Australian Open 2014 men's singles final preview: Nadal the overwhelming favourite

Stanislas Wawrinka looked relaxed while talking at a press conference ahead of the final

When Wawrinka steps on to the court this Sunday evening inside Rod Laver Arena, there would likely not be much pressure on him. Unlike Federer, who has always been under pressure in an attempt to improve his head-to-head record against the Spaniard whenever the two collide, Stan has no real reason to show his nerves since no one expects him to surprise the left hander, at least for now. Many would agree that it is always better to start a big match as an underdog. Sure, Wawrinka may still be jittery about playing a champion like Nadal in the early going, simply because of the fact that he has never been in this sort of situation before. But if he manages to shed that fear of his, he would be able to play freely.

That said, Rafa himself has been in so many Grand Slam finals before that with the amount of experience behind him, he will start as the overwhelming favourite ahead of Sunday’s final. The only thing that could perhaps go against the 2009 champion is the possibility of him underrating his opponent. But that scenario is also highly unlikely because he Nadal is accustomed to playing even the opening rounds of any Grand Slam as if his life depended on them. So all said and done, Wawrinka simply has to play out of his skin and play every shot better than the World No. 1 in order to fulfil his Grand Slam dream.

Factors which should favour Wawrinka:

Although an upset in the final is only a remote possibility, there are certain factors which can turn the result in the Swiss’ favour.

1. As this is the only Grand Slam which hasn’t yet been won by Nadal more than once, the Spaniard may try to put in an extra bit of effort, and in doing so there is a possibility of him aggravating the pain on the blistered portion of his palm. This may hamper him while hitting his serve and forehand.

2. Wawrinka’s single-handed backhand, although occasionally lacking in consistency, is better equipped to handle the top spin of Nadal as compared to Federer. He has the ability of hitting his backhand cross court and down the line for winners, sometimes even from shoulder height.

3. Having played so many five-setters in the recent past, winning some and losing some, he should not be unduly worried about going the full distance in the final if needed.

4. The prospect of emerging out of the shadows of Federer and becoming the new Swiss No. 1 next week for the first time in his career has given him plenty of confidence to play against the very elite of players.

5. The fact that he has beaten the tournament favourite Novak Djokovic, ending his 28-match winning streak which started last year, should galvanise him to do well against the 2009 champion.