French Open 2012 Draw: Examining the Best Potential Finals Matchups

History will be made at the 2012 French Open. 

Rafael Nadal has a chance to win his record-breaking seventh title at Roland Garros. Novak Djokovic can become the third player to win four straight grand slam titles if he emerges victorious in Paris. 

Roger Federer, a fading yet still formidable challenger to those two, would have at least two victories in all the Grand Slam events, a remarkable feat that would distinctly demonstrate his longevity. 

Andy Murray can't be counted out, either. 

The No. 4 seed is in his prime and is looking to break through for his first Grand Slam title. 

Let's look at the best potential finals matchups. 

No. 4 Andy Murray vs. No. 1 Novak Djokovic

Murray has the talent, skill and passionate determination to compete at Roland Garros this year. In the semi-finals of the Dubai Open, Murray upended the world's No. 1 in straight sets 6-2, 7-5, but fell to Federer in the finals. 

In the Miami Masters, he was easily dispatched by Djokovic in the finals 6-1, 7-6. 

Murray's yet to reach the finals at the French Open, but he did reach the semi-finals last year. 

Both Djokovic and Murray play with an aggressive and powerful demeanor on the court, and although Djoker would be the presumptive favorite, Murray can never be counted out as a guy who can feed off emotion from the crowd and translate it into stretches of fabulous tennis. 

No. 3 Roger Federer vs. No. 2 Rafael Nadal

What's more classic than a Federer vs. Nadal matchup? This era's version of Sampras vs. Agassi. While Spain's tennis legend has had the number of Switzerland's finest of late, Federer is still a fine player capable of winning Grand Slam titles. 

Federer's only French Open title came in 2009 when Nadal stumbled against Robin Söderling. 

Federer was competitive against Nadal in the semi-finals of the 2012 Australian Masters, but was defeated in four sets. Since then, he won in Rotterdam, Dubai and Indian Wells. 

Is his career again on the upturn? 

Roland Garros will be a stern test. Nadal would be the ultimate challenge in the finals. 

No. 1 Novak Djokovic vs. No. 2 Rafael Nadal 

This is the final we all want to see—the No. 1 and No. 2 players in the world clashing on the clay courts where Rafa's dominated throughout his career. 

Nadal holds an 18-14 all-time head-to-head advantage and is 11-2 on clay against Djokovic. 

However, the Djoker beat Nadal in the finals of last year's Wimbledon and U.S. Open. He won his third straight slam by defeating Nadal in this year's Australian Open final. 

In their last meeting at the Rome Masters, Nadal triumphed. 

There aren't two players who are more evenly matched than Djokovic and Nadal and this battle would draw the biggest ratings. 

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