Roddick Blasts Into Quarter

American Andy Roddick beat Tommy Robredo 7-5 6-1 6-3 in the fourth round of the Australian Open on Sunday, extending his perfect record against the Spaniard to 10 matches.

Roddick, who has only conceded one set to Robredo in their 10 meetings, overwhelmed him again to wrap up a comprehensive victory in one hour and 47 minutes.

"I don't know that I've had a bad day against him," said the seventh seed, whose quarter-final opponent on Tuesday will be defending champion Novak Djokovic after the Serbian beat the 2006 runner-up Marcos Baghdatis 6-1 7-6 6-7 6-2.

"I feel like I always come off the court having played pretty well."

Roddick, who says he has trimmed down by about seven kilograms after a gruelling off-season, showed no mercy against Robredo by firing 13 aces past his bewildered opponent.

He broke Robredo's serve five times and faced just one break point on his own serve.

"I've just played well against him most of the times we've played," Roddick said.

"It's tough to say it's not a good matchup after ten wins."

Roddick, 26, has made the semi-finals three times at Melbourne Park in his seven previous visits but has yet to reach the final.

He has been in great form this week, dropping just one set on his way to the last eight, despite a shaky start against Robredo.

"So far so good. I get to play another day," Roddick said.

"I didn't start off great, and then I thought the second and third sets were a lot better. Which is, I guess, the direction you want to go in.

"I've been in the tournament for nine days now and just trying to get a step further each time.

"I'm not going to think about it in two parts. It's a whole tournament. I just want to continue to stay alive each day."