Federer eyes historic 14th Slam

AUSTRALIAN OPEN
Venue: Melbourne Park Date: 19 January-1 February
Coverage: Men's final, Sunday 0830 GMT, BBC Two, BBC Red Button, Radio 5 Live sports extra, BBC Sport website

---

Federer and Nadal will play each other for the 19th time on Sunday

Roger Federer will attempt to equal the all-time record for Grand Slam titles when he takes on Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open final on Sunday.

The Swiss world number two will match Pete Sampras's mark of 14 major titles if he beats the Spaniard in Melbourne.

Nadal, the world number one, is looking for his sixth Grand Slam crown, first in Australia and first on hard courts.

It will be the first time that the pair have met since their epic Wimbledon final, which Nadal won in five sets.

The Spaniard holds a 12-6 lead in career meetings and has won four of their six Grand Slam final clashes, three of which came on clay at the French Open.

I'd prefer another opponent but that's what makes the sport so big, finals like this Rafael Nadal

However, Federer was back to his best when he won the last major title on hard courts at the US Open in September and has had the advantage of an extra day's rest going into Sunday's final.

Nadal, on the other hand, was involved in the longest match in Australian Open history as he took five hours 14 minutes to beat Fernando Verdasco in the second semi-final.

"I don't think it's really going to affect Rafa that much," said Federer. "He's had very easy matches going into this semi-final.

"OK, he has a day less. But, look, you got to be fit and recover from this kind of a match. I think he will, even though he took a while.

ROGER FEDERER Age: 27 Turned pro: 1998 Titles: 57 Grand Slam titles: 13 (5 Wimbledon, 5 US Open, 3 Australian) Prize money: $44.6m

"His matches usually take longer than other matches because he takes his time out on the court. I don't think he will be really affected on Sunday."

Asked if he felt it was unfair to play the semi-finals on consecutive days, Federer responded: "I don't think so. I mean, you still got a day off. It's not like he has to play right now, so this is a different story.

"I mean, it's just the way it is. You know, the US Open, we have the same problem over there. At the US Open we have no days off, so let's be happy we have a day off here, to be quite honest."

And the 27-year-old Swiss is relishing the opportunity to make history with a 14th Grand Slam crown.

Music montage: The best final?

"It's an unbelievable opportunity for me, of course, not being number one any more, trying to beat number one in the world and getting the 14th Grand Slam.

"This is where I won the Grand Slam to become number one in the world back in 2004 really, so I've always had a specially liaison with this tournament.

"The stage is set, basically, for a great match. I hope we can live up to them like we did in Wimbledon.

"I think it's going to be a close match. I think he's playing well, and he showed it throughout the tournament.

"Yesterday his match was fantastic, so I'm looking forward to a great match and then hopefully equal Pete's record."

RAFAEL NADAL Age: 22 Turned pro: 2001 Titles: 31 Grand Slam titles: 5 (4 French Open, 1 Wimbledon) Prize money: $20.8m

For Nadal, the final is an opportunity to cement his place as the world's top player and take a first Grand Slam title on hard courts after his victories in Paris and Wimbledon.

But after his marathon semi-final the 22-year-old admitted he would rather not have to face the three-time Australian champion Federer.

"It is always special to play against Federer but to play another final of a Grand Slam (against him) is more exciting," said Nadal.

"For sure, I'd prefer another opponent but that's what makes the sport so big, finals like this."

He added: "I don't know how I'm going to be for the final.

"I'm going to try my best to recover my body and my physical performance but after a match like this, the next day you feel much heavier."

• how to lose weight
• Nail fungus treatment
• buy cialis soft tabs