Zverev, 20, is one of the ATP Tour’s most highly rated youngsters and has already climbed to No 4 in the world rankings.

The German produced career-best performances in three of the four Grand Slams in 2017 and won his first two Masters titles to announce himself on the world stage.

He also secured a second career victory over Federer, in the final of the Canadian Open.

And although Zverev still holds a 3-2 losing record against the Swiss, Federer believes his pre-season preparations have put him in place to go beyond last year’s effort in the Australian Open, when he pushed Rafael Nadal to five sets in the third round.

“I think every year that goes by [Zverev] is only going to become stronger at the Slam level,” said Federer.

“He’s going to be very tough to beat here at the Australian Open.

“I think he’s doing all the right things.

“He had a great pre-season, he arrived early here in Perth.

“He’s put in some sacrifices.”

Zverev could finish off his preparations for the first Grand Slam of the year on January 15 with a match against Federer.

Despite a defeat to David Goffin, Zverev’s German team look set to qualify for Saturday’s Hopman Cup final where they could meet Federer’s Switzerland.

And while a victory or a defeat will not net him any ranking points in the non-ATP tournament, the 6ft 6in youngster believes the added experience cannot be a bad thing.

“The first time I came here I was 18 years old, I was ranked 80 something in the world, now I’m the No 4,” said Zverev, who teamed with Andrea Petkovic in 2017.

“Things have changed a little bit but obviously I don’t want to stop here.

“I keep wanting to improve and keep wanting to get better because there is so much more I can accomplish.”