Australian Open 2012: Novak Djokovic Will Continue Dominance of Tennis in 2012

Novak Djokovic will have another stellar year in 2012, barring injury. Though I predict, he will lose in the final of the Australian Open to a resurgent Rafael Nadal. Rafa is on a mission and healthy, but it will only be a speed bump for Djokovic.

The Joker won't experience many losses in 2012, as he follows up his dominant 2011 that saw him go 70-6.

He is the defending champion in Melbourne, as he won 10 tournaments last year, and three total Grand Slams. The Tennis world has been dominated by eras, especially on the men's side.

The 1970's belonged to Jimmy Connors and Bjorn Borg, the 80's were Ivan Lendl and John McEnroe's time. The 90's were Pete Sampras and the 2000's were Roger Federer. Djokovic has a great opportunity to claim this decade as his era.

2011 was a great start, and all signs point to 2012 continuing his success. Rafael Nadal figures to be his major competition this year, as well as for the control of this era of men's tennis.

The two have established quite the rivalry, as it almost appears that Djokovic's rise cut Nadal's time as the game's best player short. Rafael Nadal is only 26 and Djokovic is 24, both still have years of great tennis in them.

Nadal had been the world's number one player for 102 weeks, according to the ATP, before the Joker dethroned him. Both of them were hampered by injuries towards the end of the season, but both seem healthy as 2012's first Grand Slam is upon us.

It is unlikely Djokovic can mount another win streak, like the 43-match streak he rode in 2011, but he will still claim his share of victories. Some will come at the expense of Nadal, but Rafa will take the trophy in Melbourne.

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