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Andy Murray says that his past victories over Roger Federer will count for nothing as he attempts to become the first British man to win a grand slam title for 72 years.

The British No 1 may go into tonight's US Open final as the clear underdog, but Murray has more reason than most to approach the match with optimism. Murray has beaten the four-time defending champion on two of their previous three meetings, although the 21-year-old Scot says those matches will count for nothing tonight.

"Yeah, I've played well against him in the past," Murray said. "I think a slam final is different to the match that I played against him before.

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"He's obviously won over 30 matches in a row here so he's obviously going to be feeling confident going in. He's got loads of experience in these situations and it's something new for me. I know I'm going to have to play great to have a chance of winning but I've played well the last couple of weeks."

Federer, who has lost his world No 1 crown to Rafael Nadal this year, has been stung by criticism following defeats in the final of Wimbledon and the French Open, however Murray insists his opponent remains a huge threat.

"He made the final at Wimbledon, the final of the French Open, the semis of Australian Open, and he's in the final here. It's an unbelievable run and I don't understand why everyone thinks he's not playing well.

"He's played unbelievable in the best tournaments and he's in the final for the fifth straight year here. It's a ridiculous run.

"I played well enough to beat the number one player in the world over two days and I've beaten Roger in the past.

"I think it's more I have the tennis to compete with those guys. I just have to make sure I do it for three out of five sets rather than for a set and a half, two sets."

Following his sensational victory over Rafael Nadal, Murray was quick to point out he was not satisfied with merely reaching the final.

I'm obviously delighted to be in my first slam final," Murray said. "But like I said at the start of this tournament, I want to try and win it."

"After playing so well yesterday, and everything that went on with the rain and the court changes and stuff, obviously going a break behind in the fourth; it was almost slipping away slightly," he said. "Then to come back in the end, you're relieved that you managed to come through.

"So, I'm obviously delighted that I won the match. I mean, against a guy who has played as well as him. He's the best player in the world this year because he's played great tennis."