Federer express races to Australian Open as Safin runs out of gas.

(From Agence France Presse)

Roger Federer confirmed his world number one ranking with a straight sets demolition of exhausted Marat Safin for his second Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.

The Swiss ace, the most complete player in the game, had too much shot variety and consistency to crush the dispirited Russian, 7-6 (7/3), 6-4, 6-2 in 2hr 15min.

The triumph followed Federer's breakthrough win at Wimbledon last July.

Unseeded Safin, backing up after three gruelling five-setters, was a spent force midway through the second set and said he just ran out of gas.

Although 22-year-old Federer has won Wimbledon, the Tennis Masters Cup and now the Australian Open in the space of …