"I had very emotional moments this year," said Nadal, the reigning French Open and US Open champion. "It's the Grand Slam that I really had more problems with in my career.

"A lot of years I didn't have a chance to play in this tournament that I really love so much with the perfect conditions, so it's very special have the chance to be in the final here again."

Image source, AP

While both players make pose for the photographers by the net let's talk about the Stanimal. Last January Wawrinka was ranked number 17 in the world, but after the most successful 12 months of his career has climbed to a career-high fifth and could become the world number three should he win today.

Indeed, the player who has spent his career as Roger Federer's understudy is now his country's leading man and says he is not concerned by his 0-12 record against Nadal.

"The record is not what I'm looking at," said Wawrinka, who beat Novak Djokovic for the first time in a Grand Slam to reach the semi-finals.

"I don't care. It's more about playing Rafa. He's the number one, the best player. His game is quite tough for me, especially with a one-handed backhand.

"But I did some good matches last year against him, close ones. I found a few things that I will try. Before, for me to beat Djokovic was the same."

John Lloyd
Former British number one on BBC Two

"Who knows how many Grand Slams Rafa can win? When he had the problem with his knees, we were wondering if he would win another. Now he doesn't even wear any strapping on his knees."

Wawrinka, with bags over each shoulder, leads Rafael Nadal towards the court. Nadal, head bowed, holding a racquet in his blistered left hand, waits to be announced before emerging into a wall of sound.

Image source, Wawrinka on Twitter

Stanislas Wawrinka on Twitter:, external Relaxing before the final...

Piers Newbery
BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

"The crowds have been gathering outside Rod Laver Arena for the last couple of hours and the face-painters are doing a roaring trade. A "Vamos Rafa!" across the cheek seems to be the most popular look, often adorning someone whose accent is more Melbourne than Madrid - he's a popular lad.

"Wawrinka will not be without his supporters, however, many of them wearing 'RF' caps in tribute to the man they've got used to watching on the second Sunday at Slams. The questions is, will 'Stanimal' fare any better against Nadal than compatriot Federer?"

As well as Pete Sampras, there will be a number of familiar faces in the Rod Laver Arena, such as former Red Bull Formula 1 driver Mark Webber (he's in Row B, by the way) and Gary Ablett Junior. He's the captain of Gold Coast Football Club apparently. Hang on, no Pippa Middleton or Eddie Redmayne?

Image source, Getty Images

What did the seven-time Wimbledon champion have to say about Stanislas Wawrinka? I'll tell you.

"He's been knocking on the door for a couple of years," said Sampras. "He's had a few tough loses over the last couple of years and he's figured it out a little bit. He's got more confidence, he's stepping through that door.

"It seems like he's more confident, more sure of himself and you watch him hit the ball and he hits the ball great. It's just a matter of belief and he's got it."

Rafael Nadal will equal Pete Sampras's haul of 14 major titles should he win in Melbourne Park today and, as if it's all been written in the stars, Sampras will be the man presenting the sparkling, fingerprint-free Norman Brookes Challenge Cup to the winner.

The American arrived in Melbourne on Friday and saw the world number one demolish Roger Federer in straight sets in the semi-final.

"I think he's incredible," Sampras told BBC Sport. "I saw him play live for the first time on Friday night and the movement he has is incredible. To see him play - he hits a very heavy ball, serves pretty well, he does everything,"

John Lloyd
Former British number one on BBC Two

"I think Magnus Norman, Wawrinka's coach, has got to convince his player that while he hasn't won a set, he can do it. Norman has been in a final, so he can impart what is going to happen out there. The first set is crucial for Stan. If he can win that, I think we've got a great final ahead of us."

Piers Newbery
BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

"It's been the perfect Australia Day for Melbournians so far, with the temperature hitting around 26C during the afternoon as many locals headed for the beach at St Kilda - tennis royalty Marion Bartoli, Mats Wilander and Patrick Mouratoglou were among those seen parading along the esplanade."

BBC Radio 5 live

Good morning/ afternoon/ evening to you. There are many ways to keep tabs on the final act of this year's Australian Open and, off the top of my head, I can think of three. There's live text commentary on this very website, live coverage on BBC Radio 5 live, and, of course, Sue Barker and her troops are on BBC Two.

And for those of you who like to, as they say, get involved then you've come to the right place because if you have any thoughts on how Wawrinka can bottle up lightening then tweet #bbctennis , externalor text 81111. Your participation is essential to the smooth running of this operation.

Lee:, external Gotta be Grand Slam No.14 for Nadal. Never lost and never dropped a set against Wawrinka in 12 meetings.

Charles Allen:, external Would love to see a good match but can't see past a Nadal 3-0 win to take his place in history and re-open the GOAT debate.

Patrick Alfred:, external Stan has done great getting this far; I think Nadal will be too strong for him to overcome. Nadal in 3 sets.

Image source, Getty Images

There is a sliver of hope for Wawrinka, however, and the Swiss has hopefully pinned a picture of Brian Teacher somewhere in his changing room for inspiration. After all, who doesn't use a picture of the American to motivate them when the going gets tough? One look at Teacher, the last eighth seed to reach the Australian Open final and win it, and Wawrinka will realise that all is not lost.

Many feel Stanislas Wawrinka's mission at the Australian Open final today is destined to fail. So dangerous and formidable an opponent is Rafael Nadal that it feels like the Swiss, appearing in his first Grand Slam final, not only has to climb Everest but do so in just his boxers and flip-flops. But, then, no-one gave the tortoise a chance against the hare - or, indeed, Wawrinka any hope against defending champion Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals.

G'day, Mr Wawrinka. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, involves defeating a man who is on course to become the most decorated player in your sport. He's the world number one, owns 13 Grand Slams titles, weighs 13st 5lb and stands at 6ft 1in. His name is Rafael Nadal. Raw blisters don't bother him, hurt him or hold him back. There's probably no need to remind you that you have yet to win a set against him in 12 previous matches. You will have to serve like a beast, remain confident and be aggressive. This message will self-destruct in five seconds.

Image source, Getty Images