Australian Open 2012: Novak Djokovic Will Continue Dominance of Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal has been on a rampage at the Australian Open, but he will once again fall to Novak Djokovic in the finals.

In 2011, Djokovic proved he's the kryptonite to Nadal's Superman. He ripped off six straight wins against the Spaniard last year,—all of which came in the finals—including four-set victories at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.

Djokovic, the defending Australian Open champion, is 10-5 against Nadal on hardcourt, so he should be right at home in Melbourne. He also has the comfort of knowing that he's capable of taking down the most feared man in tennis.

"I know that I maybe have a mental edge because I've won six finals. ... We played in 2011 and I've had lots of success against him," Djokovic said.

He is entering the finals after a thrilling five-set victory over fourth-ranked Andy Murray, overcoming breathing issues to win 6-3, 3-6, 6-7 (4-7), 6-1, 7-5.

It was a dramatic win, but Nadal questioned Djokovic's health troubles.

"It's funny, no?," Nadal said. "I saw the match on the TV … when he was in the fifth set moving fantastically well, and they show images from 2 hours, 50 (minutes) before and seems like he was destroyed. Two hours 50 later he was in perfect condition. So is difficult to imagine that he has these problems. I don't know."

Nadal is probably right, but that's not the point. Djokovic is riding a wave of confidence into this match, and these little jabs from Nadal will only give him more motivation.

I'm expecting Djokovic to be in top form in the finals. Nadal has had more time off, but three of the last four Aussie Open champions have won after just one day of rest.

Despite the publicity they've received, I doubt the quick turnaround, or Djokovic's health issues will have a major effect on him.

It will be close, but I'm taking Djokovic in another four-set victory.