Australian Open 2012 Semifinals: Nadal vs. Federer Will Be Tourney's Best Match

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will put on a show in the Australian Open semifinals that will not soon be forgotten. Two veterans who have listened to the critics count them out for various reasons will battle tooth and nail for every point, leading to an instant classic.

The pair has combined to win 26 Grand Slam titles and have developed one of the greatest rivalries in sports in the process. They played several memorable matches, most notably the 2008 Wimbledon final, which Nadal claimed in five thrilling sets (highlights below).

All told, Federer and Nadal have faced off 26 times during their storied careers with the Spanish star winning 17 of the encounters. Federer won the last meeting at the ATP World Tour Finals, though.

The reason matches between the two legends are so memorable is due to their unmatched intensity and will to win. Nothing will come easy in the semifinal, and that's the way it always should be.

Adding a little fuel to the fire inside of both men is a recent spat about tour playing conditions. It was a rare public disagreement between the sport's two biggest stars and although both players have shrugged it off, it will surely be on their minds leading up to the match.

The on-court play is going to be great, as tennis fans have come to expect from Federer and Nadal, but the nostalgia of the clash makes it even more special.

As younger stars begin to emerge and the field at majors continues to deepen, fans aren't sure how many more times they'll get to witness these two men face off on a major stage. The Australian Open marked the first time since 2005 that they were on the same side of the draw, making this match possible.

Marquee matches like the upcoming semifinal are a chance to look back at all the terrific tennis Federer and Nadal have played against each other. There's no shortage of highlights, that's for sure.

Federer will want to prove his days of winning major titles are not over despite a recent drought and Nadal wants to show his injuries aren't going derail his career. There are no shortage of storylines, which makes the match all the more intriguing than it already would have been.

Since the tournament is taking place down under, the clash will likely take place at a crazy time, but set your alarm or stay up late because Federer and Nadal are going to put on an awe-inspiring show.

They wouldn't want it any other way.