Federer's glad to see the back of Murray

Roger Federer admitted today he is relieved not to be playing Andy Murray in his final event before next week's Australian Open.

Both of Federer's defeats this year have been against Murray, who yesterday revealed he is no longer scared of facing the world No2.

After an easy 6-2, 6-3 victory over Spain's Carlos Moya in the Kooyong Classic in Melbourne, Federer said he is happy neither Murray or world No1 Rafael Nadal are opponents this week. He said: "Honestly, I'd rather not play them.

"I don't know how good it really is playing your main rivals in sort of an exhibition the week before a big event. You might not see the real guys playing each other."

This was Federer's first match since his defeat to the British No1 in the semi-finals of the Qatar Open last week. The Swiss star needed just 57 minutes to beat the world No41 but insisted the match had been beneficial as he prepares for the first grand slam of the season.

"I'm getting used to the conditions here and the way the ball flies," said Federer. "It's more about getting my footwork right, getting used to the bounce and seeing how high it is and the way the ball spins and reacts to the court.

"There was a bit of rust in the beginning and I missed a few forehands but I thought it was good match overall."

He meets Fernando Verdasco next after the Spaniard beat Croatia's Marin Cilic 62, 7-5.

Federer's Beijing Olympics gold-medal winning doubles partner Stanislas Wawrinka had earlier wasted little time in beating Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis 6-2, 6-2.