Australian Open 2017: Five reasons why Rafael Nadal will defeat Roger Federer in the finals

#4 Confidence returning to Nadal’s game

Nadal has been growing in confidence

Yes, Nadal has been plagued by injuries. But more than the physical ailments, it has been the Spaniard’s mental misgivings that have been pulling him back over the last few years. It was belief and self-confidence which were vital in so many of Rafa’s famous victories. However, somehow, that very confidence has left him down in crucial moments of late.

But not so this time. He was more than ready to go at the start of the tournament and his game has gotten better with each passing round. Nadal’s brutal forehand has struck fear in the tennis fraternity over the course of his career but over the last two years, it went missing. Now, though, it is back and firing on all cylinders.

And not just his forehand, Nadal seems to be confident in his overall game, and he looks to be in control of what is happening on the court. He has already beaten some of the top players in the world on his way to the finals and will be looking to put one past his favourite rival on Sunday.