Australian Open 2012: Why Rafael Nadal Will Again Fall to Novak Djokovic

The stage is set for another Rafael Nadal-Novak Djokovic showdown, pitting the current No. 1 against the former for the seventh time in 10 months.

Based on his impressive four-set semifinal win over Roger Federer, some fans might find it logical to think that Rafa will be able to issue the same fate to Djokovic on Sunday night. Reality will catch up to them, though, when they see that the Serb is far too confident to lose in the final.

Last year alone, the two faced off in six tournament finals, and in all six, Djokovic emerged victorious. Even on the clay courts, where Rafa has been so used to ruling, the Spaniard simply couldn't match the play of his 2011 superior.

In other words, going into this match, Nadal will be contemplating one major issue: How is he supposed to beat a player who consistently exhibits better tennis? The sport is every bit as mental as it is physical, so having this mindset going into a Grand Slam final is not a good start.

It certainly doesn't help that Rafa isn't used to feeling this way before big matches; it is usually the opponent who fears him. Even against longtime rival Federer, the Spaniard goes confidently into matches knowing that he is one of the only players who can break the Swiss legend down.

Djokovic will be entering Rod Laver Arena with a completely different mindset. If he has taken down Rafa so many times recently, why should he have reason to believe that Sunday night will be any different?

Not to mention the fact that in this match, Rafa will be struggling to stay close in the rankings to the dominant Djokovic, while the Serb will be comfortable knowing that even a loss wouldn't tear him down from the high that he is currently on.

Based on the past rounds of play in Melbourne, you can certainly argue that Nadal physically has what it takes to down Djokovic in the final on Sunday night. However, the mental aspect of tennis gives Djok the advantage, and Rafa will once again experience a devastating blow at the hands of his new rival.