Australian Open 2012: Stage Is Set for Rafael Nadal to Upset Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are about to square off in one of the most highly anticipated, as well as predicted, Australian Open finals matches the world has seen. And amidst all the pre-match madness, the stage has been set for Nadal to pull off the upset.

Djokovic and Nadal are no stranger to each other, having met 30 times before, but since 2011, Nadal has become a stranger to defeating the Serbian. That being said, there has never been a better chance for Nadal to come out on top.

The match will not be played on clay, Djokovic's stamina has improved drastically over the past year and Nadal has never been a lock in any of their meetings to begin with, so why exactly should any faith be placed in the Spaniard?

Because of Andy Murray.

Murray forced Djokovic to earn a victory in the worst way, putting him through a grueling five sets while finding ways to visibly rattle the world's top-ranked player. Now, not only is Djokovic coming into the final against Nadal tired, but also exposed.

Murray has created numerous openings for Nadal to burst through, none more significant than positioning. Murray was at his best from inside the baseline, where he was able to hit more than his fair share of winners. Nadal must duplicate this strategy, as his natural advantage as a lefty isn't as prevalent against Djokovic's strong backhand.

Nadal has been burned by Djokovic's backhand before, so he knows the importance of establishing an alternative game plan. Murray has done that for him.

By performing efficiently from just inside or atop the baseline, Nadal increases his control over Djokovic's positioning as well. It provides him with more of an opportunity to keep Djokovic further past the baseline, thus leaving the door ajar for him to make a play at the net as well.

Djokovic has had his share of struggles throughout the tournament, more so than many believed he would, but those glimpses of mortality are not nearly enough for Nadal to count on; Djokovic isn't going to defeat himself.

To emerge the victor, the keys for Nadal are, and always have been, keeping Djokovic on the move to render him exhausted and exploiting one the few weaknesses he has. Thanks to Murray, such tasks will be easier to execute on Nadal's part.

Nadal is far from a lock to defeat the world's best player, yet he's closer than he's arguably been over the last year. If he is able to take advantage of the circumstances that have been presented, there is a strong chance he is crowned the champion.

And should that happen, Nadal will be indebted to Murray, as his performance against Djokovic will prove to be the X-factor behind any upset.

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