Upbeat Roddick eyes Federer scalp

Top seed Federer has beaten Roddick 12 times in 13 meetings

Andy Roddick believes he has a better chance than ever of beating world number one Roger Federer.

The pair meet in Thursday's Australian Open semi-final at 0830 GMT, with Roddick looking to record only his second win over Federer in 14 attempts.

"For the past five or six months, the gap has either been closing a little bit or he hasn't been extending it. That's a good thing," said Roddick.

"I'm going in with a shot. I like going up against him, I really do."

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Roddick, who briefly lost his place in the world's top 10 last season, has turned around his form since recruiting American legend Jimmy Connors as his coach in July.

The 24-year-old captured the Cincinnati Masters title in August and followed that with a run to the final at the US Open.

"I feel like I'm in good form. I'd love to see where I match up against Roger," said the American, seeded sixth in Melbourne.

Roddick was also buoyed by a win over Federer in the lead-up to the Australian Open, albeit in the Kooyong Classic exhibition event.

And despite the lop-sided head-to-head record, Federer sees Roddick as one of his biggest rivals.

"We've had some really close matches," said the world number one, who is targeting a 10th Grand Slam title.

"We're about the same age. He's been number one, I don't think the record really plays much of a role.

"Now that we've played over 10 times, it always gets very interesting."