Roger Federer can win the Australian Open despite failing to scoop the US Open trophy, according to tennis legend Rod Laver.
The Swiss maestro failed to get anywhere near the US Open in New York, exiting the competition at the quarter-final stage at the hands of Grigor Dimitrov.
Rafael Nadal went on to win the prize instead with the Spaniard overcoming Daniil Medvedev in the final at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Yet, despite that, Laver believes Federer can win the Australian Open for Grand Slam No 21.
“He seems to be fine and that’s what counts,” Laver said.
“If you love the game as much as you do, that’s fine.
“I also give Roger a very good chance of winning the Australian Open again in Melbourne in January.”
Federer won the Australian Open in 2018.
But the trophy went to Novak Djokovic earlier this year with the Serbian blitzing Nadal in the final.
Federer will have even greater determination to triumph Down Under due to Nadal closing the gap on his Grand Slam record at Flushing Meadows.
However, Nadal has already insisted he will be gunning for more Slam glory.
“I have never felt demanded or anything like this,” Nadal told COPE.
“In the end I have always made my way and it is that I will continue to do.
“I will try to do things in the best possible way to continue trying to generate options and that is the illusion and daily work.
“I will try to continue enjoying the special things that have been happening to me for so many years and try to have opportunities to continue living moments like this year’s US Open.”
Nadal has also revealed he’s stepping up his fitness after the draining US Open campaign.
“I spent some very complicated hours with the cramps,” Nadal said.
“I can dress myself now despite I still feel painful.”
