Roger Federer Australian Open
Roger Federer will look to continue his resurgence with a victory over Andy Murray in the Australian Open quarterfinals. Reuters

Roger Federer pulled off perhaps his biggest win in two years when he dispatched two-time Grand Slam winner and reigning Wimbledon Champion Andy Murray in four scintillating sets 6-3, 6-4, 6-7, 6-3 in the quarterfinal round of the Australian Open Championship 2014.

The win is monumental for Federer, who struggled mightily last season and absorbed scrutiny from tennis pundits. With this victory, Federer has made a statement that he's back in form and probably on his way to an 18th Grand Slam crown.

Before the King's coronation, Federer has to overcome his greatest rival of all. Federer's last Grand Slam victory took place at All England Club in 2012, the year Rafael Nadal absorbed a shocking second round exit at the hands of Lukas Rosol of Poland.

Nadal, who underwent rigorous knee rehabilitation after that defeat, came back on fire last season as he bagged 10 titles overall - including the French and U.S. Open Championships.

At the Australian Open, Nadal is seeking to win multiple titles in all four Grand Slam championships. Nadal has at least two titles in the French, Wimbledon and US Open, and is looking for his second crown at Melbourne Park.

But unlike last year, Nadal is facing a far testier task in holding off Federer's resurgence. Nadal has been tested several times over the last few months and even dropped several championship match to Novak Djokovic, who also got stunned by Stanislas Wawrinka in an epic five set quarterfinal.

Federer Has an Edge

According to Tennis expert Chris Chase of USA Today, Federer has a greater shot of toppling Federer than he ever had for these past two years. The analyst said Federer's improving health (back injury), big racket, and the guidance of former world no.1 Stefan Edberg have made wonders for the 17-time Grand Slam champion.

"The victory over Murray on Wednesday night was Federer's biggest since defeating Murray in the 2012 Wimbledon final. For the first time since that match, Federer looked truly at ease on the tennis court," Chase stated.

"His leads didn't feel tenuous. His breaks didn't feel gifted. He was precise and powerful. He was back to gliding on the court. What's led to the Federer resurgence? There are three main things: the racket, the back and the coach," she added.

Federer, loser of 8 out of the last 10 matches against Nadal, may have a chance to stop the Mallorcan Bull in Friday's semifinals. With his confidence at all time high, sky is certainly the limit for Federer in his upcoming clash with his rival.

"So why am I picking Federer? His confidence is the highest it's been in more than a year. The racket and back are better, which has contributed to an improved mindset. The Federer of 2013 wanted to believe he could beat the Nadals and Murrays. The Federer of 2014 actually believes it. I think Federer beats Nadal in four, then tops Tomas Berdych in the final. Then again, he could also go down in straight sets to Rafa. Everything is on the table, just like always," Chase said.