MELBOURNE, Australia – Andy Murray did his part to enforce the status quo in men’s tennis, as have Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Now it’s up to Novak Djokovic to ensure that the top four players get through to the Australian Open semifinals.
The fourth-ranked Murray joined Nadal and Federer in the Australian Open final four on Wednesday when the British hope beat Kei Nishikori of Japan 6-3, 6-3, 6-1.
Next up Wednesday on Rod Laver Arena, No. 1-ranked Djokovic will attempt to join the players ranked Nos. 2-4 with a quarterfinal win over fifth-seeded David Ferrer.
No. 2-ranked Nadal and third-seeded Federer won their quarterfinal matches on Tuesday to set up their first Grand Slam semifinal meeting since the 2005 French Open.
It has been rarely possible since because the pair held the top two spots for most of the time between 2005 and 2010, meaning they could only meet in the finals.
Murray, for his part, is also surprised to be not facing Nadal in the semifinals.
“It has been amazing, I pretty much drew to be in Nadal’s half … almost every Slam,” Murray said. “I can’t remember the last time I wasn’t in his half of the draw. It’s been a long
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