Australian Open 2016 Results: Wednesday Bracket Winners, Scores and Top Stats
Andy Murray and Johanna Konta stormed into the semi-finals of the 2016 Australian Open on Wednesday, making it a sensational day of tennis for Great Britain in singles competition.
Four-time finalist Murray disposed of No. 8 seed David Ferrer in their quarter-final encounter, winning the battle 6-3, 6-7, 6-2, 6-3, as the Spaniard's resistance failed.
Konta was impressive against Shuai Zhang, prevailing 6-4, 6-1, with her Chinese opponent not previously venturing beyond the first round of a Grand Slam.
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Canada's Milos Raonic joined Murray in the last-four of the tournament, coming through a four-set battle with Gael Monfils—posting a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory.
Angelique Kerber was impressive against No. 14 seed and two-time winner Victoria Azarenka, progressing with a straight sets 6-3, 7-5 display of superiority.
Here are Wednesday's confirmed results and a roundup of the action:
| Quarter-finals | (2) Andy Murray | (8) David Ferrer | 6-3, 6-7, 6-2, 6-3 |
| Quarter-finals | (13) Milos Raonic | (23) Gael Monfils | 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 |
| Quarter-finals | Angelique Kerber | Victoria Azarenka | 6-3, 7-5 |
| Quarter-finals | Johanna Konta | Shuai Zhang | 6-4, 6-1 |
Thursday Recap
Murray looked in top form against Ferrer in the quarter-final of the Aussie Open, stepping through the gears to leave the Spanish star in his wake.
A full house inside the Rod Laver Arena watched the Scotsman show his undeniable class, as Ferrer fell behind in the the final two sets.
Murray took the opener 6-3 and threatened to make short work of his opponent, but Ferrer hit back by winning a tiebreak in the second to level the scores.
However, it was not enough to chain down the indomitable Brit, who proved his world-class standing with his best display of the competition so far.
Play was temporarily suspended in the third set as the roof was closed due to impending rain, and the break did the 28-year-old former Wimbledon champion good.
Ferrer only won five more games in the final two sets, as Murray swept him aside 6-2, 6-3 to complete the victory.
Murray won 76 per cent of points on his first serve in the match, keeping Ferrer at bay when the Spaniard threatened early on.
The Brit was delighted with his display, especially after the recent illness of his father-in-law, as quoted by David Packman of AusOpen.com: “I think today was probably the best match I’ve played. Obviously the last few days have been tough and maybe I hadn't played my best tennis. Today I felt like at the end of the match I was playing some good stuff, moving well.”
Murray served 11 aces on his way to victory, with Ferrer failing to land one at any point of the contest.
Konta's performance provided double delight for Great Britain on Wednesday, defeating fellow unseeded player Zhang.
The Australia-born 24-year-old was in charge throughout against her Chinese opponent, powering to a 6-4, 6-1 win, ensuring Konta and Murray become the first British man and woman to reach the semi-final stage of the event since John Lloyd and Sue Barker in 1977.
Zhang failed to live with Konta's serve at vital moments of the match, allowing the Brit to power her way out of potential trouble deep in the first set.
Konta won 79 per cent of points on her first serve compared to Zhang's 44 per cent, which helped the 24-year-old to control the contest.
The Eastbourne-based player took six of her nine break-point opportunities on Thursday, while Zhang converted her break chances just twice.
Surprisingly, Konta made more unforced errors as she pushed to achieve a quick win, misplacing 22 shots compared to the rising Chinese star's 20.
Murray will meet Raonic after he defeated Monfils in four sets. In a similar performance to the No. 2 seed, the Canadian took control in the third to overcome the French star. Raonic hit 47 clean winners to display his class, dumping Monfils out in style.
Konta will face Kerber in her semi-final match after the German beat her Belarus opponent Azarenka 6-3, 7-5.
Kerber was the higher seed of the two players, but Azarenka's form has been exceptional, and she was expected to prevail by many. Statistically, the two players were very close, but Azarenka's 33 unforced errors facilitated her defeat.
Sports Illustrated's Jon Wertheim highlighted the surprise win for Kerber:
Murray looks in exceptional shape going into the conclusion of the Aussie Open, and his semi-final match against Raonic is certainly winnable.
Novak Djokovic or Roger Federer will be the prize in the final if Murray prevails, and the Scot will offer a huge barrier to either of the two icons in the contest to crown an Australian champion.
Konta will undoubtedly shoot up the world rankings after her efforts Down Under, but Kerber is on a different level to her in terms of raw quality.
The Brit is producing her finest form and has started 2016 in the best possible way, but a win over the German would shock the tennis world on Thursday.
All stats courtesy of the tournament's official site.
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