The Australian Open Semifinals: Federer vs. Nadal Should Be a Firecracker Event

It's all set: One more time on the big stage, Federer versus Nadal.

No injuries, no excuses, no worries.

Just the two best tennis players in the world over the last 10 years whacking angled bullets at each other.

Oh yeah.

Since their matches began in 2004, Nadal leads the sport's greatest current rivalry, 17 wins to 9. Nadal is also historically up on Federer in grand slam finals, 7-2. However, Federer is ahead lifetime on hardcourts, 5-4, which could be a factor in Melbourne on Thursday.

But the relevant point about their upcoming showdown at Rod Laver Arena is that both players are playing so well this 2012 ATP season.

In dispatching a golden server like Tomas Berdych in the quarters, Nadal scratched, battled, and mimicked his lion-like, iron-willed self.

Meanwhile in his own quarterfinal, Federer was even more impressive, taking out imposing Juan Martin Del Potro like James Bond taking out an amateur spy.

To wit: In truth, athletic personality-wise, Federer, ranked No. 3, is more Bond, and Nadal, ranked No. 2, more Steven Seagal.

What will happen? No one knows. And if any tennis experts say they do, ignore them and just enjoy the anticipation, then the match.

In the past, Federer's backhand has hurt him against Nadal. But as one writer chronicled in the Juan Martin Del Potro match, Roger, like with a bad relationship, is over that now:

“Watching Federer today against one of those younger double-fisted rivals, Juan Martin del Potro, I had the opposite feeling. I felt like it was Federer’s one-handed backhand that elevated him above del Potro....” http://blogs.tennis.com/thewrap/2012/01/one-hand-tied-behind-his-back.html

Further, Roger Federer can hurt Rafael Nadal with his “mix.” With the aforementioned backhand, Federer can slice it, or go down either line—for winners--better than ever. And, is known, Federer has the forehand of God. He killed Bernard Tomic in the quarters with his lethal variety off of the forehand side.

A key to the match will be if Federer can keep Nadal off balance with this same variety. Nadal is a great runner, but if Federer is on top of his game with “disguise,” and Nadal never knows if he has to come in or protect a certain angle, Federer will win.

As Roger said about his quarters' triumph: "I was able to mix it up well and control the ball, and right away sort of felt confident." http://www.usatoday.com/sports/tennis/story/2012-01-23/australian-open-day-9/52761936/1

With Nadal, the main way he can defeat Federer—and it may sound anti-analytical—is through intimidation, perseverance, and a stiff sincere snarl. As was said when Rafa beat Federer in the Finals of the 2009 Australian: The 22-year-old Nadal has managed to get well and truly inside Federer's head....”http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2009/feb/01/rafael-nadal-roger-federer-australian-open

Rafael Nadal of course possesses a tennis arsenal to die for. Topspin, wicked down-the-line forehands on the run, looping spaghetti lobs, and he has the deception of a thief on his cross-court backhands.

Yet what will allow him to prevail is guile and guts. Nadal knows this all too well. Look for him to glare and growl at officials, Federer—and anyone else—for the purpose of edge.

Nadal himself hinted at the importance of intangibility for his game, after defeating Berdych:

"The character on court, the way to win the points ... the level is very positive, much, much better than the end of the season....” http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/tennis/wires/01/24/3000.ap.ten.australian.open.3rd.ld.writethru.1515/index.html#ixzz1kQBE0eRd

Really, right now, Roger Federer is flying high. He is playing the best tennis of all of the big four, which also includes Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic. And, if Roger Federer wins the Australian Open, he will eclipse Jimmy Connors record of 233 grand slam victories.

Think Rafael Nadal cares? He doesn't. Rafa's on-court insensitivity to Federer's achievements is what always makes their matches a supreme sports treat.