Veteran Santoro no match for Roddick

Melbourne:

American Andy Roddick powered past outgunned French veteran Fabrice Santoro 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 to move into the fourth round of the Australian Open on Friday.

The seventh seeded Roddick was ruthless against 36-year-old Santoro, closing out the match in 98 minutes.

Roddick was never in any danger and looked the likely winner from the moment he broke Santoro's first service game.

The crafty Santoro was playing his 66th Grand Slam, a record for tennis in the Open area, and was presented with a bottle of champagne by tournament director Craig Tiley after the match to mark the occasion.

He confirmed that it was his last singles appearance at Melbourne Park after a remarkable 17-year run stretching back to 1991.

"Today was very special for me because it was my last match here," he said.

Roddick also paid tribute to the Frenchman.

"Saying I respect him is an understatement," Roddick said.

"His longevity is amazing, as is the way he has constantly made adjustments to his game to keep up with the younger guys."

There was no sentiment on court, however, as Roddick fired down 22 aces and blasted 50 winners past Santoro.

He broke Santoro four times throughout the match while not losing his serve once.

"I'm playing really well -- I'm happy with the way I served and moved," he said.

"I'm also happy to be through to the fourth round."

Roddick will now play Spaniard Tommy Robredo for a place in the quarter-finals.