Britain's Andy Murray is looking forward to facing world number one Roger Federer in the first round of the Dubai Open on Monday afternoon.

The unseeded 20-year-old has been handed the toughest possible draw but says he is relishing the opportunity.

"It's a tough draw but I'm really excited to get the chance to play Federer," he said.

"You've got to try to use the opportunity to play your best tennis so you can actually see how good you are."

Defending Dubai champion Federer has not played since losing to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open semi-final in Melbourne six weeks ago.

He went into that tournament short of match practice because of a stomach bug and he believes he is now in better shape.

"I am feeling mentally and physically refreshed and I think (taking the break) was a good decision," said Federer.

"It must have taken me a maximum of two hours to get over the loss to Djokovic. Considering the virus that I had before the tournament and how it hampered my preparation, I wasn't too disappointed.

"But what is more important is that I am feeling much better now than I was ever feeling at the Australian Open. So, after struggling a bit there, I am just happy and excited to be back on the court healthy."

Murray's recent form has been inconsistent, but the Scot has collected two tour titles in 2008.

However, despite being ranked 12th in the world, the 20-year-old missed out on a seeding in Dubai because eight of the world's top 10 are competing.

Murray's first match against Federer ended in defeat in the Thailand Open final in October 2005, but he won their last meeting in Cincinnati 19 months ago.

"I have definitely improved since then no question about that," said Murray.

"He didn't play his best match then. But I have a good game and can cause problems. It's important to do well.

"He's not played since Australia but he's played here and won four times and made the final once so I don't think it makes much difference to him.

"He's beaten much better players than me and had better matches, but for him this is an important match too, so we will see how my game matches up against the best in the world.

"And when I come off the match court I will have a lot to work on after a match like this."

Federer is not the only seeded player to have been handed a difficult draw in Dubai.

Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic meets rising star Marin Cilic of Croatia while sixth seed Andy Roddick must get past former world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero.

World number two Rafael Nadal takes on Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber - who ousted Roddick at the Australian Open - and fourth seed David Ferrer is up against Tommy Haas. 

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