Rafael Nadal: Rivalry with Roger Federer Will Hit New Heights at Australian Open

The matchup that fans and analysts were hoping to get in the semifinals of the Australian Open was made official early Tuesday morning, when Rafael Nadal knocked off Tomas Berdych to set up another date with Roger Federer. 

These two men have built one of the greatest rivalries in tennis history, and things got a little more interesting before the Australian Open started with Nadal calling out Federer for not speaking out about issues involving players on the tour. 

They did patch things up, so neither player is going to be out for blood. Instead, we are just going to be treated to another match between two of the best players in the history of the sport. 

We have seen Nadal and Federer lock horns so many times before that fans might think there is nothing left to see. They had one of the greatest matches in Wimbledon history back in 2008, and they can't possibly top that. 

The difference is, they don't have to top that match. Instead, we have to just appreciate what this match at this event represents.

For Nadal, this is his chance to put the nail in Federer's coffin. We all have questions about how great Fed-Ex really is at this point in his career, and if he can still keep up with Nadal and Novak Djokovic. 

For Federer, this match is his chance to prove that he is not past his prime. His legacy in the sport is secure, but he has fallen behind Nadal and Djokovic in the last two years. He can get back to the top of the mountain by getting past his greatest rival and, possibly, Djokovic in the finals. 

When you combine those storylines along with the history that Federer and Nadal have, you get one of the best and most anticipated semifinal matches in Grand Slam history. 

No matter what the outcome of the match is, it will have serious ramifications on the ATP Tour the rest of 2012. 

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