Federer primed for 5th Grand Slam title

World number one Roger Federer enters next week's Australian Open as one of the hottest favourites in the tournament's 100-year history.

With three of the four Grand Slam titles in his possession, a huge lead at the top of the world rankings and victories in his past 14 finals, Roger Federer enters next week's Australian Open as one of the hottest favourites in the tournament's 100-year history.

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After winning 11 titles in 2004 with his flowing all-court game, Federer returns to Melbourne Park where he won the event for the first time 12 months ago by beating Russian Marat Safin in a one-sided final.

Federer won his opening outing in Qatar at the start of the month and his confidence is sky-high as he strives for his fifth Grand Slam title.

"I am feeling good," the Swiss said at this week's Kooyong Classic, where he was fine-tuning his game in preparation for the year's first Grand Slam tournament.

"I've had a good start to 2005 and I think it's going to need a good player to beat me in the Australian Open."