Murray advances, Wawrinka bows out of Australian Open

For the first time since 1977, Britain will have representation in both the men’s and women’s quarter-finals after Johanna Konta battled to victory over Russia’s Ekaterina Makarova.

Indian tennis stars Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna earned contrasting victories to sail through to the quarter-finals of their respective categories at the Australian Open here on Monday.

Although she wobbled while serving for the set at 5-4 in the decider, she made no mistake at the second opportunity after three hours, four minutes of graft in Margaret Court Arena and threw her arms skyward in jubilant relief. The Spaniard won 82% points off his first serve as compared to Isner, who won 72%. Mentally, it was a significant boost, even if Wawrinka said he’d been ill for almost two weeks.

‘It’s more about that it always comes down to me, try to play with rhythm, dictate and I was able to carry it through’. Couldn’t really be at my top.

“I’m very happy with the way I played, the way I competed, the way I turned things around after sort of having the momentum against me going into the fifth [set]”, said Raonic. But to win a Grand Slam, you have to beat two of the big four.

For all his crowd pleasing antics, Monfils is known for putting his returns back in play, which could trouble Raonic assuming the 29-year-old’s hand is better. “I think one week ago people were thinking 15 times first round and that I would be going back to China”.

“These are grand slam champions, guys that have been playing great”, Raonic said. “I’ve had a good first week here-I just hope I can have a wonderful second week, too”.

Ferrer will take on second-seed Andy Murray, who dismissed 16th seeded Australian Bernard Tomic 6-4, 6-4, 7-6(4). Raonic has racked up 194 winners in his last three matches and has had 59 or less unforced errors in all four matches. “It’s shocking”, Murray said. He also won 81% points off his first serve as compared to the Russian winning 74%.

“[It was a] tough match in general, for sure”, said Wawrinka.

“I’m disappointed but I tried, I tried”. It was quite a scrappy match. Li Na saved a match point in her third-round match at the 2014 Australian Open on the way to the title. “So it’s not just about a confidence, it’s about an understanding of what I need to do”. However, her game soon fell apart.

Over 3.5 sets in the match at 4/5 looks a rock solid selection.

Most of this can be blamed on a lingering leg injury. At the World Tour Final last season in London, 6-4 6-2 in favor of the World No. 3. “I was finishing the points”. Konta, who beat Venus Williams in the first round, is Zhang’s occasional practice partner.

Twice champion and 14th seed Victoria Azarenka continued her ominous advance, beating Czech Barbora Strycova 6-2, 6-4.

“I think Milos start really well”, Wawrinka said.

“I’m happy with the situation I’ve put myself in”.

Health has been a major key throughout Azarenka’s career. But during her on-court interview after the match, Azarenka was more concerned about the result of the AFC Championship Game between the Broncos and the New England Patriots.