18 Jan 2009

World number two says match practice is vital

9:18 am on 18 January 2009

The Swiss tennis star Roger Federer says many of the world's top players may regret missing this week's Kooyong Classic in Melbourne.

The world number one Rafael Nadal, number four Andy Murray and number eight Andy Roddick are in Melbourne practicising, but opted not to play any competitive matches ahead of the year's first grand slam.

Federer, who easily won the final of the Kooyong event in straight sets against compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka on Saturday, says match practice is vital in the lead-up to the Australian Open next week.