Roddick eases past Gicquel into third round

MELBOURNE, Jan 17 (Reuters) Sixth seed Andy Roddick set up a possible clash with former champion Marat Safin in the third round when he cruised past Frenchman Marc Gicquel 6-3 7-6 6-4 at the Australian Open today.

The big-serving American had too much power from the back of the court for the world number 54 and came through on Rod Laver Arena after an hour and 56 minutes.

An early break took Roddick to the opening set and he held his nerve to win the second set tiebreak 7-4. Gicquel, who out-aced his rival 10-7, battled in the third but was broken in game 10 to hand the former U.S. Open champion victory.

Roddick will face 2005 champion Safin in the next round if the Russian can beat Israel's Dudi Sela later today.

REUTERS AY BD1133