ROGER FEDERER prefers to think of Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic as the favourites for the Australian Open title, which begins to, despite entering as defending champion and having a worry-free preparation.

"I play down my chances just because I don't think a 36-year-old should be a favourite of a tournament," Federer said today on the eve of the year's first grand slam tournament. "It should not be the case.

"That's why I see things more relaxed, you know, at a later stage of my career."