Reigning champ Roger Federer says Rafael Nadal is the favourite for the Australian Open starting on Monday, but the Spaniard won't buy that label. Does he think the cool Swiss is playing mind games? Probably

Reigning champion Roger Federer piled pressure on Rafael Nadal on Saturday by calling him "favourite" for the Australian Open, where the Spaniard is gunning for his fourth major title in a row.

Federer said he was sure the World No 1 would be untroubled by his recent illness as he bids to unite all four Grand Slams for the first time since 1969.

Roger Federer

"He's been the one dominating the Slams," Federer said. "Had hardly any tough matches in the last three Slams. That makes him favourite. I don't have any problems not being favourite, really."

Defeat here would leave Federer without a Grand Slam title in his locker for the first time since 2003, when he began his world record run of 16 major titles with his maiden Wimbledon win.

Nadal is bidding to emulate Federer's idol Rod Laver by adding the Australian title to his French Open, Wimbledon and US Open crowns, which would put him on 10 Grand Slam wins.

Fever
But the 24-year-old Spaniard, who is trying to shake off a fever which saw him heavily beaten in the Qatar Open semis, denied he was favourite and said Federer was a better bet for the Australian title.

"If I play at my best level, I can have a chance to be in the second week, and there we will see what happens," Nadal said. "Every match will be really difficult, so I have to be ready for everything.

Rafael Nadal hits a forehand during a practice session ahead of the 2011 Australian Open at Melbourne Park earlier in the week PIC/GETTY IMAGES Read More Read Next Story Sharapova accuses NZ journo of stalking her› Trending Stories Latest Photos Latest Videos Latest Web Stories ADVERTISEMENT Ganeshotsav 2026 View Details ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT