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I’m glad it is over. My body could not take the lack of sleep much longer. But what a tournament it was! I witnessed some exquisite tennis, some heartbreaks, and some surprise breakthroughs. But what were some of the highlights of the 2012 Australian Open? That all depends on who you are pulling for.

One of the more problematic things that happened, was the lack of American tennis players heading deep into week 2 of the tournament. Top ranked American, Mardy Fish got bounced out really early (second round) by Colombian Falla; I thought for sure Mardy would have made a better run in Australia considering his 2011 summer performance. Andy Roddick started off strong, cleaning court with Robin Haase; but being forced to retire against Lleyton Hewitt in the next round with a hamstring injury. Then there is Serena Williams; I’m sure you are shocked that she got whooped by a virtual unknown in the round of 16. You can call her performance whatever you want, but the reality is, Serena got beat – kind of like what she does to others. I was happy (on the inside) that she lost, especially after her comments earlier this year. Just so I don’t only point out the bad stuff, there were some other accomplishments for the American tennis players; the Bryan bothers made the finals but lost to Leander Paes and Radek Stepanek. Also, Taylor Townsend won the Girls Junior Australian Open title, she also paired up with American Gabrielle Andrews to win the Girls Junior Doubles title! So there is a little light at the end of the American tennis drought.

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Looks like there is going to be a repeat of the 2011 US Open final at this years Australian Open. Novak Djokovic will battle against Rafael Nadal, which seems to be the standard these days.

We all know that this is going to be a juicy tennis match, and we all know that each of them have what it takes to go 5 long sets to be crowned the victor; so who is going to be crowned champion? Your guess is about as good as mine. Judging by their meeting history, Nadal should win – leads 16-13; however, the last tennis match that Nadal took from Djokovic was at the 2012 ATP World Tour Finals and before that was the 2010 US Open final. It’s safe to assume that Nadal might not remember entirely how to beat Djokovic (I’m kidding).

Rafa will have to play some smart tennis if he plans to dethrone Djokovic as defending Australian Open champion, here are some of the keys to Nadal winning this match:

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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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