Local favourite Bernard Tomic has admitted that he is desperate to make the third round of this year's Australian Open in order to test his skills against Roger Federer.

Tomic won his first career title last weekend at the Sydney Open and believes that if he stays focused in Melbourne he can set up a showpiece clash with the Swiss legend in round three.

He told reporters: "I would love to get in that position to play Roger in the third round.

"He has to get there as well. You don't know what can happen. Tennis is a funny sport, so we'll see.

"I mean the first round is my goal, to beat this first guy (Leonardo Mayer). I do struggle against some guys out there. I don't know how this guy can play. If the possibility comes for me to win that first match, I'll look for my next round, which is also tough."

The 20-year-old has enjoyed a rollercoaster start to life on the tour, making the quarter-finals at Wimbledon in 2011 before being embroiled in a series of off-court controversies last season.