Rafael Nadal Blazes a Trail at the Australian Open

Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after defeating Roger Federer of Switzerland during their semifinal at the Australian Open tennis championship, in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012. (AP Photo/John Donegan) (AP2012)

Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after defeating Roger Federer of Switzerland during their semifinal at the Australian Open tennis championship, in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) (AP2012)

Spain's Rafael Nadal makes a forehand return to Germany's Tommy Haas during their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship, in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012. (AP Photo/Andrew Brownbill) (AP2012)

Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a backhand return to Roger Federer of Switzerland during their semifinal at the Australian Open tennis championship, in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Andrew Brownbill)

Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a shot against Roger Federer of Switzerland during their semifinal at the Australian Open tennis championship, in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a shot against Roger Federer of Switzerland during their semifinal at the Australian Open tennis championship, in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012. (AP Photo/John Donegan)

Rafael Nadal of Spain stretches for a return shot to Roger Federer of Switzerland during their semifinal at the Australian Open tennis championship, in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012. (AP Photo/John Donegan)

Spain's Rafael Nadal waves to the crowd following his second round win over Germany's Tommy Haas at the Australian Open tennis championship, in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012. (AP Photo/Andrew Brownbill) (AP2012)

Spain's Rafael Nadal, right, is congratulated by Germany's Tommy Haas after their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship, in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012. (AP Photo/Andrew Brownbill) (AP2012)

Rafael Nadal of Spain waits to receive serve in the late afternoon light during his first round match against and Alex Kuznetsov of US at the Australian Open. (AP)

Spain's Rafael Nadal waves to the crowd following his first round match against Alex Kuznetsov of the US at the Australian Open tennis championship, in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 16, 2012.  (AP)

Rafael Nadal of Spain makes a backhand return during his first round match against Alex Kuznetsov of US at the Australian Open. (AP)

Spain's Rafael Nadal makes a forehand return to Alex Kuznetsov of the US during their first round match at the Australian Open. (AP)

Spain's Rafael Nadal makes a backhand return to Alex Kuznetsov of the US during their first round match at the Australian Open. (AP)

Spain's Rafael Nadal waves to the crowd following his first round match against Alex Kuznetsov of the US at the Australian Open. (AP)

Spain's Rafael Nadal shakes hands with Alex Kuznetsov, left, of the US following their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship, in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 16, 2012.  (AP)

Spain's Rafael Nadal waves to the crowd following his first round match against Alex Kuznetsov of the US at the Australian Open. (AP)

Spain's Rafael Nadal waves to the crowd following his first round match against Alex Kuznetsov of the US at the Australian Open. (AP)