Australian Open 2012 Results: 5 Reasons Roger Federer Lost to Rafael Nadal

For the 18th time on the ATP circuit in 27 matches, Rafael Nadal defeated Roger Federer. Despite winning their last match in London, Roger could not match the skills of his long-time rival.

Rafa has a big psychological edge on Roger in his matches, especially in Grand Slam tournaments. The last time Roger defeated his opponent was 2007 Wimbledon (to equal Borg's record of consecutive wins). In Grand Slams, the record goes even more skewed—only two matches won by Roger against eight wins by Rafael.

Let us look at the five reasons why Roger lost in the semifinals of 2012 Australian Open.

Service Jitters for Federer

Federer's service gave him jitters throughout the match. Though he served 11 aces in the match (against four by Nadal), Roger served five double-faults as well (vs. one by Rafael).

Roger had a low percentage of winners on the first (66 percent) and second (55 percent) serves—obvious signs of his serve failing him at critical junctures. 

Right from the second set, Roger's serves became patchy and inconsistent. He could not hold his serve many times in the match, especially visible in the third-set tie-break.

Service Returns, Too, Hurt Roger

Roger could win only 46 of 141 points he received, which amounts to 33 percent. Comparatively, Nadal won a higher 38 percent points received. 

Not only was his service not in prime form, Roger could not break Nadal back just like he was broken. Nadal's service, though slower, was more effective in the final analysis. 

Inaccurate Shots Hit Net Often

In the first set, Roger Federer unleashed an intense, low-backhand crosscourt shot to win the point against Nadal.

Buoyed by the success, Roger tried hitting lower shots in the subsequent sets but without luck. Look at the number of shots that hit the net cord during the sets 2-4.

Forehand Failures

Thirty-six forehand errors from the legend was not expected. When it does come against a rival like Rafael Nadal, the lapses cannot escape from further punishment. 

The Spanish Matador knows how to target his opponent's weakness once he identifies it in the beginning of the match. Nadal knew that he could capitalize on Federer's forehand after the initial points and thus made sure he focused on the forehand of Roger.

Fittingly, the final point was won by Nadal thanks to Federer's forehand.

Mental Makeup

Roger showed in London (December 2011) that he was back. He showed in the earlier rounds of the Australian Open that he had regained his touch. His ruthless performance against Juan Martin del Potro gave hope to his fans that this might be the match Roger turned around his luckless streak against Nadal in Grand Slams.

Alas, it was not to be. He started all right but probably the fireworks disturbed him from the second set. Errors crept into his game and his serves deserted him. Was this because he was playing his long-time nemesis once again?

Whatever it is, a mental conditioning coach, especially when he plays against Nadal, is what Federer needs.