Can Rafael Nadal still beat or match Roger Federer's 16slams record?

Very tough to predict these things accurately. I'd say it's possible, but given the way Djokovic played last year, it's going to be a bit more difficult for Rafa to duplicate what Federer has done.

His gritty, run-everything-down style of play appears likely take its toll at some point, as it did a couple of years ago when he had to withdraw from Wimbledon due to knee problems. If he rests himself wisely and correctly along the way, he ought to be able to mitigate the knee weakness.

He is, of course, a *superstar* tennis player, so I wouldn't count him out for winning several more Grand Slam titles :-)

At this moment, I feel that if anyone can overtake or match Federer's record, is Nadal. If you look at the top 10, all of them are either too old or are just incapable. Murray and Djokovic are the younger ones, but Murray will be lucky to even win 1-2 slams in his career with the horrible luck that he has and Djokovic, well even after this amazing year, he is 24 with 4 slam titles while Federer had 8 slam titles at the age of 24. After seeing Djokovic's amazing year and Federer's less amazing one, people sometimes start to forget about just how legendary Federer was. If Djokovic wants to be anywhere as good, he needs to catch up fast. The chances of that happening aren't big at all. Just like Nadal having an amazing year in 2010 and then a less amazing one in 2011, I think Djokovic won't have a great 2012. But men's tennis is starting to get more unpredictable so really, anything can happen.

But this question is about Nadal so let me get back to that now haha. As I said above, if anyone will beat the record, he will. He is only 1 year older than Djokovic but has 6 more slam titles. Also, his chances at the French Open are so huge, that he is guarenteed to win more titles there. I predict that Nadal will retire at the age of 29 (he could play until 30 but his playing style is so tiring that he will be tired out by then and without his amazing form and stamina, he'll have trouble winning anything). Playing until he's 29 would mean that he participates in 4 more French Opens, out of which I think he'll win at least 3. That basically guarentees him at least 13 slams. Once Roger Federer retires, he'll have a good chance at winning another wimbledon, so I think he'll get one of those too. Eventually he'll win another US Open and Australian Open too, because these past few times he's always been so close. That would give him 16 slams, just like Federer.

If he has another amazing year like he did in 2010, he could win even more than that and beat the 16 slams record. However, I doubt it. I see that he is tiring out and injuries are starting to take a toll on him. Nadal is nowhere from being done and will win much more. But will he ever dominate again like he did in 2010? No, not with players like Djokovic, Murray, Federer, Tsonga, etc. there to stop him.

Part of me really hopes he ends with 16 slams. The Federer-Nadal rivalry is the best ever, in my opinion and nothing could make it better than having them both end their careers with the tied record of 16 slams.

BQ:

Australian Open - Murray

Murray has always been so close and I feel like 2012 will finally be his year.

French Open - Nadal

Can't imagine anyone taking this title from him.

Wimbledon - Federer

This is the one I'm not sure about, because Federer's age can cause him to decline more, but his season ending in 2011 was so spectacular that if he can anything near that well, he could win this slam, which has always been his favorite.

US Open - Djokovic

Djokovic will win at least one slam in 2012. There's no way he can repeat his amazing season, but he'll AT LEAST one slam and the US Open has always been the one he has the greatest chance in I believe.

Olympics - Federer

Federer will win the Olympics for two reasons:

1.) It is played a bare week after Wimbledon. The players will be exhausted. However, even though Federer is the oldest, he is known for never getting injured and coping very well with the highly demanding ATP tour schedule. He will cope better with these big back to back tournaments than the other players.

2.) It is played on grass, Federer's best surface.

Federer will also likely do well at Wimbledon, giving him that extra confidence needed for him to win olympic gold.

Anything is possible I guess you can say, but I highly doubt it, with his injuries. Novak has shown to become a threat last year, and who knows if Del Potro will step up. Federer is still winning slams at his age and youd think hed slow up.

I predict Federer will win 3 of the 4 majors this year(not the french), and Novak the olympic gold(if he doesnt get hurt again somehow)

Yes, Nadal is still young and has a lot more years in him. And he is only a few Grand Slams behind Federer.

BQ:

Australian Open: Djokovic

French Open: Nadal

Wimbledon: Nadal

US Open: Djokovic

Olympic Gold: Nadal

No. His style is too hard on the body. He won't be able to compete the way he does now when he gets to his 30s.

no