Why Nadal Can Return to Form in 2012

2010 was the most dominant year in Nadal's career. He took away three out of four major titles, winning his first US Open and taking the French Open-Wimbledon double for the second time. It seemed as though in 2011 it would continue.

But Novak Djokovic suddenly found a means to catapult to the highest echelons of the game, and left Nadal defeated in every final in which they played, including two in Grand Slam events. It was a devastating blow for the Spaniard.

There's reason to believe that 2012 will not be the same, though, as Nadal has tenacity and fighting spirit as no player before him ever has.

Here are 5 reasons Nadal can find his dominant form again next year.

1. Adaptability

Many pigeonholed Nadal as solely a clay court champion early in his career, as his grinding style was not fitting for the faster surfaces against more aggressive minded opponents.

Nadal proved that this was not the case.

He now holds all four major titles, a gold medal in the Olympics and has demonstrated that no surface is foreign to him any more.

This adaptability shows that Nadal can fix the bugs that manifested in his game this year and come back in a big way next year.

2. Precedent

Nadal had rivals early in his career that dominated him, as all players do. He was able to turn their head to head records around dramatically in his favor, adjusting his game to pinpoint their weaknesses and utilize his strengths.

Nadal used to own Djokovic and now their roles have reversed, but there's no reason to believe that Nadal cannot find a means to turn the rivalry back around in the years to follow.

3. Mentality

There's not much to say about Nadal's impenetrable mentality that has not already been said before.

Because of this, a poor showing in 2011 finals could be recovered from much faster than by any other player, and Nadal can start 2012 with new resolve.

4. Endurance

Some are assuming that Nadal is past his prime and into the twilight of his career, and that his dip in form has been what has allowed Djokovic to assert his dominance.

I would argue that this is false.

Nadal is more durable and fit than any other player in tennis history, and next year will prove that he is very much still in his prime but has to adjust his game to better fit Novak's.

5. Heart

Rafael Nadal has the heart of a champion, and the unrelenting competitiveness only seen among the most elite in the sport.

He will not allow a poor year to ruin the rest to follow because many slams and records are still well within his sight and reach. He will find a way to beat Djokovic because that is the Rafael Nadal that has etched himself into every other opponent's memory.