SportsLine wire reports

MELBOURNE, Australia -- Pete Sampras didn't come. Marcelo Rios got hurt and withdrew. Alex Corretja lost.

That leaves Pat Rafter, the fourth-ranked men's player in the world, as the favorite following his 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 win over Mark Woodforde on Wednesday night in the second round of the Australian Open.

"When I'm moving well I play well, and I was surprised how many balls I was getting to near the net," Rafter said. "I felt very sharp."

Rafter, seeded third, plays Thomas Enqvist in the third round and could play Mark Philippoussis in the fourth.

"Let's hope Mark and I make it through to the fourth round," Rafter said.

RAFTER, WINNER OF THE PAST two U.S. Opens, has never made it past the fourth round of the Australian Open in seven previous attempts and stumbled in his preparation this year. He was knocked out in the first round of the Adidas International by Lleyton Hewitt and then turned to other sports for a couple of days.

"I had a day off -- I sat down and ate rubbish and watched cricket on television," Rafter said. He then played a round of golf and shot a 76.

"I felt a little bit good within myself," he said.

Rafter said the more matches he gets through. the better he'll feel.

"It's important to me because it boosts my confidence," he said. "And it means you don't have to practice as much."