That is according to former world number four Robin Soderling.

Federer won the Open for the fifth time in January when he overcame Rafael Nadal in a dramatic five-set final.

Next year’s event has an added layer of intrigue with the expected return from injury of Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka.

Nadal and Federer dominated the Grand Slams this year, winning two apiece, and ended the season as the top two in the world rankings.

But Soderling believes Federer holds the edge over his great rival ahead of Melbourne.

He told Tennismash: “I wouldn’t be surprised if Novak and Andy do well, but I think Federer (will win). 

“When Federer played his best last year, no one could match it.

"Not even Nadal.”

Federer skipped the clay court season this year to remain fresh which hurt his chances of being world number one.

And Soderling, who was beaten by Federer and then Nadal in the 2009 and 2010 French Open finals respectively, feels the Swiss star would be the world’s best if he had played on clay.

He said: “Rafa finished the year world No.1, but if Roger would have played the clay season he would have finished as No.1.”