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Another long match Philippoussis outlasts Henman in five sets
Posted: Tuesday July 04, 2000 02:04 AM
WIMBLEDON, England (Reuters) -- Australian Mark Philippoussis outgunned local hero Tim Henman 6-1, 5-7, 6-7, 6-3, 6-4 in a war of attrition on Monday to take his place in the Wimbledon quarterfinals. Tenth seed Philippoussis, who had survived a five-set, five-hour marathon against Dutchman Sjeng Schalken in the last round, took three hours 12 minutes to defeat the eighth seed. "On his day he is capable of beating anyone," said Henman. Any British hopes that Philippoussis had been drained by Saturday's marathon were shattered. "You have got to give him credit for his guts and determination," Henman said. "I gave it everything I've got. I have played a lot worse and won." "Any glimmer of chances were extinguished by those big serves," Henman admitted. Philippoussis, who had to withdrew with a knee injury when leading top seed Pete Sampras in last year's quarterfinals, slaughtered Henman in a one-sided first set. The disconsolate Brit got just five points in the first five games -- and two of those were Philippoussis double faults. Henman, lifted by a patriotic crowd on Centre Court, broke for a 3-1 lead in the second set. But Philippoussis, who had beaten Henman in their last three encounters, broke right back. Henman broke again in the crucial last game, winning a standing ovation from the flag-waving crowd. The fourth and fifth sets were slugfests where powerful first serves won the day. Henman could not compete against the towering Australian nicknamed "The Scud." A break of serve in each set was enough to give the Australian victory and Philippoussis, serving at up to 137 miles (219 kph) an hour, closed out the match in majestic style with four aces in his last service game. Henman left the tournament he loves on a determinedly upbeat note: "I'll be back for many more years and I will do everything in my power to make it happen."
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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