Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have been compared and contrasted plenty of times in their career.

The methodical and the inspired; the statesman and the upstart; the righty and the lefty.

But surely there cannot be a greater imbalance between the outlook of the two all-time greats as right now.

After winning more matches than anyone on tour in 2014, Federer said he felt calm, secure and ready to challenge for an 18th grand slam in the Australian Open, beginning ON Monday.

On the other hand, Nadal says he’s simply trying to stick around in Melbourne.

The Spaniard, seeded third after his worst season win-loss ratio in a decade, gave a bleak view of his chances at Melbourne Park.

“I would be lying if I said I feel I am ready to win today,” he said.

“I don’t feel myself ready to win… if I am here in a press conference in one week, maybe I will say another thing.

“Last year, yes… I don’t consider myself one of the favourites here.”

Nadal’s woes are intertwined with injuries that have ruined his last six months.

First a wrist injury forced a three-month lay-off, with lacklustre results on return.

A back complaint adding to his troubles, Nadal then withdrew from the ATP tour finals with appendicitis.

The Spaniard said as much as he practiced, it could not replace competitive time on court.

“You need to play more matches than four of five in seven months,” he said.

“You feel in better shape physically when you play matches, when you have confidence about your movements.

“It is a question of time and work, I am working big time.”

Federer’s fine 2014 season continued into Brisbane’s lead-up event, which he won convincingly over Milos Raonic in the final.

With a Davis Cup success stretching his season, the Swiss master has delayed his off-season until after Melbourne to continue his strong form.

Chasing an elusive 18th major, Federer said he may well be in career-best form.

“I would hope that over the years I’ve always improved,” he said.

“I think I’m serving more consistent and stronger than ever … my backhand is working better than it has in the past.

“My concentration is better than it’s ever been.

“The question is confidence, forehand, movement.”

Those questions will be tested first by Taiwan’s Yen-Hsun Lu, ranked No.46, in the first round on Tuesday.

Nadal will play Russian journeyman Mikhail Youzhny, ranked one spot lower at No.47.