Australian Open 2012: Potential Matchups That Have Us Drooling

We begin as always with 128 players, but there can only ever be one champion. But along the way we find the heroes and demigods who lose their way somewhere on the road to immortality.

Great clashes have come between the Davids and Goliaths of this world, when underdogs present miraculous challenges against stupendous odds; yet it is in the clashes between the greatest players, when the limits of this game are found and sometimes surpassed, that we find matches worth a drool.

So it is again in 2012. There are the same players, but fate has allotted them different places at this Australian Open draw. Epic clashes are ready to unfold over the next two weeks.

Here are some to look out for in the latter half of the hero's quest.

Novak Djokovic vs. David Ferrer, Quarterfinals

These two have met on several occasions at Grand Slams, and are seeded again to meet in the quarterfinals.

Should they both get there, it ought to be an interesting contest—between this year's defending champion and a Spaniard with the heart, if without the game, of Rafael Nadal.

Andy Murray vs. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Quarterfinals

Andy Murray's projected quarterfinal clash with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga would also be another Australian Open repeat—this time with Murray hoping to make amends for his loss in the first round back in 2009.

It wasn't easy then, and probably wouldn't be any easier this time around. But it is likely to be an evening affair, and tennis has some fantastic shot-makers in these two athletes.

Mardy Fish vs. Roger Federer, Quarterfinals

Mardy Fish's potential meeting with Roger Federer seems to suggest a tame, premeditated outcome. The rivalry between these two is complicated by the two tight matches they have last contested, and the third before them when Fish actually won.

This time the matchup will be at a Grand Slam, and is likely to be attractive for the tactical mix-ups it will offer the round of eight.

Tomas Berdych vs. Rafael Nadal, Quarterfinals

Should Nadal face one-time opponent/personal enemy Tomas Berdych in the quarters, it will be interesting not just for the tennis, but also for the psychological undertones of a relationship that once soured.

Still, it is likely to offer the most compelling dynamic between aggressor and defender.

Caroline Wozniacki vs. Kim Clijsters, Quarterfinals

Some may be questioning the defending champ Kim Clijsters and whether she even makes it to this round—especially given her recent injury woes and rather dramatic tides of fortune she has endured at this tournament (losing 6-0, 6-1 to Petrova in 2010, she came back to win the tournament last year).

Should she get to the quarterfinals, we may have a very tantalizing clash with Wozniacki to savor, which would have all the makings of a make-or-break moment—for both.

Victoria Azarenka vs. Francesca Schiavone, Quarterfinals

Azarenka seems to have a breezy path to the quarterfinals, which would set her up well for a potential meeting with feisty Italian Francesca Schiavone, the French Open champion two years ago.

With power base-liners crowding the upper echelons, it would be nice to see a match of some variety, such as what one between these two might offer.

Serena Williams vs. Maria Sharapova, Quarterfinals

There is always an odd bitterness about any Williams-Sharapova clash, as with the one projected for the quarterfinals. We will be rewinding the clock some five years at least, to a time when these two dominated the sport and we could look forward to matches between the two, similar to clashes of Federer and Nadal.

There is still a sense of their transcending this sport that none of the others, save perhaps Clijsters, quite have. It would be a real battle of the heroines.

Samantha Stosur vs. Petra Kvitova, Quarterfinals

The last quarter in the women's draw features our two latest Grand Slam champions—Sam Stosur, the US Open champion, and Petra Kvitova, the world No. 2 and reigning Wimbledon champion.

Here are two names unlikely at first to strike much fear, but will present the unique dynamic of any match between right- and left-handers.