Federer vs. Nadal: Swiss Star Has Edge in 2012 Australian Open Semifinal Match

Roger Federer continues to roll at the 2012 Australian Open, and his dominance over his opponents will continue against Rafael Nadal in what is likely the most anticipated semifinal match in recent years. 

The Swiss tennis star has yet to drop a set this tournament, cruising to the semifinals. The same cannot be said for Nadal, who is entering this match after an intense battle with No. 7 Tomas Berdych. 

Federer and Nadal will go head-to-head on Thursday. 

Nadal was able to beat Berdych, 6-7(5), 7-6(6), 6-4, 6-3, whereas Federer beat No. 11 Juan Martin del Potro with ease, 6-4, 6-3, 6-2. It was also Federer's 1,000th victory. 

Berdych began to fade near the end of the match, and Nadal took over from there. Federer will not suffer the same as Berdych, which means Nadal will have to go the distance to win. 

Having had one opponent withdraw due to injury, Federer is is much more fresh and will be ready to beat Nadal. Since Federer hasn't endured to much stress this tournament, he has the upper hand in this semifinal match. 

Give credit to Nadal for fighting through a knee injury, which he suffered before the Grand Slam tournament began. However, because Federer has played Nadal so much, he knows what it takes to beat him.

With a banged-up knee, Nadal is at an immediate disadvantage against Federer, the man who is always his toughest opponent.  

Federer will make Nadal work too hard, which will in turn lead to a victory for Federer, because he is more prepared for the latest edition of their rivalry. 

Sure, Nadal may have five years on Federer, but it won't matter in this match.

What's more, this won't be played on clay. That's the only surface where Nadal has dominated Federer, but here at the Australian Open, it's Federer who has the edge.

Federer has won four Australian Opens in his career, and he'll continue his quest for the fifth one after he beats Nadal with little to no trouble.