In pursuit of Pete

“The stage is set,” Roger Federer declares, probably well-aware he is writing the perfect prelude to what will be a fascinating main act.

“I hope we can live up to them (expectations) like we did in Wimbledon.”

Indeed, if Sunday’s Australian Open final even nears the epic 2008 All-England Club decider, we’re in for an intriguing contest.

For world No.2 Federer, there are a number of motivating factors when he takes on Rafael Nadal tomorrow night; revenge is just one.

“It’s an unbelievable opportunity for me, of course, you know, not being No. 1 anymore, trying to beat No. 1 in the world and getting the 14th Grand Slam.

“This is where I won the Grand Slam to become No. 1 in the world back in 2004, so I've always had a special liaison with this tournament.”

Federer’s 2004 victory came after winning Wimbledon the previous year. Can his Spanish opponent repeat that feat on Sunday?

“I think it's going to be a close match,” the world No. 2 said. “I think he's playing well, and he showed it throughout the tournament.

“Yesterday his match (against Fernando Verdasco) was fantastic, so I'm looking forward to a great match and then hopefully equal Pete's record.”

Ah yes, Pete’s record. Sampras’ magical tally of 14 – the most talked-about number in tennis.

Perhaps the biggest obstacle in the way of Federer equalling the Grand Slam titles record has been the weight of public expectation.

More recently, this sentiment has turned into a doubting of the Swiss master’s ability, his focus, and his commitment to the game of tennis.

But none of these factors play on Federer’s mind.

“I don't only look at the majors, you know. I still feel every tournament I enter I would like to win it … people are so happy to see me at every tournament I go to. So I can't, just out of respect, say, ‘Look, I only want to win the majors’.

“I do sometimes sense that I'm playing better and sometimes worse. [But] I've always felt like this for the last five years, 10 years. Since I've been No. 1 in the world, I've always had better days and less good days.

“In the end I came through and won the tournament; then you don't look back on the second round. I think this is sometimes when people look at more a little bit today, because they think there is a recline, [sic] but actually there is not. It's a funny way of looking at it.”

Regardless of whether Federer is past his peak as a player, he is still alive in Australian Open 2009.

And ultimately, Grand Slam tournament titles are what the three-time Australian champion craves.

“It gives the most points, it's most rewarding in terms of ranking and in terms of being judged how you're playing. You get the biggest test. It's best‑of‑five sets. That's why obviously Grand Slams are very intriguing.”