Rafael Nadal: Rafa Will Dominate Down Under Despite No. 2 Seeding

Rafael Nadal battled injuries and the rise of Novak Djokovic in 2011.  It was a disappointing year for the former No. 1 player in the world. 

I see Nadal beginning 2012 victoriously, on one of the sport's biggest stages in Melbourne, Australia.

Nadal is healthy and primed to put 2011 behind him.  He is the No. 2 seed in the upcoming Australian Open behind Djokovic—the current world's No. 1.

An old foe is still on the scene as well.  Roger Federer, the 30-year-old Swiss all-time great is set to play in Melbourne as well. 

They are all a part of an impressive field at the year's first Grand Slam tournament.

Ninety-nine of the world's top 100 players will be in action.  Nadal will have to be on top of his game to come away victorious. 

The condition of his shoulder will take center stage.  He recently talked about the injury that nagged him through the latter part of 2011, saying:

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"My shoulder is fine.  I felt something at the beginning of practice, but later, after three, four minutes, when I got warmed up, I feel the shoulder with perfect condition. The shoulder needs days like today to get the power."

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Nadal hasn't had his best moments at the Australian Open.  He's played in seven in his 13-year career, but his lone championship came in 2009.

Why will this year be his second title?

Nadal is hungry and eager to prove he's healthy, and at just 26 years old, he isn't quite ready to allow Djokovic to dominate the way he did throughout 2011.

I expect to see the two meet in an epic final, with Nadal coming out victorious.