Melbourne, Jan. 13 : Thirteen-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer suggested on Tuesday that challenger Andy Murray was no threat to his apiration for another Grand Slam.

Murray, the 21-year-old Scot who cruised from 20th in the world rankings last April to No. 4 by the end of the year, has beaten Federer in their two meetings this month.

He also has a 5-2 record against Federer in official ATP matches, as well as a resounding victory over the Swiss in an exhibition in Abu Dhabi two weeks ago.

As a result of those defeats and his solid end to last season, Murray has been installed as the favourite for the Australian Open which begins in Melbourne next week.

But Federer, who is in Melbourne to play in the pre-Open Kooyong Classic this week, doesn''t necessarily agree with the bookmaker''s assessment.

"Good for him, but it doesn''t help him a whole lot. I''ve been in that position before and didn''t make it. But I''m surprised that the bookies say he''s the favourite. He''s never won a slam," The Age quoted Federer, as saying.

Federer, who will be looking for his 14th grand slam singles title in Melbourne, expressed admiration for Murray''s play.

"I think he''s got used to playing at a high level .... he''s more consistent now," he said.

Federer, who pulled out of the Kooyong tournament with a stomach virus last year, said he is fully fit and feeling good about his game after making his earliest ever start to the tennis year. (ANI)