( CNN ) -- Ahead of the first grand slam tournament of the year , the Australian Open , defending champion Roger Federer has exclusively told CNN 's Pedro Pinto that his rivalry with Rafael Nadal is only on the tennis court -- and the pair are good friends when the action stops . `` Some people might think that it 's strange . Some other people think its great and it 's actually really nice for the sport , '' Federer said . `` In the past , maybe there have been much tougher and harsher rivalries . People would n't talk to each other , they did n't like each other and they needed to hate each other to actually perform well against each other . But it does n't need to be that way , '' he added . Fierce competition with the Spaniard has not only made both of them better players , Federer says , but also forged a stronger bond between them . At the end of last year , Nadal accepted the World No.2 's invitation to play in the `` Match for Africa '' in Zurich for the Roger Federer Foundation which funds child development in Africa . Federer aims to help Australian flood victims . The Swiss won that battle , although Nadal evened things up when the two faced each other in Madrid . And Federer has carried the good form he showed at the end of 2010 into the new year , already winning the Qatar Open in Doha for the third time in his career . Federer and Nadal did not face each other in the gulf state , but their paths have crossed 22 times since 2004 , with Nadal currently leading the head-to-head 14 victories to eight . Federer is now turning his attention to the Australian Open in Melbourne , but admits to feeling a few nerves heading into the tournament . Should tennis follow football 's lead ? `` There 's a bit of pressure being the defending champion , but I love going down to Australia ; it 's a wonderful place to play tennis . `` In the off season I practiced really well , so I feel very confident going into the tournament , '' Federer added . Federer 's resurgence in form has also given his critics food for thought , with some commentators believing that the 29-year-old 's best days were firmly behind him . `` It is n't the first time that I have been written off . It happened when Rafa took the number one spot a couple of years ago , '' continued Federer . `` But I was able to snatch it back and then people were questioning Rafa when he went nine months without winning a tournament . `` It 's disappointing that people have short memories . Even after everything you have done there are those who write you off so quickly . `` It 's frustrating to say the least . You walk into press conferences and there is a negative tone in there , when really there is nothing to be negative about . `` Sometimes , I am beaten simply because my opponent has played better than me , but often that fact is n't respected which I do n't think is fair . '' In addition to his regular backroom team -- which includes the Swiss Davis captain Severin Luthi -- Federer will also draw on the experience of renowned coach Paul Annacone , who he recruited in August last year and has overseen a definite upsurge in Federer 's performances . Federer to link up with coach Annacone . `` I just thought it would be nice to get someone else into my team who comes in with huge experience and comes from a different angle , '' he said . So what has Federer learnt from Annacaone , a man who coached Pete Sampras for six years . `` He 's obviously told me to play more aggressive , because I did have a tendency to start chipping the backhand return into play just getting the rally started . `` So we 've been working on a few key little areas and they seemed to have worked ... ''
Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal share a rivalry on court , but also a friendship off it . Sixteen-time grand slam champion says some people might find friendship strange but it 's good for tennis . Federer starts defense of Australian Open title in Melbourne this month . New coach Paul Annacone has urged Federer to be more aggressive .