Australian Open 2012 Schedule: Day 11 TV Schedule, Matches and Bracket Guide

So much for dark horses in the 2012 Australian Open.

As we head into the semifinals, there haven't been many surprises. In Day 10, world No. 1 Novak Djokovic defeated David Ferrer, 6-4, 7-6(4), 6-1, and world No. 4 Andy Murray disposed of Kei Nishikori, 6-3, 6-3, 6-1.

On the women's side, world No. 2 Petra Kvitova used her power game to defeat Sara Errani, 6-4, 6-4, while Maria Sharapova knocked off fellow Russian Ekaterina Makarova, 6-2, 6-3.

Thursday in Melbourne promises to be a fantastic day of tennis. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal continue their rivalry in the semifinals, while defending champion Kim Clijsters goes up against Victoria Azarenka.

Nadal appears to be the popular choice in the two legends' matchup on Thursday. Nadal has a 17-9 career record against Federer and has won six of their eight Grand Slam finals. Nadal also held a 3-1 record against Federer in 2011, although he did lose in their final match of the year at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

But Federer does have some things working in his favor. He will be playing Nadal at night in Melbourne, meaning Nadal won't have the same zip on his balls as he's had during his day matches in the tournament.

Federer also looked masterful in the quarterfinals against Juan Martin del Potro, defeating him in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, 6-2. Some thought del Potro played below his abilities in that match, but I believe Federer simply broke him after the first set—everything good del Potro did was overshadowed by numerous baseline hits by Federer.

Federer looked like vintage Fed-Ex, better than last year.

On the women's side, Clijsters versus Azarenka should be a highly competitive match. I had Clijsters defending this year and nothing she's done has convinced me otherwise. Azarenka got to the semifinals by knocking off eighth-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska in the quarterfinals, 6-7 (0-7), 6-0, 6-2.

Clijsters owns the head-to-head matchup, 4-2, but Azarenka beat her in their last match at the Miami WTA Premier, 6-3, 6-3.

In my opinion, Clijsters will win this match. I admire the way Azarenka battled back against Radwanska, but Clijsters showed the form in the quarterfinals against world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki that won her the Australian Open in 2011. She won, 6-3, 7-6, on Tuesday, and she hasn't appeared to have a problem coming off a left hip injury yet this year.

Plus, the twisted ankle she sustained against Li Na in the fourth round didn't appear to be a problem against Wozniacki, as she dominated from the baseline throughout the match.

One thing's for sure: Do not miss either semifinals match.

Coverage begins at 7 p.m. EST on the Tennis Channel and continues from 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. and from 3:30 a.m. to 6 a.m. EST on ESPN2.

DirecTV subscribers can also catch every match through the Australian Open Experience.

You can find a full schedule below and at the official website of the Australian Open.

Rod Laver Arena 11:00 AM		Not Before:1:30 PM   Women's Singles - Semifinals   Kim Clijsters(BEL)[11] vs.   Victoria Azarenka(BLR)[3]   Women's Singles - Semifinals   Maria Sharapova(RUS)[4] vs.   Petra Kvitova(CZE)[2]

	Rod Laver Arena 7:30 PM		Men's Singles - Semifinals   Roger Federer(SUI)[3] vs.   Rafael Nadal(ESP)[2]