Philippoussis and Federer to meet in Wimbledon final

Australia’s Mark Philippoussis will play Switzerland’s Roger Federer in the Wimbledon single’s final.

The unseeded Philippoussis overwhelmed his higher-ranked opponent, Frenchman Sebastien Grosjean 7-6 (7-3), 6-3, 6-3, and was the first player to win through to the nem;s singles final.

The Australian, who has earned the name “Scud” for his huge serve and powerful ground strokes, has long been hailed as a possible men’s champion, despite being troubled by a recurrent knee injury problem.

Focused and controlled tennis from Philippoussis saw Grosjean’s game dissected by the heavy serve, a steady onslaught that took him through to the final in under two hours.

Grosjean never quite managed to put together the level of game that he had displayed against Tim Henman, and he managed only two break points.

Speaking after the match Philippoussis said that he did not think his opponent had played to his best, but this was due to his own game of being able to keep the advantage and maintain the pressure throughout the match.

Federer also played just three sets as he comprehensively beat Andy Roddick, 7-6 (8-6), 6-3, 6-3, though in a less satisfying match.

Federer, the fourth seed, played some superlative tennis to dispatch Roddick who was seeded fifth for the championship, in an hour and three-quarters.

Facing only two break points in the entire match Federer fired a total of 17 aces past a dejected and off-pace Roddick who failed to capitalise on the few chances the assured Federer presented.

The final is scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 6.

(SP)