Nadal versus Djokovic – Who will win?

One thing for sure is that we’ll see a fantastic match of tennis in Sunday’s Australian Open final. What are the points to consider in who will win? Here is how they stand:

In Nole’s favour:

- “Owned” Rafa in 2011, destroying him in six finals, dropping only three sets

- Has won twice at Australian Open, making this his most successful Major

- Undisputed Number One, riding high on confidence

- Superb all round game, his serve and backhand are superior to Nadal’s, and is able to match him in defensive play. Spectacular form in attacking from the base line.

In Rafa’s favour:

- Despite the memory of 2011, still leads the head to head 16-13. Rafa remembers beating Djokovic, if not the 2011 model Djokovic

- An extra rest day, with a relatively easy 4 set win compared to Nole’s almost five hour marathon finishing 43 hours before final time

- Ten Grand Slams, 14 finals – superior experience when it comes to the crunch of five set Majors

- Enormous confidence boost from a fantastic win over Fed in the semis.

- The guy you just cannot grind down over five sets, the rough and tumble spirit of body and mind that will see him win

Yes, I pick Rafa to win this one, and start a great year with Majors in Australia, France, and possibly Wimbledon.

See the match with the live TV streams of the final here.