BRITISH No.1 Andy Murray will walk on to the Rod Laver Arena on Friday closer than ever to winning that elusive maiden Grand Slam.
The 23-year-old would have been expecting to take to the court with world No.1 Rafael Nadal.
However, the Mallorcan's dream of holding all four Grand Slams at once was ended by a combination of injury and David Ferrer.
Better still for Murray, not only has Nadal gone but so too world No.2 Roger Federer, beaten in straight sets in the first semi-final today by Novak Djokovic.
Given he will have an extra day's rest, the 2008 champion from Serbia has now been installed as the tournament favourite (8-11, William Hill).
Murray is 33-20 with sportingbet, Ferrer 14-1 with the same firm. Ferrer advanced in straight sets in his quarter-final with Nadal to reach his second Grand Slam semi-final, his first in Melbourne.
The Scot is a best priced 2-7 with Boylesports and William Hill to reach the final for the second year in a row while 28-year-old Ferrer is 10-3 with bet365 and Skybet.
The pair have met five times and somewhat surprisingly Ferrer has a 3-2 advantage over No.5 seed Murray.
However, if that is swaying you to believe Murray's bid will end in failure again then consider the following – No.7 seed Ferrer's three wins have come on clay and both Murray's on hardcourt!
I have few doubts Murray will see off Ferrer but if he produces anything other than his best tennis it could all end in disaster for the Scot.
Ferrer won't go down without a fight and at 28 will see this tournament as possibly his last chance to write “Grand Slam winner” on his career record.
Therefore I reckon he can take at least a set and 3-1 for the Briton (13-5, Coral, Sportingbet) is worth a look.
Murray 3-0 is 6-4 with Coral while 3-2 is 13-2 with Betfred. If Ferrer is to upset the form book you will get 16-1 with Stan James for 3-0, 12-1 with the same firm for 3-2 and 10-1 with Betfred and Skybet for a whitewash.
Ace bet
Murray 3-1
(13-5 Coral, Sportingbet)
