FED: RAFA HAS EDGE OVER ME
ROGER FEDERER claims Rafa Nadal is favourite to win their dream final at the Australian Open today.
The Swiss superstar is the bookies’ choice to win his 18th Grand Slam title after rolling back the years by beating three top-10 players in Melbourne.
But Nadal also looked back to his brutal best in defeating Federer-clone Grigor Dimitrov in his semi-final. The Spaniard enjoys a winning 23-11 record against Federer and is 6-2 up in Grand Slam finals, including here in 2009 when he reduced his opponent to tears.
Federer, who insisted he will be untroubled by his nagging groin strain, said: “Rafa is more of a favourite than I am. From myself I didn’t expect big things but from Rafa I did because I know how good he is.
“I watched the semi-final with my team for the whole five hours. Usually I watch as a fan but I watched it half as a fan half as an analyst.”
Both Federer and Nadal have recaptured their old form after injuries cut short their seasons last year.
The Swiss had a recurring knee injury while Nadal needed to rest his wrist. But his coach Toni Nadal said : “I am always I surprised by his level of performance – Rafael has been unbelievable. But many times he has done the same after injuries.” SERENA WILLIAMS admitted it is “crazy” to be officially the greatest player of the modern era after claiming her 23rd Grand Slam title.
The new World No.1 won her seventh Australian Open title with a 6-4 6-4 victory over sister Venus.