Australian Open 2018: Roger Federer backed to win SIXTH title over Rafael Nadal
ROGER FEDERER has been backed to beat Rafael Nadal to a sixth Australian Open title by Mark Philippoussis.
Roger Federer trains ahead of Australian Open
Federer arrives in Melbourne as the defending champion after his memorable five-set win over Nadal last year.
But with doubts over the fitness of Nadal and Novak Djokovic - and Andy Murray already out after hip surgery - Federer is the bookies favourite to win his 20th Grand Slam title.
And former Aussie player Philippoussis believes the Swiss star will begin the event as the man to beat.
"To be quite honest with you, I think it's again either Federer or Nadal," Philippoussis told Omnisport.
To be quite honest with you, I think it's again either Federer or Nadal
“Federer with his game, the fact that at the Australian Open the surface was a lot faster than it has been for many years, it was a plus for him and definitely helped him.
“If the court’s going to stay the same speed then I think it’s great for Nadal as well.
"Federer's very special, what he did was incredible having six months off, coming back and winning his first event which happened to be a grand slam, the Australian Open.
"I'm not saying it's impossible [to happen again], but I don't expect that at all.
"I feel like those guys [Djokovic and Wawrinka], with the games they have, they have to feel their way in a little bit more, get some confidence under their belts before they can play their best tennis.
"It's great to have these guys back, but I just feel like they're going to need some matches and some tournaments to get back into it."