Rafael Nadal: Why Rafa Has Best Opportunity to Take Down the Djoker

Novak Djokovic is deservedly the top-ranked tennis player in the world, but Rafael Nadal is primed to make a run at the Serbian in the Australian Open. In fact, the Spaniard has an excellent chance to derail the Djoker down under.

Nadal is well-rested and eager to regain his place atop the tennis universe. He has a relatively easy draw to get to the finals, and he'll make the most of the opportunity.

While Rafa's 2011 was somewhat of a disappointment in the sense that he didn't dominate, he did reach three Grand Slam finals and won one of them. The disappointment of losing close matches to Djokovic several times will fuel Nadal's resurgence in 2012.

For the first time in his young career, Nadal was knocked down and took a backseat. He lost his No. 1 ranking on July 3rd, and it still stings. He will learn from it and come back stronger than ever.

The Spaniard is the only player in the field in Melbourne who can match Djokovic's skill, power and athleticism. Nadal has the ground game, power game and intangibles to take down the reigning Aussie Open champ.

With all due respect to Roger Federer, Andy Murray and other challengers, Nadal is clearly the greatest threat to upend the Serbian. Rafa's youth and explosiveness are something that Federer and Murray both lack.

In addition, Nadal changed rackets, opting for a heavier, more powerful one—it's part of his concerted effort to be a more assertive and powerful player.

At this point in his career, the primary challenge for the Spaniard is mental. If he stays sharp mentally, he'll be able to turn the tables on Djokovic in 2012, beginning in Australia.

He hung tough with the Serb last year, putting up a better fight than anyone else; now it's just a matter of executing winning shots and staying consistent through entire matches.

Rafa is rested and recovered from injury, and despite what critics might think, he's not merely a clay and grass player. He'll do just fine on the plexicushion of Rod Laver Arena.

A triumph over Djokovic in Melbourne would be the perfect start to a special year for Nadal.