Melbourne - Stanislas Wawrinka will bid for his first career win over Roger Federer when he plays his Olympic co-gold medalist for the title at the AAMI Classic on Saturday after defeating Fernando Gonzalez 7-6 (7-3), 6-7 (1-7), 6-4.

The 16th-ranked Swiss ended a run of five straight victories in their series for the Chilean, the losing 2007 Australian Open finalist to Federer.

Wawrinka and Federer lifted Beijing doubles gold in August and anchor Switzerland's Davis Cup squad. The frequent practise partners and good friend obviously know each other's games well.

"It's always tough to play Roger, he's one of the best players in the world ever," said Wawrinka, 0-2 against his compatriot. "But tomorrow will be good for me. It's a final, we both want to win."

"Maybe it will be tough mentally and also a bit strange. It's not an ATP final, but it's still a tournament. I need to stay concentrated and focus on my game."

Wawrinka won the opening set against Gonzalez in a tiebreaker, claiming the last seven points. But in the second, the Swiss missed his golden opportunity to close it out in straight sets.

Leading a set and 5-4 after a break, Wawrinka lost his way and dropped his own serve as he aimed for the quick victory, with the Chilean levelling at a set each.

Wawrinka got the last word with a concluding break a set later to end the two-hour contest.

Wawrinka, 23 to Federer's 27 years, goes back a long way, with the celebrated Federer calling himself Stan's "older brother" on the ATP.

"I'm like his older brother on the tour," said the world number two. "It's good to have a guy who has been around the block and knows how things work and can occasionally give you the advice you need."

Wawrinka was particularly pleased to have broken the back of his losing streak against Gonzalez, who could also break Australian hearts if he beats Lleyton Hewitt in the Australian Open first round next week.

"I've lost five times to him," said the Swiss. The last time it was the French Open and I was leading two sets to love. That was a tough one to lose.

"Today was a strange match with a lot of win. It was not easy, I had to focus and try to play aggressive." (dpa)