ANDY RODDICK won the battle of the big-hitting former grand slam champions in four sets to bring an early end to Marat Safin’s Australian Open campaign.

Defending champion Roger Federer today cruised into the fourth round of the Australian Open with a 6-3 6-3 7-6 victory over Russia’s Mikhail Youzhny.

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.

Defending champion Roger Federer felt the success of his serve had contributed significantly in his straight sets victory over Swedish veteran Jonas Bjorkman at the Australian Open.

Andy Murray will have to improve his service return when he meets Andy Roddick in the semi-finals of the ATP SAP Open in San Jose, according to the man he defeated in the last eight.

Third seed and last year's runner-up Lleyton Hewitt will begin his quest for the Australian Open title with a first round match against Czech Robin Vik.

Andre Agassi blamed a trapped nerve in his back for his shock exit at the hands of Finland’s Jarkko Nieminen in the French Open, but insists he is not yet ready to call time on his career.

US Open Championship, Flushing Meadows, New York

These are the results from today's tennis events at the Athens Olympics:

French Open, Roland Garros, Paris

Defending champions Australia have been sensationally dumped out of the Davis Cup in the first round - beaten 4-1 by Sweden.

SECOND SEED Roger Federer and home favourite Lleyton Hewitt

Second seed Roger Federer and home favourite Lleyton Hewitt remain on collision course at the Australian Open, but for them to meet in the last 16 both will have to overcome teenagers with bright futures.

Todd Woodbridge set a new world record with his 79th doubles title at the adidas International in his home town of Sydney.

Australian Davis Cup captain John Fitzgerald hailed Mark Philippoussis a “national hero” after he battled to an historic five set victory over Juan Carlos Ferrero to clinch the title for his country.

Wayne Arthurs today buried the Davis Cup demons that have haunted him for two years as Australia took charge of the 2003 final with a doubles victory over Spain.

TOP seed and two-time champion Andre Agassi crushed Spain’s Alex Corretja 6-1 6-2 6-2 in the opening round of the US Open at Flushing Meadows.

Top seed and two-time champion Andre Agassi crushed Spain’s Alex Corretja 6-1 6-2 6-2 in the opening round of the US Open at Flushing Meadows.

US Open Results

French Open, Roland Garros, Paris

Mark Philippoussis is relishing his first Davis Cup appearance in more than three years when Australia take on a depleted Great Britain on Friday.

While others at the US Open had just another day at the office, Marat Safin was forced to put in some overtime.

Lleyton Hewitt beat Andre Agassi 7-5, 6-3 to reach the semi-finals of the Cincinnati Masters Series.

Pete Sampras' miserable run stretched to 32 tournaments without a win as he crashed out of the Cincinnati Masters at the hands of Wayne Arthurs.

All England Lawn Tennis Championships, Wimbledon - Order of Play for Monday, June 1

Nicolas Escude gave France their ninth Davis Cup with a win over Wayne Arthurs in the deciding tie of the final in Melbourne.

Pete Sampras will return to Queen's Club today to try and book his place in the quarter-finals of the Stella Artois Championships - at the third attempt.

Number one seed Marat Safin slipped out of the Stella Artois Championships after a narrow defeat by qualifier Peter Wessels.

Serena Williams takes on American rival Jennifer Capriati for a place in the last four of the French Open today.