Australian Open Final Preview: Roger Federer Vs. Andy Murray

    Roger Federer cruised through the semifinal against athletic Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

Coming into the match Tsonga knew he had to serve and volley well. Instead, Federer played with perfect temperament and didn't let Tsonga have any momentum. Federer looked comfortable throughout the whole match. He was in the zone and looked like he could hit a winner from anywhere on the court.

   On the other hand, Andy Murray defeated the inexperienced Marin Cilic in four sets. Cilic overpowered Murray in the first set and didn't let Murray attack. Yet, after Murray ran back and sliced a crosscourt forehand past Cilic's volley, the momentum shifted and everything went Murray's way.

   The only way Murray can win is if he brings his A-game. He has the potential to beat Federer, but he needs to be fired up and ready to play. 

   In order to win he needs to do several things: he will need to play aggressive and hit winners, especially his crosscourt backhand to stretch out the court because playing passively won't work against Federer. Murray also needs to serve well so Federer is under pressure to hold serve. He needs to strike the ball deep so Federer can't reach his comfort zone. 

Finally, he needs to make sure to keep his head up throughout the game and play confidently. Otherwise, Federer will pound him in straight sets, and it won't be fun for Murray. 

   Federer is going for his 16th Grand Slam tomorrow tonight, while Murray is going for the first Grand Slam of his career.

   Last time they met was in the US Open final, where Federer won in straight sets.

Let's hope Murray can put up a good fight. I predict Federer in four sets.