Nadal vs Djokovic: Historic Australian Open Final a Preview of Great 2012 Season

The 2012 Australian Open final between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal was one of the greatest matches in tennis history, and it was a spectacular preview for what the remainder of the 2012 tennis season should be like.

With three more Grand Slam tournaments left to play in addition to the Summer Olympic Games in London, this year will be one for the ages.

At the Australian Open this month, tennis fans were treated to some thrilling matches between star players. The final was a five-set thriller, but the semifinals were amazing too. Djokovic defeated Andy Murray in one exciting semifinal, and Nadal beat Roger Federer in the other.

As the French Open at Roland Garros approaches, there are several reasons to be excited about this season.

One reason is Djokovic has a tremendous chance of winning each Grand Slam tournament this season, which would be a fantastic accomplishment. With his triumph in Melbourne this month, he became the fifth men's player to win three straight Grand Slam titles since 1968—the year the Open Era began.

With Nadal's great success at the French Open clay courts, and Federer's skill on the grass surface at Wimbledon, Djokovic will certainly have some epic battles with these rivals in the coming months.

Before the US Open in August, the Summer Olympics in London, England will take place, and tennis will be one of the most exciting events. Nadal will be looking to defend his Gold Medal from the 2008 Olympic games in Beijing, and will face stiff competition from the likes of Djokovic, Federer, Murray and others.

From May through September tennis fans will be treated to five months of extraordinary tennis that will make 2012 one of the most memorable years in the sport's history.