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In the second 2012 Australian Open semifinal, we find there is a rematch of the 2011 Aussie final between Andy Murry and Novack Djokovic. I’m 99% positive this match will be less interesting than the match between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. It’s still going to be interesting to watch this match, particularly to see how Djokovic handles himself while actually being challenged, Nole has only dropped 1 set the entire tournament.

If you remember the final last year, you might be pondering my statement above, “…how Djokovic handles himself while actually being challenged….” Yes, I do believe that Andy Murray will give Djokovic a run for his money, after all it’s not the final so that specific pressure won’t get to him much I don’t think . Also, Murray will have some momentum after winning their last meeting – though Djokovic retired from the match after what was one of the most impressive tennis seasons in history. Let’s not forget, Murray added a new element to his game, Ivan Lendl as his new coach. Will Lendl help carry him to a victorious match against Novak? Maybe…a tennis coach can only do so much at the professional level, so it’s hard to say what Lendl will give Murray for a big match like this.

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So, it’s come to this my dear friends; Rafael Nadal vs. Roger Federer. A match that hopefully will be remembered by many. Roger Federer, looking to add to his already extensive Major victory resume, seems like he’s out there with the determination to win…and as always, looks relaxed. Rafael Nadal too looks relaxed; but there is something about his game that seems to lack…intensity? Movement?

By the numbers, Nadal dominates Federer; edging the Swiss 17 times of their 26 meetings. However, Federer did win their last meeting (by way of a beat down no less) of 2011, ATP World Tour Finals – Federer won 6-3, 6-0. Granted, their last meeting was at the end of the tennis season, so they were both exhausted by that time. Though, now it’s a new tennis season and it’s a Major, so the steaks are higher.

What are the deciding factors for Federer over Nadal or Nadal over Federer? I can assure you there are plenty.

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Roger Federer

There is a particular body motion in almost every sport or physical activity that a gifted athlete performs intuitively. They know it by ‘feel’, or as being ‘in the zone’. People call them a ‘natural athlete’. But this specific body motion goes completely unseen by those of us watching; even many coaches, trainers, and instructors can’t identify it.

But the athletes’ entire body is engaged in the most efficient, fluid, and seamless flow of motion, resulting in what appears to be effortless power, control, and grace. This unseen dynamic motion and balance is what makes the greatest athletes stand out from the rest.

However, this unique motion is NOT exclusive to top athletes. It can be learned by virtually anyone. And it can be seen in all graceful or natural motion – from a dancer or martial artist, to a waving flag, or a cracking whip. In fact, even a baby uses this same motion to roll over, or when learning to crawl.

Inspired by the works of 20th century scientist and mathematician Rudolf Steiner, it became apparent to Jack Broudy, and his colleague Paul Mayberry, that this particular motion is the ‘mother-form’ of all natural movement, and in particular all ‘natural’ athletes. They also realized it can be learned by anyone.

So, let’s take a look at what this ‘dynamic motion’ is all about.
To start, whether throwing or kicking a ball, swinging a bat, swinging a racquet, a golf club, etc., most good athletes know that a tremendous amount of speed and power can be generated without ever having to move their arms or legs. They do it through simple core-body rotation, which in turn creates coordinated centrifugal force and inertia. This works much the way an Olympic athlete throws a discus. The power and swing is initiated from the core.

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A couple of days ago, I posted the first installment of who is not going to win the 2012 Australian Open and now I present you the second part of my 2012 Australian Open predictions.

In the first part, I described the Americans and French who aren’t going to win, now we move on with the Argentine and Spanish players:

The Argentines

There are quite a few tennis players on the tour from Argentina; David Nalbandian, Juan Martin Del Potro, Juan Ignacio Chela, Gisela Dulko, and Juan Monaco. I’ll start with the only major winner in this group, Juan Martin Del Potro; there’s been quite a lot of buzz surrounding his potential winning 2012 tennis season. Sure, he’ll win some of the smaller to medium tournaments, but I think his chances of winning a major in 2012 are pretty slim – especially with the likes of Djokovic on the receiving end. He had a decent 2011 tennis season, coming off a wrist injury, winning some big matches and losing some deemed to be easy ones as well. I just don’t see the same intensity he had in 2009, it’s like he’s running a little flat. Like I said, I’m sure he’ll do fine, but he’ll probably find it hard to come up with the goods under pressure. Out in fourth round, me thinks.

I’m not quite sure where to place David Nalbandian, he’s been around for ages and he recently turned 30 (happy belated David). How is he still on the tour? I remember a couple of years ago hearing about some major hip surgery that sidelined him for the rest of that year. I have no doubt that it must be hard to come back from that kind of repair. I’m pretty sure Nalbandian will have a decent run and get his points, though I can see him being shown the exit in the second round.

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