Roger Federer moved ominously into the Australian Open fourth round today after dismantling Marat Safin with a tennis master-class that proved the world No2 is back to his very best here.

Safin, the Open champion in 2005, revealed after his 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 loss that he will retire at the end of the year.

But Federer's career could be about to hit new heights as he chases the prize that would see him equal Pete Sampras's record of 14 Grand Slam titles.

The Swiss star, who 12 months ago was battling a virus that was to undermine his year, said: "It was a good match and I played well from the start and didn't have to save a break point against such a great returner.

"I came up with the shots when I needed. I feel better overall and I am mentally and physically fresh when I was tired coming in last year."

He now faces Czech Tomas Berdych, the No20 seed, who accounted for another top Swiss player Stanislas Wawrinka, the No15 seed, 4-6, 6-1, 6-3, 6-4. Federer said: "My next round is as tough as hell and I have to be ready for all that speed coming my way. My goal is to win the tournament and I am not trying to send out any messages to anyone. I am playing smart and well and making it tough for my opponent and then coming up with the big shots."

Today, Federer has now extended his advantage over Safin to 10 wins from 12 meetings and the big Russian was never going to win the contest.

Safin, who is about to turn 29, has won the US Open and Australian titles and the sport will miss his explosive temper and sharp sense of humour.

"I love playing Marat and it's sad he is not going to be here again," said Federer. "He brings something different to the court because he is larger than life.It's a tough call saying it's your last year because everywhere you go people want to say goodbye."

While Safin is ready to quit, Federer looks set to prove the doubters wrong, who started to suggest the Swiss star was losing the edge needed to beat Rafael Nadal on all surfaces and stay ahead of Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.

Federer had held the world No1 ranking for 237 consecutive weeks until Nadal usurped him and he is carrying the tag of No2 seed at a Slam for the first time since the 2004 Australian Open to highlight how dominant the 27-year-old has been in the game. Safin was ready to rally with Federer but all too often it was the Russian who made the crucial error and his frustration became all too evident as he threatened to take it out on his racket.

Instead of tantrums, Safin delivered smiles in acknowledgement that no matter what level of play he produced, Federer was capable of delivering something even better.

Safin was upset by a foot fault he received at a key point in the third set and said: "It's the most stupid thing I have ever seen in my life. I had a chance to win the third set and it slipped away. I have lost against probably the greatest player in the game and I want to tell my kids I played against him.

"I have had ups and downs here winning the title here, playing some great tennis in a beautiful city. It is enough for my career and I want to do other things with my life. I am ready."

Seventh seed Andy Roddick brought Fabrice Santoro's last Australian Open appearance to an end with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory in the third round on Friday.

The 36-year-old Frenchman, who was the oldest man in the main draw, has said that 2009 would be his final year on the ATP tour. "I have been coming here since 1991, which is a long time," said Santoro. "This is one of my favourite places and I have very special memories of Melbourne Park."

Roddick (left) will meet Spain's Tommy Robredo in the fourth round after he comfortably beat Taiwan's Lu Yen-Hsun 6-1, 6-3, 6-2.