Roger Federer: Former Champ Will End Bernard Tomic's Dream Run

Nothing is greater than seeing a young player like Bernard Tomic representing his country this deep into the 2012 Australian Open. Unfortunately for both him and the country, their dreams are going to come to an end when he takes on Roger Federer in the fourth round.

Many have wondered if he can continue his string of success, but that just doesn't seem likely against the world No. 3. 

He hasn't proven yet that he can dominate his competition.

In two of his first three matches, Tomic has already been taken to five sets twice. He handled American Sam Querrey relatively easily in the second round, but besides that all his matches have been nail-biters.

This is Federer, though—the four-time winner of this tournament! How can people be so optimistic about this 19 year old's chances when he has yet to even be challenged by top-tier talent?

The one benefit that Tomic has going into this situation is that he has played in Rod Laver Arena in all three rounds. While that seems absolutely pointless, it really isn't. The size of the crowds are ridiculously different from court to court, so it will favor him at least somewhat for having experience on the show courts.

It will be interesting to see what side the crowd will take.

They obviously love Tomic, as he is an Australian and presents an opportunity for one of their own to win the title for the first time since Mark Edmondson won it back in 1976.

The crowd also loves Federer, as he has been a consistent winner and showman down under.

The crowd will be a huge factor for Tomic, but not so much for Federer.

He just isn't fazed by those things and, in the end, he will just be too strong for Tomic no matter what.

Fed has yet to even drop a set this tournament, and he has been looking as strong as he ever has. Once a long shot to actually take this title from either Novak Djokovic or Rafael Nadal, it is looking more and more likely that he actually could be the favorite here.

The former world No. 1 really hasn't been tested yet, but it is hard to think that this match will really challenge him to a level that could discourse his current dominance.

Not to mention, he has a leg up on the rest of competition from having a walkover in the second round, as Andreas Beck retired before the match even happened.

Ivo Karlovic, who has given Federer trouble in the past, was not even an issue. Fed finished him in three sets, taking third with ease at 6-3.

It is clear that Federer is here to regain his spot at the top, and nothing is going to get in his way. Especially some kid.

Tomic was having a great run, but it had to come to an end eventually. At least he will be going out against Federer, and not some nobody on the tour.

Jeff Chase is a featured columnist for the Chicago Cubs and Arizona State football.