Rafael Nadal: Roger Federer Will Dominate Rival En Route to Novak Djokovic Final

Roger Federer will dominate Rafael Nadal in the semifinal of the 2012 Australian Open to set up a Grand Slam final between world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, who Federer suffered a crushing semifinal defeat to at the US Open in August.

Federer and Nadal have not met in a Grand Slam semifinal since the 2005 French Open at Roland Garros, a match won by the Spanish star. Their last meeting in a Grand Slam final was the 2011 French Open, which Nadal also won.

This matchup will absolutely fantastic to watch, but Federer has been sensational at Melbourne this month and looks as determined as ever to prove his doubters wrong.

The semifinal loss in August was probably a real shock to him, and it was unlike Federer to ruin a great chance to reach another final of a Grand Slam tournament. When you question a champion's ability to win on the biggest stage, they often rise up and show their championship character.

Federer has done that this month, and played in his 1000th tennis match in his quarterfinal win against Juan Martin del Potro. His ability to play at such a high level for so long is spectacular.

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"It’s a lot of matches and a lot tennis,” Federer said via the Washington Post. “Either I have been around for a long time or I’m extremely fit. You decide which way you want to describe it. But I’m happy.”

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Federer's game has looked quite good at this year's Australian Open. His quickness on the baseline has been good, his service game has been consistent, and his reaction/decision making has been sharp.

Fed-Ex always keeps himself in tremendous shape, but the way he's playing in Melbourne this month is nothing short of remarkable.

Federer has defeated all of his opponents at this year's tournament in straight sets, and has just dominated the competition. While Nadal has looked good as well and has played a little better competition than Federer has in Melbourne, the Spaniard will not beat his rival in the semifinals.

Federer has always played well at the Australian Open, and has made the semifinal of the event an astounding nine times. His play on hard surfaces is exceptional, and over the past few months the Swiss star has been increasingly dominant on the hard surface.

Nadal has played a lot of matches over the last few months, he's battled some injuries, and he has not been dominant at this year's Australian Open.

Federer is on a mission to reach the final and avenge his US Open loss to Djokovic, and Nadal won't stop him from setting up a revenge final.

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