World number one tennis player Andy Murray and three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka are set to take on each other on the Parisian clay as both are hoping to secure a spot in the final of the second major event of the season - Roland Garros.
It will be a rematch of last year's semi-final seen at the French event, where Scot Murray had more luck, prevailing over Wawrinka of Switzerland in a four-setter to reach the final. Back then, 2015 Roland Garros champion Wawrinka was eyeing to defend his title, but Murray had no interest in helping the Swiss in his bid.
Overall, Glasgow-born Murray and Wawrinka, 32, are familiar faces to each other another, having met 17 times thus far in their respective careers. Ahead of their 18th encounter, the head-to-head record is on the Scot's side, who has a 10-7 win/loss record over the 32-year-old.
A great match in the making
Two top-5 players Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka have risen to the occasion thus far at one of the four biggest tennis tournament of the season.
Murray entered Roland Garros in not so great form, but as true champions tend to do he started to perform well when it matters most. The 30-year-old is undoubtedly playing his best tournament in recent months, including wins earned over 2009 US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro in round three and ninth-ranked Kei Nishikori in the last-eight stage.
On the other side, Wawrinka's rhythm and momentum have followed him from Geneva, the place where he made it all the way just a week before Roland Garros. The world number three has yet to lose a set in Paris, trashing some well-known names in straight sets, such as Fabio Fognini, Gael Monfils, and Marin Cilic.
Keys to the match
There are not many secrets between Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka as both know very well what they will have to do on Friday in order to end on the winning side.
Murray simply has to find a way to prevent Wawrinka from getting in the zone, which he should accomplish by keeping the Swiss beyond the baseline and not letting him be in a good position to attack.
The Scot needs to stay consistent throughout the match no matter what happens and to be the one who will dictate the pace.
On the other hand, Wawrinka would love to pull off his best version in which he is almost unbeatable. Should the Swiss start hitting forehand and backhand winners near the lines and lower his unforced errors ratio, Murray could find himself to be in a big trouble.
However, it's easier said than done, especially knowing that one of the best returners and defenders in the game of tennis, Murray, will be standing on the other side of the net. Murray's defense and a lot of returned balls could frustrate and make Wawrinka miss shots.
Also keep in mind Murray's drop shot, the shot he has been using regularly at Roland Garros this year.
That shot could help Murray change the pace, if needed, and make Wawrinka run.
Murray has the small edge
Both Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka have a realistic shot at reaching the Roland Garros final. However, having beaten Wawrinka at the same stage last year and due to the fact that Murray has a positive head-to-head record over the Swiss, Murray could be given the title of being the favorite in the match. Murray has found a spark in Paris and is eager to finally win his maiden title at the Parisian Major.
A tight, contested match by both sides is expected to be the case when the two clash off on Friday.