Roddick gets another shot at Federer

MELBOURNE, Jan 12 (Reuters) Reality bit Andy Roddick today. The American earned a final date with world number one Roger Federer at the invitational Kooyong Classic after firing past British number one Andy Murray 6-4 6-4.

Yesterday's showdown will give Roddick an opportunity to snap a losing eight-match run against the Swiss but with the tournament an exhibition tune-up for next week's Australian Open, Roddick acknowledged a win would amount to very little.

''Let's say I do come out here and beat Roger tomorrow, I wouldn't act like a world beater,'' said Roddick, who was drawn in the same half as Federer for next week's Australian Open.

''In that context, I'd probably have to do it on a bigger stage before you read too much into it.

''(Winning tomorrow) would be nice, it would be great.

''At the same time I'm going to reiterate the fact that we're here for preparation and we're here to kind of get a feel and play some good tennis in a nice environment before the Aussie Open.'' Roddick won the Kooyong title last January, yet his Open campaign was halted in the fourth round by Marcos Baghdatis.

This year things could go awry even earlier as he could collide with 2005 Melbourne Park champion Marat Safin in the last 32.

Hence his main focus tomorrow will be to make some notes on Federer's form in what could turn out to be a dress rehearsal for an Australian Open semi-final battle in two weeks.

''It's always nice to get a shot at Roger,'' said the 24-year-old.

''It's good to be hitting the ball well going into the Australian and it's nice to have played a couple of top level players this week, that's the priority.

''I'm definitely a lot further ahead as far as hitting the ball than I was last year at this time.'' Reuters AY DB1357