MELBOURNE - An innocuous stomach virus may be the advantage the rest of the men's field need to stop world number one Roger Federer winning his third successive Australian Open title.

Switzerland's Roger Federer (L) points to his stomach as he talks to his girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec as he rests during his practice session at Melbourne Park January 10, 2008 ahead of the Australian Open tennis tournament, which begins on Monday. [Agencies] The virus forced the 26-year-old to withdraw from his traditional build-up to the Open at the invitational Kooyong Classic and with him also skipping the Doha tournament last week, he will enter Melbourne Park with no match practice.

The last person to enter the season's opening grand slam 'cold' and win the title was Andre Agassi in 1995, though one of Federer's closest rivals doubts the lack of matches would effect the Swiss too much.

"I can safely say that none of us are worried about Roger's preparations for the Open," world number six Andy Roddick told reporters ahead of the January 14-27 tournament.

"Obviously this (Kooyong) is good preparation for him. It seems to be a good formula for him to come here and prepare for the Open then go beat up on the rest of us next week.

"It certainly won't help (lack of match practice), but if anyone can take care of himself and play his way into form then it's probably Roger."

Federer, arguably the greatest player to have picked up a tennis racket, is seeking his fourth Australian Open trophy and 13th grand slam title.

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