Rafael Nadal: Tennis Great's Resurgent Play Won't Matter at Australian Open

Much has been made about Rafael Nadal's resurgent play in the second round of the Australian Open against Tommy Haas.

But it's not about Nadal anymore; it's about world No. 1 Novak Djokovic. And Djokovic hasn't slowed down since last year.

While Nadal defeated Haas, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4, Djokovic breezed past Santiago Giraldo, 6-3, 6-2, 6-1.

Djokovic won the Australian Open last year, defeating Roger Federer and Andy Murray in the process, which was the beginning of his 41-match winning streak in 2011. He's looking for his third consecutive Grand Slam after winning Wimbledon and the US Open last year.

While Nadal hit 36 winners against Haas, Djokovic was constantly in control against Giraldo, breaking his serve seven times en route to his straight-set victory.

The reality is, as good as Nadal's looked so far, he came into 2012 admittedly frustrated with his game. Djokovic, on the other hand, is riding a wave that can only be stopped by himself at this point. That is why while Nadal is certainly a threat, I can't help but think it's going to end for him like it did at Wimbledon and the US Open last year: with a loss to Djokovic in the final.

It's quite possible that Nadal makes it to the final again this year, playing above his competition throughout the tournament, only to face Djokovic and suffer another heart-wrenching defeat.

Nadal has apparently added an ounce of weight to the head of his racket for more zip on his forehands. This was apparent against Haas, in which he send some sizzlers down the line. In that sense, he has a better game plan against Djokovic than he did in 2011, when he used a safer approach and relied on errors.

But I still can't see it if Djokovic doesn't suffer a setback. Djokovic is simply playing too well right now, and that was ultimately the problem for Nadal in 2011. It had nothing to do with Nadal's play.