Australian Open 2015 Schedule: Replay TV Coverage, Live Stream for Day 12 Draw
The 2015 Australian Open tournament has been one of the most entertaining in recent memory, but Friday’s Day 12 action will feature just one marquee matchup in singles competition.
With the women’s final set and Andy Murray already advancing to the championship round, No. 1 seed Novak Djokovic will square off against No. 4 seed Stan Wawrinka in the men’s semifinal with a final berth on the line.
Here is all of the vital viewing information for Day 12 at the 2015 Australian Open and a spoiler-free preview of Friday’s biggest matchup.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Where: Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia
Watch: ESPN 2
Live Stream: WatchESPN and AusOpen.com
Replay Coverage: ESPN 3
Full Day 12 Schedule: AusOpen.com
Matchup to Watch: No. 1 Novak Djokovic vs. No. 4 Stan Wawrinka
There is only one marquee singles match on Friday, and hardcore and casual tennis fans can’t afford to miss a second of the battle between No. 1 seed Novak Djokovic and No. 4 seed Stan Wawrinka.
The two men have played each other many times in the past, but with the chance to reach the Australian Open final on the line, this will be one of the most intense and physical games of the tournament.
SuperSport.com shared some interesting head-to-head statistics:
"Novak Djokovic is looking for revenge when he faces Stanislas Wawrinka tomorrow -> http://t.co/3bpgmYC6lK #SSTennis pic.twitter.com/AE1PlrgSfE
— SuperSport (@SuperSportTV) January 29, 2015"
Djokovic comes into this matchup as arguably the hottest player in the tournament. Through the first five rounds, he has yet to drop a set. With victories over No. 31 seed Fernando Verdasco and No. 8 seed Milos Raonic en route to the semifinals, Wawrinka will be in for a true challenge.
When asked about the potential battle on the court against Wawrinka, Djokovic spoke honestly with Matt Wilansky of ESPN.com:
"As I mentioned before, I'm ready for the battle. When we played last three Grand Slam matches, they were the finals stages of a Grand Slam, semifinals, quarterfinals. Grand Slams are the tournaments where you want to perform your best. I'm sure we both are very much aware of that fact, and it's why we get to play on a high level against each other and we push each other to the limit in a way. It's a very physical battle, as well. But I haven't had too many long matches during this tournament. I'm ready for it.
"
Wawrinka has been playing strong leading into the semifinals as well. While Djokovic impressed the fans by not dropping a set all tournament, his Swiss challenger has dropped just one and is playing with serious confidence.
In the quarterfinals, Wawrinka faced a true test against No. 5 seed Kei Nishikori. Despite the momentum the Japanese star brought into the matchup, Wawrinka dominated the matchup and won, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (6).
The difference in Friday's semifinal matchup will be which player can do a better job handling the power of his challenger. Both Djokovic and Wawrinka have strength off the serve and the return, but it will likely be Djokovic’s ability to cover ground that is the ultimate game-changer.
*Stats and information via AusOpen.com.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
