Bernard Tomic believes it is the 'perfect time' to face Roger Federer as he prepares for their Australian Open clash.
In a repeat of last year's fourth-round meeting, Tomic and Federer are set to battle in a blockbuster to be played on Rod Laver Arena on Saturday night.
Federer has won all three previous meetings against the Australian, but the Tomic he will meet in the third round is an improved player.
With a bigger serve and better movement, Tomic is unbeaten in 10 matches this year, including a win over world number one Novak Djokovic at the Hopman Cup.
And the 20-year-old said there was no better time for him to face the 17-time grand slam champion.
'I feel so confident. This is the perfect time to play him. I've got a good attitude to win,' Tomic said after his win over Daniel Brands and before Federer had advanced.
'I've beaten a lot of good players over the past two weeks, especially Novak. I think I can do it if he wins his match.
'I'm ready. I'm not going to say I don't have the belief. I do have the belief now. It's possible.
Tomic was beaten in straight sets when the pair met at Melbourne Park last year, proving no match for Federer.
He believes the first set could be decisive and has set his sights on at least staying close to Federer at the start of their match.
'The most important thing against someone like that, against Roger, if I do play him, is that I've got to hold and keep it close within the first set,' Tomic said.
'But I'm confident. I'm going to get ready as much as I can to play any of those two players. All I can do is try to win.'
Tomic's improved serve, which delivered 26 aces against Brands on Thursday, could go a long way towards keeping in touch with Federer.
'I'm serving the best I've ever been serving. I'm finally using the best of my height,' Tomic said.
Since Brazil's Gustavo Kuerten downed a then-22-year-old Federer in the third round of the 2004 French Open, the star has reached at least the quarter-finals of 34 straight majors.
The Swiss great emphasised the vast experience gulf between himself and his in-form 20-year-old opponent when asked where he might gain an advantage in their clash.
'I have so much more experience than him,' Federer said.
'Last year I reached my thousandth match on tour.
'I know how hard a five-setter can be. I know how intense a night session can be and all these things.
'Whatever that means - length of rally, length of match, intensity - I've been there.
'That could potentially help me, but it could also not help me.'
