Novak Djokovic goes for a record-extending ninth Australian Open title on Sunday as Russia’s Daniil Medvedev attempts to end the Serb’s dominance and win his first Grand Slam.
The world number one, who has won all eight of his previous Melbourne finals, is aiming for an 18th major title.
Djokovic trails Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, who have 20 each, in the fight to finish with the most men’s Slams.
“He has more experience but more things to lose than me,” said Medvedev.
“I don’t have a lot of pressure because Novak has never lost here in the final. He has all the pressure to get to Roger and Rafa.
“But I think he’s the favourite because he hasn’t lost here.”
Fourth seed Medvedev, 25, will contest his second major final after losing to Spain’s Nadal in an enthralling 2019 US Open final.
After falling short of making an epic comeback in New York, Medvedev has another opportunity to become Russia’s first male major champion since 2005.
Medvedev is in the form of his life, having earned his 20th match win in a row by beating fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in Friday’s semi-final.
Djokovic ready for the ‘battle of the tournament’
If 33-year-old Djokovic is to win his 18th major, he says he will have to solve the puzzles set by “master chess player” Medvedev.
“I’m ready for the battle for the toughest match of the tournament, without a doubt,” said the Serb.
“Medvedev is playing at an extremely high quality. He’s the man to beat.
“I heard Jim Courier calling him a master chess player because of the way he tactically positions himself on the court, and it’s true. You know, he’s definitely a very smart tennis player.”
Djokovic struggled with an abdominal injury earlier in the tournament, saying it would have forced him to withdraw from any event outside of the majors.
But he has recovered and said he suffered no pain in his semi-final win against Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev.
On Saturday, Djokovic practised before a match for the first time since his third-round win over American Taylor Fritz when the problem flared up.