2012 Australian Open: Loss to Rafael Nadal Proves Roger Federer Needs to Change

For anything positive to come out of falling to Rafael Nadal in the seminfals of the 2012 Australian Open, Roger Federer must first understand it's time for a change.

Nadal defeated Federer 6-7 (5), 6-2, 7-6 (5), 6-4 to move onto the final round, where he will square off against Djokovic. While Federer's loss doesn't come as too much of a surprise, it's not exactly easy for him or his fans to stomach.

Federer is not the player he was three years ago, and Grand Slam titles are only going to be harder to come by for the 30-year-old, with Nadal and Djokovic currently playing the best tennis of their careers. Does that mean Federer will never take home a major title again? No, but to do so, he's going to have to become an advocate for change.

After leading by a set and a break, Federer underwent a massive collapse. It was not a collapse in capability, but rather a full-blown lapse of judgment. He became much too aggressive from his forehand side, attempting to overpower Nadal's forehand. That may work from time to time, but on an entire match basis? Not so much.

It's also hard to win against one of the world's best when you keep hitting you're approach shots to his forehand as well. Any player on the tour—or most at least—will concur that approaching on an opponent's forehand is often a suicide mission. Federer did nothing to disprove this theory.

Most of Federer's bad shots were not out of necessity or hit because he was on the defensive, but were a result of him simply trying to do too much.

Perhaps he knew that this match meant much more than a shot at winning the Australian Open. Perhaps he wanted to prove he could still overpower younger guns. Or perhaps he truly thought his tactics were of sound mind. Whatever the reasoning, Federer simply attempted to accomplish too much under the spotlight.

At this stage in Federer's career, his remaining power is a great asset. He can hit monster forehands consistently, and has the footwork necessary to cover the ground well. That being said, he has never been able to drown Nadal simply by hitting monster strokes, even in his prime, and it's not going to work now.

Federer's latest loss to Nadal must serve as a wake up call. If he is serious about living up to his moniker as the greatest ever, he must find a way to adapt his game to the ever improving ones of Nadal and Djokovic.

Realistically, at any given tournament, Federer will have to beat both Nadal and Djokovic to take home a trophy; he'll have to pass Nadal just to earn a shot Djokovic. These aren't favorable circumstances for anyone, including Federer, but they are not impossible ones either.

It must be reiterated that Federer didn't fall to Nadal due to a lack of skill or because he is past his prime. He lost because his game plan against familiar faces has failed to evolve the way theirs have. He is still intent on using his power, when sometimes a well-placed shot can go much further.

Federer's time to shine hasn't fully passed; he has the tools to beat anyone he plays. It's just a matter of understanding that sometimes, a little more whit, and a little less brawn, can go a long way.

Follow @danfavale