• Australian Open

Murray ready for Cilic challenge

Andy Murray meets Marin Cilic for the second time in as many Grand Slams © Getty Images

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Just one man stands between Andy Murray and a place in the Australian Open final. On paper, the British No. 1 is the favourite against world No. 14 Marin Cilic, but as Murray knows only too well, he is not to be underestimated.

The Croatian is enjoying an impressive run of form, having already seen off fourth seed Juan Martin del Potro and the in-form Andy Roddick to make it through to the semi-finals in Melbourne.

The pair go back a long way. An 18-year-old Murray was thwarted at the French Open in 2005, where he was beaten in the semi-finals of the boys' draw. Cilic went on to win the title. Since turning pro, Murray has the edge of Cilic, having won three of their four previous meetings on all three surfaces. However, it is the Croat who has the bragging rights, having won their most recent clash in New York last year, where he beat Murray in straight sets in the fourth round.

At 6' 6" Cilic has a height advantage over Murray, and his serve is one of his greatest weapons. In his five-set victory over Roddick, Cilic hit more aces than his American rival who boasts the fastest serve on the tour. However, Murray has been working on his serve and his fastest effort against Nadal was quicker than Cilic's best in his quarter-final match.

A traditional counter-puncher, Murray's successful serving has combined well with his return game. Murray has won nearly half of his opponents' service games, compared to Cilic, who has won less than 25%.

Add to that the fatigue factor. While Murray is the only player not to have dropped a set, Cilic has played 22 sets, compared with Murray's 15, and has come through three gruelling five-set battles on his route to the semi-finals. If Murray can play with the same tactical awareness that saw him ease past John Isner and Nadal, he will already have half a foot in the final.

Before the Australian Open, Murray was coy on his chances in Melbourne, but having seen off his opponents so emphatically, it seems even he is beginning to believe it might just be his year. "I think I'm ready to win a Grand Slam, definitely, and I've a good chance of doing it here," he said after dispatching Nadal.

Join us for live coverage at 8.30am on Thursday for game-by-game coverage of Andy Murray's semi-final match against Marin Cilic.

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