Australian Open 2012: Rafael Nadal Has The Look of a Champion at Melbourne Park

Unless you were one of the few that watched the match at 3:30 a.m. EST, you didn’t get a chance to see the energy and fire Rafael Nadal played with Thursday at the Australian Open.

That whole thing about losing passion for the sport? Just kidding.

Nadal was pumping his fists, slapping his racket and yelling up a storm as he took the best punch the aging Roger Federer could offer and delivered a remarkable 6-7, 6-2, 7-6, 6-4 win.

Time and time again he won points because of his hustle and overall will to win. Hands down this was his most passionate performance in over a year. This bodes well for him as he collects an additional day of rest while waiting for the winner of Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.

Regardless of who wins, advantage Nadal.

Sure Djoker dominated Nadal in 2011, but it’s a new year and what looks to be a new outlook on life for Rafa. Maybe it was all of the negative media attention he received for his comments regarding Federer, or maybe it’s just a case of rest.

Nadal wasn’t happy with the grueling summer schedule as he watched his body break down right before his eyes. With a few months of rest, he looks to be in the best physical shape since his dominant 2010 run that watched him win three of the four Grand Slams.

Nadal has always played with strong emotions and last year he seemed lifeless for whatever reason. This year he’s got a different look in his eye.

At one moment in the final set of Nadal’s semi’s win, the ESPN cameras caught a close-up of Nadal’s face as he awaited a Federer serve. The facial expression he presented sent a chill through my bones. This guy was locked in with a snarl across his mouth and a fire in his eye. Nadal looked like somebody who knew he was about to win.

And win he did.

Now with the opportunity to capture his second career championship at Melbourne Park, he is locked in. The focus is there and the passion is back.