Australian Open 2012: Title Can Extend Djokovic's 2011 into Era of Dominance

Capturing consecutive Australian Open titles would confirm Novak Djokovic's long-term presence as a dominant player past his amazing 2011 season. Djokovic has been a solid player since 2007, but his level of play reached an all-time high a season ago.

He had his famous streak that saw him win 43 consecutive matches to begin the year, and finished with an otherworldly 70-6 overall record. That being said, he ended the year on a downer as injuries began to cost him effectiveness. While he is the top seed in Melbourne, his recent injures did cast some doubt on his ability to defend his title.

Djokovic has answered all of those questions without pause thus far. The Joker has lost only one set on his path to his semifinal clash with fourth-seeded Andy Murray. The men's draw has been chalk, all the way into the final four. 

Second-seeded Rafael Nadal has already dismissed third seed Roger Federer, so a Djokovic win sets up a classic one versus two in the finals. Djokovic defeated Murray in straight sets to earn the 2011 crown, and I predict he will handle Murray easily again this year.

The finals is a different story altogether, though. Nadal is on a mission, and he has much to prove as well. He is recovering from his own set of injuries, and Djokovic's ascent in 2011 cut short an era Nadal had seemingly claimed from Federer. The potential final shapes up as an epic battle of two players near their prime.

I originally chose Nadal as my pick to win the tournament, and I'm going to stick to that, but I wouldn't be shocked to see Djokovic win, either.

These two will likely battle in the final of every Grand Slam this year. Djokovic will win his share to further validate 2011, but Rafa will postpone the Joker's celebration in Australia.

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