Mal's Picks
	Washington Former ATP Tour pro MaliVai Washington is providing ESPN.com with analysis during the Australian Open.

MELBOURNE, Australia -- The greatest thing about the quarterfinal between Andy Roddick and Younes El Aynaoui was that they were playing such a high level of tennis for so long. What made it even more intriguing was that there was so much at stake.

Roddick is at the beginning of his career and El Aynaoui, at 31, is toward the end of his career. They were both fighting for their first-ever appearance in the semifinal of a major. It took 83 games and five hours to decide that it would be Roddick who would advance.

It's the type of match where you actually feel bad for whomever is going to go home defeated because in this match neither person was the loser. They both were warriors who showed so much heart.

This match was played in such good spirit. They both realized they were making history as they played and, on multiple occasions, complimented each other on great shots. They showed so much respect for one another as players and as competitors.

Andy Roddick (9), United States, vs. Rainer Schuettler (31), Germany
Roddick's biggest challenge will be how he recovers after five hours of battle with El Aynaoui. He's had two consecutive five-set matches compared to Rainer who had a walkover from Marat Safin and really only needed to play two good sets against David Nalbandian. So without question, physically, Rainer is going to be better suited for this match. If Roddick's legs hold up, he's going to find himself in his first final of a major.

Roddick's past two matches were the kind of tennis that you see a player create on the way to winning a major. Every part of me thinks that Roddick is going to win this semifinal in three or four sets. But if Rainer can come out and play his best tennis and wear Roddick down, he has a legitimate shot at winning this match. The longer the match goes, the more it favors Rainer.
Pick: Roddick

Wayne Ferreira, South Africa, vs. Andre Agassi (2), United States
I can't remember the last time a player has gone through a tournament as decisively as Agassi has. And there is not a single ounce of me that believes Wayne Ferreira is going to beat Agassi. Agassi is 10-0 against Ferreira. Barring Ferreira playing like El Aynaoui did his past two matches, Agassi is going to be in the final for sure.
Pick: Agassi