MELBOURNE, Australia - At an Australian Open marked by upsets and new story lines, Rafael Nadal will play Sundays final against a man often called the "other" Swiss tennis player. Now, after a stunning run in Melbourne, Stanislas Wawrinka has a new nickname: The Stanimal — a tribute to his gritty, fight-until-the end style of tennis. Fittingly, perhaps, the name was apparently coined by none other than Roger Federer, in a tweet of support for his friend which quickly caught on earlier in the tournament. Now that Federer is out of the running — he lost to Nadal in the semifinals — the 17-time Grand Slam winner and long-time ambassador for Swiss tennis has joined those cheering for Wawrinka to win his first Grand Slam final. It is a match that holds historical significance for all three players. If the No. 1-ranked Nadal wins, as the odds suggest he will, the 27-year-old Spaniard will become the first player to win each of the majors twice in the Open era. It would be his 14th Grand Slam trophy and bring him one step closer to Federers all-time record of 17. If No. 8-ranked Wawrinka beats Nadal to win his first major title, he catapults to a career high of No. 3 in the rankings. Just reaching the final assures Wawrinka of the No. 5 spot, meaning for the first time he will pass Federer, who is now ranked sixth. On the eve of the final, Wawrinka said he was still shocked by his success. "Its insane. Its incredible," the 28-year-old Wawrinka said Saturday, speaking to reporters in English and in his native French. "I never imagined that one day I would be here, playing in the final." After a breakthrough year in 2013, Wawrinka is playing the best tennis of his life in Melbourne. He knocked out three-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals and beat No. 7 Tomas Berdych in the semifinals. He knows how tough it will be to beat Nadal — hes tried and failed 12 times. "Ive played him so many times, and lost so many times, but Im going to try again," Wawrinka said. "I know what I have to do. I know that I have to play aggressive, serve really well, and try to always push him." "Im playing my best tennis here," Wawrinka added. "Physically, Im ready.". Nadal says hes ready, too, for a breakthrough at what he calls his unluckiest Grand Slam. Nadal won in Melbourne in 2009 but in subsequent years struggled with injuries during or before the seasons first major. He missed the 2013 Australian Open during a seven-month layoff for illness and a knee injury. He returned to win the French and U.S. Open last year but reaching the final in Melbourne holds special significance. "After missing last year for me its really, really emotional to be back on this court, Rod Laver Arena, and to be able to play another final," said Nadal, who has known Wawrinka since they were teens, playing junior tournaments in Europe. "Hes a good friend, a great guy. Im so happy for him that hes in the final. He deserves it," Nadal said. "I know it will be a very, very tough match." Wawrinkas other longtime friend, Federer, had hoped Sundays story would be about an all-Swiss final. But after losing the latest installment of the Federer-Nadal rivalry, hes cheering for Wawrinka. "I hope he wins, and I hope he gives everything he has," Federer said. "Theres no reason not believe that he can beat Rafa." "Stans in his first Grand Slam final, so that makes Stan also unpredictable. Hes got to use that to his advantage." Robin Lopez Bucks Jersey . Mesoraco hurt his hamstring while scoring from second in Friday nights 5-4 loss at Atlanta. Chapman was hit by a line drive during an exhibition game on March 19, breaking his nose and a bone above his left eye. The left-hander looked strong while throwing 43 pitches in batting practice before Saturday nights game against the Braves. Frank Mason Bucks Jersey . 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Mingo, who was hospitalized with a bruised lung he sustained in an Aug.There was drama at Mark Warburtons pre-match news conference on Wednesday as the Rangers boss was advised to step out following questions on Joey Barton. Barton has until today [Wednesday] to respond to an SFA charge of allegations he bet on 44 football matches between July and September this year.Sky Sports understands a request has been submitted by Barton or his representatives for this deadline to be extended - citing the volume of documentation to be considered. This request is expected to be considered the by the SFAs Judicial Panel on Thursday. Barton was absent again from Rangers training with the midfielder currently suspended by the club - which was extended by a week - following a separate altercation with team-mate Andy Halliday.However, a dramatic news conference unfolded when Sky Sports Mark Benstead asked the Rangers boss if he could provide any updates or details on Bartons situation but was told there would be no comment.After asking three Barton-related questions which were politely knocked back by Warburton, PR advisor to the club, Jim Traynor, then stepped in which led to a break in the news conference before the Gers boss re-appeared 20 minutes later to finish proceedings and answer questions on other topics. Watch NOW TV Watch Sky Sports for just £6.99. No contract.dddddddddddd In answer to questions on Barton, the Rangers manager had said: Im not going to make a comment, I havent made any comment on it. It is being dealt with by the powers that be at the club so when there is news to come out it will come out but until then there is no comment.There is no comment on Joey Barton, it wouldnt be right, there is a process going through right now so there will be no comment from myself. Barton in action for Rangers There will be no comment. You can ask as long as you want, as many times as you want, but I promise you there will be no comment.It is being dealt with by the powers that be at the club who are following an appropriate process but as far as myself is concerned it wouldnt be right to make any comment whatsoever.Click on the video above to watch the dramatic news conference.You can watch Englands tour of Bangladesh, plus Premier League football and the British Masters on Sky Sports. Upgrade now and enjoy SIX months at half price! Also See: Rangers increase Barton ban Warburton backs Strachan Barton charged by SFA Rangers video ' ' '