Federer vs. Nadal: Nadal Clears Major Mental Hurdle at Australian Open 2012

Rafael Nadal did more than just beat Roger Federer Thursday at Melbourne Park—he slayed the dragon once and for all.

This was Federer's last real chance to win the Australian Open, and he played like it for the first five games of the first set, but Nadal slowly wore the 30-year-old down and eventually won the match 6-7 (5), 6-2, 7-6 (5), 6-4.

Not only was it the sixth time in eight chances Nadal has beaten Federer in a Grand Slam but for all intents and purposes, the Spaniard KO'ed the Swissman's last chance at Australian Open glory.

The stage was set for Federer to win, and he couldn't take advantage.

Nadal was battling knee and shoulder injuries while Federer was completely healthy. Federer was riding a 24-match winning streak and had spent almost five hours less on the courts at Melbourne Park than Rafa. In addition to being the beneficiary of a free pass due to an opponent's injury, Federer had yet to lose a single game going into the semis.

With the aggressiveness displayed early on in jumping out to a 4-1 lead in the first start, it looked like Federer was regaining the form of years' past when he was, hands-down, the top player on the tour. 

Instead, Nadal turned on the jets and blew by the old man.

Despite admitting to losing passion for the game and looking like a fool for calling out Federer, he emerged victorious. Rafa knows he owns the No. 3-ranked player in the world, and Thursday's performance was a huge step in rebuilding the massive amount of confidence he once held regularly before succumbing to the year of the Djokster in 2011.

With his self-assurance as high as it's been in more than a year, the 25-year-old heads into the finals at Melbourne Park beaming with confidence.

With his incredible natural talents and feel for the game, that's bad news for the rest of the tour.