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Melbourne - Andy Roddick's surprising career revival faces the ultimate test on Thursday when he comes up against old nemesis Roger Federer, who is closing in on a record-equalling 14th Grand Slam title.
Once a superstar and now a fringe figure, the slimmed-down, faster American has been one of the tournament's revelations, scything through the draw almost unnoticed to reach his first Grand Slam semi-final in two years.
Roddick, who spoke earlier of his desire to be mentioned among the game's leading lights, admitted he was happy to stay out of the limelight as attention focuses on the current big names.
"I'm probably the least favoured of anybody to make it to the semis here. I'm just going to keep going and keep my head down and keep working," Roddick said.
"I'm not going to get too excited. I'm just going to go about it and try to work through it."
Roddick has shed seven kilos (14 pounds) in the off-season under new coach Larry Stefanki, who believed he was previously too slow for the fast-paced modern game.
The 26-year-old American is reportedly happy with his new physique, eying himself in the locker-room mirrors and showing off his bronzed six-pack during practice.
"You look good, too," he quipped to an admiring reporter.
The slimline approach has paid dividends on court as Roddick encountered little difficulty in his early matches against Xavier Malisse, Fabrice Santoro and Tommy Robredo.
Roddick was also able to outlast defending champion Novak Djokovic, five years his junior, who was overcome by intense heat in their quarter-final and sensationally withdrew.
But the Texan's Grand Slam career can be charted in his defeats to Federer as he has consistently failed to add to his sole Major, the 2003 US Open.
A year after that triumph, which helped him reach the top ranking, Roddick lost out to Federer in his first Wimbledon final, then again the following year and frustratingly, in front of his home fans, at the 2006 US Open final.
"Kill Roger," he said ruefully, when asked how he could win another Slam.
Roddick ended a run of 11 straight defeats to Federer in Miami last year but still trails the second seed 15-2 in career meetings.
Federer also looked in ominous form as he destroyed young Argentine Juan Martin del Potro 6-3, 6-0, 6-0 in his most one-sided victory in the latter stages of a Slam.
The Swiss appeared delighted with the semi-final match-up.
"I'm excited playing Andy. I'm happy for him. He's doing well here again," Federer said.
"Sometimes people expect him to win 25 Grand Slams, and he's one of my generation who was able to stay at this level for five or six years now.
"That's rock-solid. That's why I'm excited to play against him and seeing him create an upset in a big tournament. That's what's been missing for him in the big tournaments lately."
Federer lost in the semis here last year and was beaten in the Roland Garros and Wimbledon finals by Rafael Nadal, who ended his record 237-week stint as world number one.
But he rescued his season by winning his fifth US Open title to move to 13 Grand Slam victories, one fewer than American great Pete Sampras.
Federer has reached the semi-finals at the previous five Australian Opens, winning in 2004, 2006 and 2007, and last failed to reach the quarter-finals in 2003.
Only four other men have won four or more titles here: Roy Emerson, Andre Agassi, Jack Crawford and Ken Rosewall.
