Gonzalez ready for Federer test

Fernando Gonzalez faces the daunting task of trying to stop Roger Federer from winning a 10th Grand Slam title in Sunday's Australian Open final. Federer is on a run of 35 matches unbeaten and was in sensational form as he crushed Andy Roddick in the sems.

And with a 9-0 record against Gonzalez, the Swiss is an overwhelming favourite to successfully defend his title.

But the Chilean was hugely impressive in thrashing Tommy Haas in the semis and believes he can cause an upset.

"It will be a tough match, he is the number one by far and he is the favourite," said Gonzalez. "But I am playing much better now. I am going to try and do the same things that I have been doing. I feel on my forehand side I can do whatever I want." Gonzalez has beaten home favourite Lleyton Hewitt, fifth seed James Blake and second seed Rafael Nadal on the way to his first Grand Slam final. "I haven't played long matches and I am feeling really fit and strong now," said the 26-year-old. "I am playing the most important match of my life against the best player for many years. He has to lose some time and I am going to try and do that on Sunday. It's very exciting for me."

Federer will join American Bill Tilden in joint fifth on the all-time Grand Slam titles list with 10 if he wins, behind Pete Sampras's 14.

The Swiss is used to being the favourite but sees Gonzalez as a bigger threat than last year's finalist Marcos Baghdatis, who was ranked 54 when he lost to Federer in four sets.

"I'm surprised to see Fernando in the final," said Federer. "Not anything against him, but I thought that (Nikolay) Davydenko or Nadal would have come through in the end. - BBC