Safin and A-Rod to meet in Melbourne

Russia's Marat Safin battled back to overcome Dudi Sela in five sets to set up a mouth-watering third-round clash with American Andy Roddick at the Australian Open.

The 26th seed from Russia, the 2005 champion and two-time runner-up in Melbourne, triumphed 6-3 5-7 4-6 7-6 (7/4) 6-0 over the Israeli.

Safin now faces sixth seed Roddick, who powered into the third round with a straightforward victory over Marc Gicquel.

The 24-year-old, backed by his powerful first serve, was pleased to get a relatively comfortable 6-3 7-6 (7/4) 6-4 win over the Frenchman under his belt.

"I'm always a little edgy in the first rounds," Roddick admitted. "Today, it felt like there was some good stuff."

Defending champion Roger Federer felt the success of his serve had contributed significantly in his straight-sets victory over Swedish veteran Jonas Bjorkman. The number one seed, who comfortably disposed of Bjorn Phau in the first round, eased to a 6-2 6-3 6-2 triumph at the Rod Laver Arena.

"I think I was pretty much in control of the match," said the Swiss. "I was a bit more consistent, especially on the serve. I started well and I felt like, if I got my serve going, it was going to be tough for Jonas.

"I didn't give him so many chances like I did against Phau - I think it's a bit of an improvement."

Last year's runner-up Marcos Baghdatis is out, however, after going down in four pulsating sets to rising French star Gael Monfils. The 11th-seeded Cypriot, whose run to the title game was the highlight of the 2006 event, was unable to put a shaky start behind him and eventually went down 7-6 (7/5) 6-2 2-6 6-0.

Juan Carlos Ferrero, the 24th seed, crashed out in the second round after suffering a 7-6 (7/0) 7-5 4-6 6-1 defeat by Thailand's Danai Udomchoke, who will face Serbian world number 15 Novak Djokovic in round three.