MELBOURNE, Jan 31: Top of the world and seemingly untouchable, Roger Federer is a red-hot favourite to slay Russian goliath Marat Safin in the final of the Australian Open on Sunday.

After becoming the first Swiss man to reach number one, second seed Federer will be anxious that his ascent to the top of the world rankings does not fall flat against a resurgent Safin.

The Wimbledon champion pulverised third seed Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-4 6-1 6-4 after convincing wins against Lleyton Hewitt and nemesis David Nalbandian.

However, Federer knows the danger posed by Safin.

Now ranked 86th after an injury-plagued 2003, Safin won five-set battles against top seed Andy Roddick and defending champion Andre Agassi to reach his second Melbourne final.

"Marat has definitely got the game to win these tournaments," said Federer, who is playing his first grand slam since splitting from Swedish coach Peter Lundgren.

"Marat's a nice guy... and it's good to see him back. We're all happy. But we're scared at the same time."

Former world number one Safin, who ended Agassi's 26-match win streak in Melbourne with a 7-6 7-6 5-7 1-6 6-3 semi-final victory, has already made a mockery of his low ranking.

Safin has been making up for a frustrating 2003 - during which he won just 12 matches - and will be on a mission to become the first unseeded Australian Open champion since Mark Edmondson won in 1976.

"I came here to try to win it," shrugged Safin, who lost the 2002 final to Sweden's Thomas Johansson.

"Federer, he has great talent. You have to be careful with him but this is a completely different final. I'm full of confidence and it's a completely different story."

Federer, who has prepared for his matches by hitting with Swiss juniors, is taking nothing for granted. He has beaten Safin three times out of four but each time on clay.

"He's really tough on this surface. You can't get up on him with a kick serve because he's so tall and so strong with his backhand," said Federer, who has never played Safin on a hardcourt.

For Safin, fatigue could be a critical factor. He has battled through three five-setters in six matches.

The 2000 U.S. Open champion could barely stand after his gritty win over Agassi, although an extra day of rest will have helped the recovery process.

The last unseeded player to win a grand slam title was Goran Ivanisevic at Wimbledon in 2001 but Safin will need to find another level altogether to beat an inspired Federer.

Federer, meanwhile, has everything to lose.

He has his credibility on the line after sinking to his knees, Bjorn Borg-style, after beating Ferrero in the semi-final.-Reuters