Federer vs. Nadal: Aussie Match Will Prove Rivalry Still Has Fire

Novak Djokovic stands as the best player in the world, but Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal still claim the spot as best rivalry in tennis. 

Much has been made at the waning of this epic matchup between the Swiss master and the Spanish giant. Forget every last star, because two of the best will take center stage to the delight of millions. 

The real question has to be what sets this apart. Why will this be any different from every last Grand Slam in the last few years in which Nadal has won?

I am buying into this chapter being the sweetest precisely because Federer will win. Please don't take that as Nadal-fueled hate, rather as an affirmation on how well Federer has been playing since the fall. 

Nadal will no doubt have his game face on and be his usual spry self. In a match that features one 30-year old, it is the 25-year old Nadal that I worry about. 

Shoulder and knee injuries have been relegated to after thoughts, but I wonder how much they can handle in what should be a marathon match of tennis geniuses. 

Then comes the form of Roger Federer. Forget the age, because the Swiss star hasn't looked this refined in years. He hasn't dropped a match since the US Open and has been cruising through the initial rounds at the Aussie. 

Federer plays well when he gets rest, and his dominance has let those legs breath a little when endurance is at a premium. 

While Nadal has had his fair share of dominant results, his showing has demanded far more exertion on the joints. 

With Federer in prime form and Nadal just a tad banged up, we will be in store for a memorable match that will surely showcase anything the Aussie has up her sleeve for the final. 

Federer will be the last man standing tonight in Melbourne, and the match will be the stuff of legend. 

Follow @gabezal