Australian No.1 mark Philippoussis knocked out a spitting, spiteful Fabrice Santoro in their second round match at the Australian Open.

Philippoussis won 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-2.

But a match that featured some of the best tennis of the championship so far was marred by an ugly incident in the fourth set when Santoro disputed a line call.

After arguing with the chair umpire he returned to his position behind the baseline and spat in the direction of a line judge.

The Frenchman then glared in the same direction before turning to receive serve.

For Philippoussis, the match marked another step toward tennis maturity for a player who so often allowed his mood to overtake his ability.

After being annoyed to distraction by Santoro in an opening set in which he appeared listless and disconsolate, Philippoussis settled into a rhythm that was matched by his trademark power.

Santoro's petulance followed an accusation earlier on Friday that line judges had deliberately given an advantage to Australia's Lleyton Hewitt.

Slovakia's Karol Kucera said it was impossible for him to win the match which he lost 1-6 6-1 6-4 6-1.

"Even the linespeople helped him," Kucera said.

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