenchman struggled with Murray’s pace and power. Federer, on the other hand, had a tough task in the form of Jo-Wilfred Tsonga – another Frenchman in the draw. It took Federer over three and a half hours to come through with a 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-3 win. There wasn’t much to divide between the two players. Both showed strength and stamina to entertain the packed arena as they went into the latter hours of the evening. Federer had just about enough left in the tank to close out the match and deservedly book his place in the semis of the Australian Open.

Even though the former world number one will be the underdog for his match on Friday night, the 31-year-old has a great record against the Brit – especially on a Grand Slam level where Federer has never lost to Murray. 

Andy Murray has the momentum with him after winning the Olympic gold in London, beating Federer in the final and going on to win his first Grand Slam title in the US Open. Regardless of who makes it to the final to face Novak Djokovic, it is going to be a thrilling match for the spectators, as two of the best players in the world will have to battle out for their place.

Umida Ibrahimova, sports correspondent