Fired-up Federer poised to pounce at unlikely crown

Swiss superstar defies long odds to become favorite

It seemed unthinkable just a few days ago, but Roger Federer's chances of winning an age-defying 18th Grand Slam title look better all the time after an astonishing turn of events at the Australian Open.

After top-ranked Andy Murray followed defending champion Novak Djokovic with an early exit, 35-year-old Federer gritted his teeth to reach the quarterfinals - and has been installed as the betting favorite.