Federer Unsure If He Is The Greatest

`(We`ll) probably never quite know who was the greatest of all time in tennis,` Federer told reporters.

Roger Federer said he was unsure whether he should be considered the greatest ever tennis player after reaching his 18th grand slam final with a 6-2 7-5 7-5 victory over Andy Roddick on Thursday.

Federer will aim to equal Pete Sampras's record of 14 grand slam titles in the Australian Open final against Rafa Nadal or Fernando Verdasco on Sunday.

Federer emulated Sampras by reaching 18 grand slam finals, one fewer than Ivan Lendl, but the Swiss said it was fruitless to compare players from different generations.

"(We'll) probably never quite know who was the greatest of all time in tennis," Federer told reporters. "Of course, if somebody goes off and wins 35 grand slams then you made your point as a player.

"Yeah, I mean, 14 is more the new generation, the Open era, I could maybe become the greatest of all time of that era, but never of all time. I'm very well aware of that."

STILL AMATEUR

The world number two voiced his admiration for Australian Rod Laver, who won two calendar grand slams seven years apart in 1962 and 1969 because he turned professional while the sport was still amateur.

"I'm very well aware of the problems the old generation of Laver and (Ken) Rosewall and all those players faced," said Federer.

"That's why I always said I'm one of the players who's most thankful to them of what they've done for us. Look where prize money is today and the great sites we have.

"That's all thanks to them for not playing for a lot of money and missing out on 20 grand slams."

Federer said he had been surprised at the reaction from pundits and fans who thought he may have lost his touch after a patchy fourth-round win over Tomas Berdych.

"I'm still surprised how quickly the mood swings with the media, with the fans, with everybody," said Federer.

"If I lose a set or two sets against Berdych, everybody is like, 'oh, my God, he's not the same anymore'.

"Then you beat (Juan Martin) Del Potro and everything is back to normal.

"It's just not the way it's supposed to be, I don't think. You don't lose your edge that quickly.

"It's just not possible. I know I'm playing well. I feel good. I know sometimes you can always run into a player that's hot and you can lose.

"I've been able to control my opponents and ...came up with two great victories now against Del Potro and Roddick.

"Usually that's when I start playing my best, towards the end of the tournament.

"I think this is where you should judge a great player."