Australian Open men’s singles round 2: Murray meets Groth

Check out our preview for the women’s singles action on day four too

Home hope Hewitt in last hurrah

After easily dispatching of compatriot James Duckworth in the opening round, retiring Hewitt (9/2 match outsider) will give his all to extend his career just a little longer, though takes on eighth seed David Ferrer (1/7 favourite).

Remarkably, this duo’s three meetings have come at Wimbledon, the French Open and US Open, so they will now complete the Grand Slam head-to-head set here in Australia.

Ferrer leads the veteran Australian 2-1, but all have gone to at least four sets. The Spaniard won 3-2 at Roland Garros in 2008 and, with renowned grinder Hewitt certain to fight throughout, back him for victory by that scoreline once more at 11/2.

Top seeds with tricky ties

Stan Wawrinka and Milos Raonic may have come through their respective battles against Dmitry Tursunov and Lucas Pouille without any trouble, but have now been handed potentially tricky ties with former top 10-ranked and Grand Slam quarter-finalist veterans.

Aussie Open champion in 2014 Wawrinka (1/12) have been drawn against 37-year-old qualifier Radek Stepanek (13/2), who has in fact won five of their seven meetings.

The Czech’s last victory against the Swiss was back in 2009, though, so back the current fourth seed for a third straight triumph and to do so 3-1 at 11/4.

Rising star Raonic, meanwhile, will be hoping to avoid an upset against 33-year-old Tommy Robredo, who have reached seven Grand Slam quarters before, and once here in 2007.

The Canadian is also 1/12 to beat the Spaniard (13/2 too), and should come through this in straight sets (8/15) having never lost to him before in five clashes.

Others to look out for

Elsewhere, Fernando Verdasco (2/7) will be looking to get back to business after shocking fellow left-handed Spaniard Rafael Nadal as he takes on Israeli Dudi Sela (11/4).

There is also an intriguing all-French duel between the talented Gael Monfils (also 2/7) and consistent Nicolas Mahut (11/4), which is 11/4 to go to five sets.

Seeded trio Feliciano Lopez, John Isner and Aussie Bernard Tomic, meanwhile, are up against respective opponents Guido Pella, Marcel Granollers and Simone Bolelli.

Related

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Coral’s top tip: Murray may come through rapid server Groth in straight sets, but he is a more enticing 7/1 shout to edge the first in a tie-break.