Australian Open 2012: Roger Federer-Novak Djokovic US Open Rematch Is Inevitable

Novak Djokovic's comeback victory in the semifinal of last year's US Open was one of the worst defeats of Roger Federer's storied career, and at the Australian Open this month, the two are destined to meet in the final.

With Djokovic determined to continue the Grand Slam success of 2011 in Melbourne, there is little chance the world's No. 1 ranked player does not make the final of this year's tournament.

His greatest hurdle is a possible quarterfinal matchup with Spain's David Ferrer and a possible semifinal matchup with Britain's Andy Murray.

I would be surprised if Djokovic lost either one, setting up a likely meeting in the final with Federer, who only has a possible semifinal matchup against Rafael Nadal standing in his way of facing the world's No. 1.

With Nadal not playing his best tennis lately, plus the fact injuries have bothered him in recent months, it would not be shocking if Federer defeated his rival en route to the final.

An Australian Open final between Djokovic and Federer would be awesome for several reasons.

First, it would give the Swiss star a chance to avenge his heartbreaking loss in New York back in August at the US Open, and it would be a chance to extend his record of 16 Grand Slam singles titles. The last Grand Slam that Federer won was back at the 2010 Australian Open, when he beat Murray in the final.

Even though Djokovic proved he could beat the world's best players when it counted last season, proving he can do it for a second straight year would be mightily impressive and give him an even higher level of confidence as the 2012 schedule gets going.

He was lucky to escape defeat versus Federer in August, and if he beats the Swiss champion in an easier fashion this time, he will gain a huge edge for the rest of the season.

Both players are well-positioned for a 10th meeting in a Grand Slam event, and this time a title and a phsycological edge would be on the line.

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