Federer and Nadal relishing historic final

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In one corner of this heavyweight bout is world number one Rafael Nadal, the winner of four French Open titles and a coveted Wimbledon crown. In the other, Roger Federer, the man who lost his Wimbledon trophy in that epic battle last year then watched as the Spaniard usurped him at the top of the rankings.

"It's always special playing against Federer in any match. To play in another grand slam final is more exciting," said Nadal, who won all four of his matches against the Swiss maestro last year.

"I'm a little bit unlucky in that I don't know how I'm gonna be for the final. I'm gonna try my best for sure to recover my body and my physical performance.

"But for sure, for me it is amazing to play another final of a grand slam, here in Australia the first one."

Federer agrees that playing Nadal adds a little extra spice to the proceedings, as much for the history between them as for the tennis itself.

The record between them is 12-6 in Nadal's favour - 4-2 to Nadal in grand slam finals - but the Spaniard has never reached a hard court grand slam final until this one, while Sunday's match will be Federer's ninth following five wins at the US Open and three in Melbourne.

"Playing Rafa is obviously more exciting because of the history we have playing in so many grand slam finals.

"Him being the best player in the world at the moment, it would make it a very intriguing match," the world number two added.