[Grabcopy]

In the land of the rising floods, Andy Murray yesterday kept his head firmly above the waterline, with a favourable Australian Open draw.

If the Scot can negotiate his way past Slovakia's 104th-ranked Karol Beck in round one, his sternest test on the way to a probable quarter-final with Robin Soderling could be a re-emergent but rusty Juan Martin del Potro.

At the deep end of the tournament, the number five seed can expect to find Roger Federer awaiting the winner of a semi-final clash with Rafael Nadal.

Murray's probable route to the title is as follows:

R1: Beck
R2: Marchenko/Ramirez Hidalgo
R3: Garcia-Lopez (possible)
R4: Baghdatis/Melzer/Del Potro (possible)
QF: Soderling/Tsonga/Gulbis/Bellucci (possible)
SF: Nadal (possible)
F: Federer (possible)

[Daisy]

What day will Murray play his first match ?

[Ruthie]

Its not a bad draw, probably a QF exit though. Guess it depends on which Andy turns up.

Why the pessimism?  Let's show some faith here.  We know he can beat Soderling [though I grant you the latter is playing v well].  It's quite feasible that we could have a rerun of last year's final as he can beat Rafa on a hard court [again I know it will be difficult].  I agree 'good' Andy has to turn up and of course wishing, hoping and praying he does. 
Anyone know when they release the schedule of play?

[Lurking]

He'll win the tournament and won't face either of a Fedal in doing so.

[janscribe]

I think Mr. Magic will show for this one and Mr. Tragic will stay home! He has the talent, the skill, the courage and the love of his fans not only at home, but, from the far flung reaches of the globe. He'll have good vibes coming at him from every direction. C'MON ANDY.........we're all right behind you whatever, so go kick some ass!!!!

  Excellent post - win or lose I'll be planning to watch every match and hope he realises his dreams and ours.

[Caz]

  Excellent post - win or lose I'll be planning to watch every match and hope he realises his dreams and ours.

Yes,me too! I'm so glad to hear it'll be on the beeb as my computer is in the kitchen where one of my old dogs 'Yum Yum' sleeps and she needs peace and quiet as she's not well at present and puts herself to bed at 9 o'clock every night. So I'll be able to watch the latenighters in bed!

[Hazybear]

So excited and planning on turning nocturnal for the next fortnight...though I am away the weekend of the semi-s and final...but may be with Lorna and Amy the Friday night

[Daisy]

From the AO website:-   


The schedule of play is released each evening and will be posted on the official Australian Open website as soon as it is made available.



Andy has had a practice session on Rod Laver Arena today apparently - lets hope it brought back some good memories from last year

http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/galleries/2011-01-14/201101141294977794417.html

Thanks Bev ... and, so jealous of your Teeshirt ... will be looking for you !!