Rafael Nadal Will Roll over Feliciano Lopez at Aussie Open

Rafael Nadal has been on a rampage at the Australian Open and fellow Spaniard Feliciano Lopez won't be able to slow him.

Nadal, who's on a crash course for a semifinal matchup with Roger Federer, looks hell-bent on capturing his first Aussie Open title since 2009.

Lopez, currently ranked 18th in the world, has been impressive as well. However, he won't be able to keep pace with Nadal in round four.

Past Meetings

The left-handed Spaniards have met 10 times in the past, with Nadal leading the series 8-2.

In 2011, they played each other in Miami and Rome. Nadal made quick work of his countryman, winning both matches in straight sets.

Lopez has had some success against Nadal, but one of his victories came in their first meeting in 2003. Things have changed a little since then, as Nadal has racked up 10 Grand Slam titles over the last seven years.

Lopez has also never beaten Nadal on hard or clay court. With the way Rafa has been playing on hard court lately, he should have no trouble with Lopez in Melbourne.

How They Got Here

The 30-year-old Lopez is enjoying the highest ranking of his career. After tough wins over Leonardo Mayer and Flavio Cipolla, he upset No. 16 John Isner to advance to the fourth round.

It was a thrilling back-and-forth match that went a full five sets. Eventually, Lopez prevailed.

While Lopez was fighting for victories, Nadal was calmly mowing down his opponents. He has yet to drop a set in the tournament, as he easily disposed Alex Kuznetsov, Tommy Haas and Lukas Lacko.

Prediction

I'm expecting Nadal to add Lopez to his list of Australian Open victims.

Lopez is the best player he's faced thus far, but Nadal is playing out of his mind. His power is excellent, his placement is perfect and his killer instinct has been on full display.

Nadal will advance to the quarterfinals with another straight-set victory.