Imperious Federer routs Santoro

After cruising past Diego Hartfield in his opening encounter, the world number one needed just 81 minutes to dismiss his 36th-ranked opponent 6-1 6-2 6-0 in their second-round clash at the Rod Laver Arena.

Santoro, whose appearance in the first round took him past Andre Agassi's record of 62 for most Grand Slam matches played, was expected to provide a far sterner test than Hartfield.

But Federer set the tone early by sailing through the opening set. The Swiss star broke the Frenchman's serve at 2-1 and went on to take the first set in under half an hour. The second proved much the same story as Santoro dropped his serve in the opening game.

A 22-minute third set was little more than a practice session for the top seed as the outclassed Santoro ran out of ideas, if not endeavour. Federer did make 18 unforced errors to Santoro's four but produced 53 winners in comparison to the Frenchman's 11.

Tougher tests await the Swiss - he goes on to meet world number 49 Serbian Janko Tipsarevic in the fourth round - but still had to see off the potentially dangerous Frenchman.

Making his 16th appearance at the Australian Open, Santoro lost few friends with a wholehearted performance spiced with humour and the subtle touches for which he is renowned.

Without a win against Federer since 2002, the tour veteran chased down everything, raising his arms in triumph after producing one fantastic return that forced his rival into a rare error.

He also produced a between-the-legs shot, throwing his racquet in good-humoured exasperation when Federer still managed to win the point.

Even on match point Santoro, nicknamed 'The Magician', managed to draw a laugh from the crowd when he held Federer's serve up, feigning fatigue. Federer showed his appreciation by jumping the net and embracing his opponent at the end of a short but entertaining match.