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Australian Open 2017: Roger Federer adopts nothing-to-lose mindset v Rafael Nadal

Roger Federer says he will not let his long-standing rivalry with Rafael Nadal affect his performance in the Australian Open final on Sunday.

The 35-year-old Swiss has met Nadal, 30, in eight Grand Slam finals, most recently at the French Open in 2011.

Federer, attempting to secure his 18th Grand Slam title, has not beaten 14-time major winner Nadal in the final of a Slam since Wimbledon in 2007.

"I've got to have a sort of a nothing-to-lose mentality," said Federer.

"I know this court allows me to play a certain game against Rafa that I cannot do on centre court at the French Open.