Rafael Nadal: What Rafa Must Do to Sweep Grand Slam Tournaments

Rafael Nadal is looking good thus far in the Australian Open and I’m beginning to wonder if 2012 is going to be the year of the Spaniard.

After dealing with various alignments for the vast majority of 2011, it looks as if the second-ranked men’s star is finally somewhat healthy.

I say somewhat because he has to tape his right knee and have his ankle strapped by a trainer in the third set of his straight-set victory over fellow Spaniard Feliciano Lopez on Sunday. Already he’s less than 100 percent.

The key for Nadal is making sure these minor injuries don’t become major ones. Easier said than done obviously, but it’s the difference between sweeping the Grand Slams and having to scratch and claw for one.

His main competition is Novak Djokovic, the world’s No. 1. He lost to the Djokster in six separate finals last season and has some unfinished business to take care of.

After dealing with shoulder and foot injuries in 2011, Nadal has to keep his body in top condition. He has publicly aired his grievances about the tour schedule and needs to be extremely selective in the events he decides to play in. Take a few weeks off after the Australian Open (which he plans to do). Don’t put forth maximum effort in tournaments leading up to the next Grand Slam. It’s simple: Nadal must stay healthy.

The 25-year-old isn’t getting any younger but is still capable of pulling off the crowning achievement in tennis. He has the mental will, speed, experience and strength to do it. His passion has returned and it has shown in his energy level on the court.

It all starts at Melbourne Park. Djokovic won it last year and enters 2012 with a ton of momentum as the world’s No. 1—but also a target on his back.

Nadal is more than capable of knocking him back a few notches as long as his shoulder allows him to utilized his rocket fast serve.  Nadal’s comments on Roger Federer have been the big discussion point about the Spaniard thus far—but let’s remember that he’s more than capable of having a 2012 to remember forever.

A Grand Slam sweep? It can happen.