KRAJICEK TO MEET PHILIPPOUSSIS IN BATTLE OF REHABILITATED BIG SERVERS
The Independent
By John Roberts
29 June 2002
SC
Richard Krajicek's wife, Daphne Deckers, had a bit part in the 1997 James Bond film, "Tomorrow Never Dies." Her 30-year-old husband is currently revising the script.
The tall, affable Dutchman came into our lives in 1996, when neither Pete Sampras nor a streaking waitress could stop him from winning the men's singles title. Having come close to ending his career because of an elbow injury, Krajicek is about to go into the fourth round on Monday as the only former men's champion left in the draw.
"I thought if I won two matches here, it would be good," he said. "Then I'd get a beating by Andre [Agassi], and I could go home happy." Agassi, the third seed, was the one who got the beating, from Paradorn Srichaphan, of Thailand, in the second round. Yesterday, the big-serving Krajicek took the measure of Srichaphan, and defeated him, 7-6, 6-4, 6-2.
The only moment of alarm for Krajicek's supporters on Court One was when he called for the trainer, Bill Norris, during a change-over in the second set. Removing his shoes and socks to reveal bandaged big toes, Krajicek asked Norris to soothe them with a spray.
Enter Mark Philippoussis. Last year, the Australian with a game made for grass, was hitting balls from a wheelchair in the hope of making a comeback following a third operation on his left knee. In order to return to Wimbledon, the 25-year-old was given a wild card like you-know-who from Croatia last year. Yesterday, Philippoussis, who continues to have injections in his knee, recovered after an edgy start to his third-round match against Nicolas Kiefer and overcame the German, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.
The twist in the story is that the rehabilitated Krajicek and Philippoussis will duel for a place in the quarter-finals. This may not be a pretty sight. "I'm not going to stay back on my first or second serve, and neither is he," said Krajicek, who has won three of their five previous matches, none of which were on grass. "The only thing that would help would be if we both return the serve, get a volley, have a second shot, and maybe one more shot after that. That's probably going to be it."
Philippoussis envisioned a similar scenario. "Being a past champion here, Richard loves the tournament and he's a great player on the grass," he said. "One good thing, he's going to be serve-volleying first and second serve, so I can expect that.
"Like I said so many times, it doesn't really worry me who's on the other end. As long as I do the right thing on my part and concentrate on my serves and make him play on his serves, I'm going to be dangerous."
Given their medical history, Philippoussis and Krajicek were asked if the fact that they would be playing against each other here was a testament to surgical science or personal determination.
"Obviously Richard has worked hard to get back from where he was," Philippoussis said. "But once you're out there playing those matches, it all comes back to you quickly. That's how it felt for me. But I don't think we'll be thinking about that. It's the fourth round, it's the second week, and it's Wimbledon."
Had doctors told him he might have pain in the knee in later life? Philippoussis smiled and said: "No. I'm sure I'll still be sky-diving at the age of 50."
Krajicek ascribed his recovery to a combination of medical science and personal resilience. "It's nice to live in these times of surgical knowledge," he said. "Maybe in another 10, 20 or 30 years it will be like Star Trek: they go over you with this little metal thing, and you're healthy. That would be nice."
Life has changed for Krajicek since Daphne cheered his Wimbledon triumph from the players' guest box in 1996. They married in 1999, and have two children, Emma and Alec. "It's good to play tournaments again, because I can sleep," Krajicek joked. "But having children is nice. My wife arrived yesterday, and it was nice to hear the stories. Like my four-year-old daughter is explaining to my two-year-old son that I'm not a real dad, I'm the tennis dad who's on TV. 'There's another one we have at home'."
SCUD FIRING AGAIN AFTER INJURY MISERY
sports.com
By Chris Harris at Wimbledon
28 June 2002
SC
It's been a long road back for Mark Philippoussis, but the powerful Australian is finally making his mark at Wimbledon again after months of injury misery.
Three years ago the 25-year-old damaged his knee in a quarter-final encounter with Pete Sampras, and the same problem sidelined him for six months last year.
After three operations in 14 months and twice-yearly injections, Philippoussis is back in business and stands on the brink of his fourth appearance in the last eight at Wimbledon.
Nicolas Kiefer succumbed to the Scud on Friday, going down 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 as Philippoussis set up a fourth-round clash with Richard Krajicek.
The Dutchman can sympathise with Philippoussis after his own 19-month battle against injury, and the fact that they will be on court together is a tribute to the resilience of both men.
Philippoussis is looking forward to pitting his wits against the 1996 champion and he believes that Krajicek's long-term absence won't affect his game.
"Being a past champion he loves the tournament and he's a great player on the grass," said the Australian.
"He'll be serving and volleying on first and second serves but as long as I can make him play on his own serve then I'll have a chance."
Reflecting on the Dutchman's own injury anguish, Philippoussis said: "I know Richard had trouble but he's worked hard to get back from where he was.
"For a player like him, it all comes back when you're out on court. That's what it felt like for me."
However, despite the obvious injury connection between Philippoussis and Krajicek, the Australian has no intention of swapping bad-luck stories with his next opponent.
"It's the second week of Wimbledon and we're both going to go out there to win rather than think about our injuries," he said.
Philippoussis started poorly against Kiefer on Court Two. His groundstrokes were over-zealous and his serve failed to function in the opening games, and the German took advantage.
Kiefer raced into a 3-0 lead and wrapped up the first set, but the Australian turned the match on its head after saving a break point with his sixth ace at the start of the second set.
Philippoussis broke immediately and found more consistency on his own serve to level the match, and he staved off another break point before winning the third set.
By then, Kiefer's head had begun to drop, and he could make no impression on his opponent's bludgeoning serve as Philippoussis closed out the match.
The 25-year-old was pleased with his response after losing the opening set.
"I told myself to concentrate because I put a lot of pressure on myself with some easy volley misses, but when I made mistakes I came out with an ace.
"I've got to cut out those easy mistakes, but I'm happy with the way I played the big points today."
KRAJICEK AND PHILIPPOUSSIS SET UP THE UNLIKELY CLASH
ATP Tennis
28 June 2002
SC
Only a year ago, the thought of a fourth round encounter at Wimbledon between Richard Krajicek and Mark Philippoussis seemed highly unlikely as both players sat at home recovering from their respective elbow and knee surgeries while Goran Ivanisevic achieved the impossible dream.
But 12 months on, another incredible story is in the making. Krajicek, the 1996 Wimbledon champion, booked his date with Philippoussis - a four-set winner over Nicolas Kiefer - with a 7-6(5), 6-4, 6-2 victory over Paradorn Srichaphan, the popular Thai who had knocked out No. 3 seed Andre Agassi on Wednesday.
"Maybe there's someone watching over me, but I don't know about it," said Krajicek. "I was looking for the ray of sun when I walked in because I remember Goran saw one when he won last year, but I couldn't find it. There was not a clear sign for me."
Having made his comeback after 20 months on the sidelines last week in 's-Hertogenbosch, Krajicek showed no signs of any after effects of the elbow surgery he underwent in 2001 but admitted there weren't many parts of his body that weren't suffering.
"My left leg feels pretty good," joked Krajicek. "Right leg is pretty stiff, but when you win it doesn't matter."
The Dutchman, who needed some treatment on his toes during the second set, said the match-up between he and Philippoussis was due to a combination of hard work and a successful surgery.
"There's a lot of knowledge and tools that can help for a successful surgery," said Krajicek. "But if you don't do the rehab well and if you don't take your time, then even if you have you're the best surgery, you can still ruin it by coming back too quick or straining it too much."
With plenty of time to reflect during his rehabilitation, Krajicek offered up a new solution to long term injuries. "I don't know if you watch Star trek," said Krajicek, "but they go over you with this little metal thing and you're healthy. That would be nice."
Philippoussis, who missed six months of 2001 after his knee surgery, sent down 33 aces en route to a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory over Kiefer. Looking ahead to his match against Krajicek, the Australian said: "He has worked hard to get back to where he was. I think a player like Richard knows that once you're out there playing those matches, it all comes back to you pretty quickly. That's the way it felt to me and for both of us, it's going to take time. But I don't think we'll be thinking about that - it's the fourth round, it's the second week, it's Wimbledon."
Krajicek leads the head-to-head series against Philippoussis 3-2, although the Australian won their last encounter at the Tennis Masters Series event in Paris in 1999. This will be their first match on grass.
KRAJICEK SETS UP SCUD BATTLE
sportinglife.com
28 June 2002
SC
Richard Krajicek has found an unlikely mix of ingredients to take him through to the fourth round after 19 months out of the game with a career-threatening injury.
The wonders of modern medical science, his own fierce determination and a total lack of practice have enabled the only former winner still in the draw to surprise even himself.
After overcoming Andre Agassi's shock straight-sets conqueror Paradorn Srichaphan 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 6-2 in just one hour 43 minutes, 1996 champion Krajicek revealed the frustration of working hard on his rehabilitation only to suffer setbacks persuaded him to go out and play again the first time it stopped hurting.
He was happy enough to run Switzerland's Roger Federer close last week but has far exceeded his own expectations at Wimbledon.
"When I saw the draw, I thought one round was good, maybe two, then go home and work our hard for the American summer.
"But somehow I've managed to do a little bit out of nothing to get this level of tennis and also the match toughness. Normally you should train but I didn't train at all," he said.
Krajicek is now troubled by sore toes - he made holes in the nails to release the accumulation of blood after beating American youngster James Blake in five sets in the second round - and stiffness in his right leg.
But when asked if there was any part of his body which does not hurt, he replied: "My elbow actually."
It certainly functioned well enough as he overcame a first set break to overcome the 23-year-old Thai player with an impressive display of big-serving.
One break in the second set was enough and Krajicek won games against the service twice in the third as Srichaphan wilted.
The Dutchman was not surprised his young opponent hit a downer after the inspired performance which accounted for Agassi.
"I thought there was a possibility that coming off that high that maybe he would have a letdown.
"When I broke him he really started playing less and less while I got a little more confident. After that I don't think he was playing close to what he was two days ago," he said.
Next up is the battle of the crocks against another big server, Australian Mark Philippoussis.
While Krajicek used his injury-protected ranking to get into Wimbledon, the Aussie was granted a wildcard following a legacy of knee problems and the only Netherlands player ever to win a Grand Slam title believes that in a bygone era they could both have been on the sporting scrapheap by now.
"There's a lot of knowledge and tools that can help for successful surgery. It is nice to live in these times.
"Maybe 20, 30 years ago I would have had to take one, two, three years off or maybe I would never have been able to play.
"Even more so with Mark. I heard he had some artificial cartilage. They really keep on inventing new things," he said.
He is hoping further advances will stop the ravages of tennis injuries from catching up with him in later life.
"Maybe in another 10, 20, 30 years, I don't know if you ever watch Star Trek, they go over you with this little metal thing and you're healthy. That would be nice," he said.
For now he is just happy to be on court again, with the added bonus that while playing tournaments he gets a good night's sleep away from his two young children.
He added: "I actually use tournaments as a rest. I'm so rested when I come back after a couple of best-of-five matches. It's nice."
If the Dutchman can keep his arm intact and his form flying, it could be a few more days yet before he sees them again.
SLOW START, BIG FINISH FOR SCUD
The Daily Telegraph
By Leo Schlink at Wimbledon
29 June 2002
SC
MARK Philippoussis last night overcame another sluggish start – and the mid-match condemnation of former coach Boris Becker – to steam into the last 16 at Wimbledon.
The Victorian wild card preserved his title aspirations with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory over dangerous German baseliner Nicolas Kiefer to become the first male competitor into the fourth round. He will next play either 1996 champion Richard Krajicek or Thai Paradorn Srichaphan.
Philippoussis finished with 33 aces, for a tournament total of 81, to destroy talented Kiefer in 137 minutes.
But he will hardly be satisfied with his woefully slow opening which prompted his former mentor and triple Wimbledon champion Boris Becker – who also worked with Kiefer – to lambast the Victorian.
"The frustrating thing about working with Mark is that he can beat anybody on his day when he is fresh and movitated, but he can be so in and out. He just needs to wake up. It's the reason I don't work with him any more. For 15 minutes, he plays like a world champion and then for 10-15 minutes, he disappears.
"He needs to get his rhythm on serve. When it's on, it's the best in the world – no doubt about that. I don't know if his knee is bothering him, he doesn't get up on the serve and he doesn't get down on the volley.
"He's having a hard day at the office. For a player like him not to have a Grand Slam – he's got the game, he's got the serve – is very surprising."
Notorious for his slow starts, Philippoussis quickly slumped to 0-3 after Kiefer landed a pair of passing shots in the second game, capped by a brilliant forehand return, to sieze the initiative. Out-serving Philippoussis, Kiefer sealed the set in 30 minutes.
Philippoussis' struggle appeared set to continue in the first game of the second set when he saved a break point before breaking Kiefer's serve. Warming to the task, the Australian cranked up his standards to level the match.
But Kiefer was soon harassing Philippoussis once more as the German drove a backhand down the line before Philippoussis double-faulted and then survived five break points despite falling and appearing to injure his suspect left knee in the fourth game of the third set.
Philippousssis shrugged off the problem and demoralised Kiefer with a backhand crosscourt to snare a priceless break in the following game before steaming to 4-2, despite another pair of double faults.
"He seems to have woken up now," said Becker, who seemed to have spoken too soon when Philippoussis hit two double faults when serving for the set to stumble to 0-30.
The US Open finalist atoned with successive aces to nail the set and go further ahead and then unleashed a glorious forehand drive to hold two break points in the third game of the fourth set. Kiefer, displaying minimal resistance, obliged with a tired forehand half volley which found the net.
Now completely in control, Philippoussis bulldozed Kiefer into submission with characteristic aggression and earned another break in the seventh game to career to a deserved triumph.
KRAJICEK STOPS SRICHAPHAN TO SET UP FOURTH-ROUND SHOWDOWN WITH PHILIPPOUSSIS
Tennis Week
By Richard Pagliaro
28 June 2002
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Richard Krajicek caught a buzz on Court 1 today. Serving for the second set at 5-4, Krajicek approached the net when his pupils popped in surprise at the sight of Paradorn Srichaphan blasting a head-high forehand that buzzed over Krajicek's hair as the 6-foot-5 Dutchman ducked to avoid the missile.
Many players might take offense at a such a shot, but as the ball sailed long Krajicek smiled widely: a player who's spent nearly 18 months sidelined from the sport can find humor at head-hunting, while remaining in the chase for the Wimbledon crown. As the only former Wimbledon winner remaining in the draw, Krajicek continued his inspired comeback from an elbow injury with today's 7-6 (7-5), 6-4, 6-2 victory over Srichaphan at Wimbledon.
The victory vaults the 30-year-old Krajicek into a fourth-round showdown with former three-time Wimbledon quarterfinalist Mark Philippoussis, who defeated Germany's Nicolas Kiefer 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in his third-round match. That serving showdown promises to offer an array of aces from a pair of players who have combined to produce 141 aces in the tournament so far — with Philippoussis producing 81 aces and Krajicek hitting 60 aces.
Both Philippoussis and Krajicek are the comeback stories of the tournament as Philippoussis missed Wimbledon last year while recovering from knee surgery. An injury to Krajicek's right elbow sidelined him for more than a year and the inactivity prompted the former No. 4 to plummet to 1,093 in the world as contemplated the end of his career.
Playing only his second match since November of 2000, Krajicek registered a 6-2, 7-5, 7-6 (7-5) victory over Argentine Franco Squillari in the first round of Wimbledon and followed that victory with a a 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 11-9 triumph over American James Blake in a second-round marathon match.
Three of Krajicek's 17 career titles have come on grass. In 1996, he became the first Dutchman to win a Grand Slam championship when he beat Pete Sampras 7-5, 7-6, 6-4 in the quarterfinals before beating MaliVai Washington 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 in the final.
Krajicek carried a 27-9 Wimbledon record into today's match against the 23-year-old Srichaphan, who stunned third-seeded Andre Agassi 6-4, 7-6, 6-2 to advance to the Wimbledon third round for the first time. Srichaphan often found himself on the defensive against Krajicek, who backed up his strong serve with compact volleys to create an imposing figure at the net. Krajicek won 31 of 45 approaches to the net, while Srichaphan won 13 of 23 trips to the net.
KRAJICEK AND PHILIPPOUSSIS COME BACK FROM INJURIES
tennis.com
By Krystyna Rudzki
29 June 2002
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WIMBLEDON, England (AP) _ Richard Krajicek's toes were bleeding. His right leg was stiff. His surgically repaired elbow was being strained to the limit.
But the 1996 Wimbledon champion played through the pain Friday and moved into the fourth round with a 7-6 (5), 6-4, 6-2 victory over Paradorn Srichaphan, the man who upset Andre Agassi in the second round.
After two years out of action following elbow surgery, Krajicek is suddenly looking like a potential contender for the title.
``I didn't have high expectations at all,'' the hard-serving Dutchman said. ``When I saw the draw, I thought, one round was good, maybe two. But I didn't expect this.''
Krajicek next meets Australia's Mark Philippoussis, another big server making a comeback from serious injury.
Philippoussis recovered from a set down to beat Nicolas Kiefer 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2, blasting 33 aces.
Philippoussis, 25, missed most of last year following three operations on his left knee in the space of 14 months and spent two months in a wheelchair. He also has played sparingly this year.
Krajicek, 31, is playing in only his second tournament since undergoing career-threatening elbow surgery in November 2000.
``Somehow I've managed to, a little bit out of nothing, get this level of tennis and also the match toughness,'' he said.
Krajicek is the only former champion left in the draw, following the defeats of Agassi and seven-time winner Pete Sampras.
During Friday's match, Krajicek called for the trainer to treat his feet, still bothered by the wear-and-tear of his five-set win over James Blake on Wednesday. After Friday's match, Krajicek made holes in his toenails to drain blood.
``My body, I guess, is not used to it,'' he said. ``My toes are not used to stopping and starting. Right leg is pretty stiff. When you win, it doesn't matter.''
Philippoussis reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals three years in a row from 1998-2000, but missed the tournament last year due to the injury. He only got into this year's draw as a wild card because his ranking slipped too low for direct entry.
The 6-foot-4 Philippoussis relies on his huge serve, and his first serves Friday averaged 122 mph _ including a fastest delivery of 132 mph. In addition to his aces, he had 13 double faults.
Philippoussis, who gets twice-yearly cartilage injections in his knee, said he was not troubled by his previous injury. He said he expected a close match against Krajicek.
``He's a great player on the grass,'' Philippoussis said. ``One good thing I know, he's going to be serve-volleying first and second serve, so I can expect that.
``It doesn't really worry me who's on the other end. As long as I do the right thing on my part and concentrate on my serves and make him play on his serves, I'm going to be dangerous.''
Krajicek said he doesn't expect many rallies.
``I'm not going to stay back on my first or second serve, and neither is he,'' Krajicek said. ``That makes it already difficult.''
Philippoussis said the injury comebacks will make little difference when the two meet for a place in the quarterfinals.
``Once you're out there playing those matches, it all comes back to you quickly,'' he said. ``That's the way it felt for me. I think for both us, it's going to take time.''
SCUD INTO ROUND FOUR
By Simon Stone, PA Sport
28 June 2002
SC
Mark Philippoussis insists he does not have to be cocky to become a Wimbledon champion.
Quiet and thoughtful with deep religious beliefs, Philippoussis private face belies the on-court talents based on power and brute force which have earned him the nickname 'Scud'.
John McEnroe believes you have to have some spike to win a tournament such as this, but Philippoussis, three times a quarter-finalist and third favourite this year, does not agree.
And, after advancing to the last 16 with a 3-6 6-3 6-4 6-2 triumph over Nicolas Kiefer, the Australian is confident he can do it differently.
"You don't need to be cocky to become a champion," he said.
"If that's what it takes I am going to find another way. It's just not how I am.
"Some people can act in a certain way to make them play a bit better or get them pumped up but everyone has their own personality."
Philippoussis is aiming to become the second successive wild card to win the tournament, following Goran Ivanisevic's unexpected triumph last year.
He recovered from a stuttering start, with Kiefer breaking the Australian's first service game, aided by a couple of double faults and retained his composure to take the set.
The second followed exactly the same pattern in reverse, this time Philippoussis the man to benefit, although Kiefer will reflect on five missed break points just before his own service loss which probably proved crucial.
Philippoussis grabbed the vital break midway through the third set and with his trademark impressive serve firing well, never looked in real danger of being headed.
In contrast, Kiefer was starting to look tired and after a weak half-volley had found the net to give his opponent one break, two more gave him a second and the match was gone.
Philippoussis now faces former champion Richard Krajicek for a place in the quarter-finals, the match itself a testimony to modern medical treatments as both players' careers have been plagued by injury over the last two years.
"It's going to take time for both of us," he said.
"It takes a while for me to stop thinking about my knee or Richard his shoulder and just go out and play.
"He is a past champion, he loves the tournament and he's a great player on grass.
"I know he's going to be serve-volleying but as long as I do the right things, concentrate on my serves and make him play on his I'm going to be dangerous."
Philippoussis was in a wheelchair for two months last year as he tried to recover from knee surgery and was out of action again after the Australian Open when he rushed back too quickly.
Now he is on a programme of six-monthly injections which he feels are providing added protection, even if he doesn't enjoy the process itself.
"I don't like needles and although it's a pretty simple thing it's pretty painful too.
"You have six in all over a three-week period because you need one injection to numb the area where the other will go. It's not the best moment but I feel great after it.
"There is no long-term problem. I'm sure I will still be skydiving when I am 50."
SCUD ADVANCES TO LAST 16
The Age
By Linda Pearce
London
29 June 2002
SC
When Mark Philippoussis has been fit enough to contest Wimbledon, he has made a habit of reaching the quarter-finals.
Philippoussis is within one victory of doing so again, while also leaving room for considerable improvement on last night's third-round defeat of Nicolas Kiefer.
Philippoussis started sluggishly, but had played himself into form by the end of a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory in two hours, 17 minutes, thus avoiding the court-two fate met by Pete Sampras and Kim Clijsters over recent days.
The world's biggest tournament already counts as Philippoussis' most successful since he reached the Adelaide final in January.
One thing about Philippoussis is that he tends to win or lose sets in a hurry - particularly on grass.
The first was gone in just 30 minutes, and the Australian seemed oddly passive, like someone struggling to wake.
His serve was slightly off and he could not hurt the German on the return.
Philippoussis was also in trouble at the start of the second set, and was forced to save a break point in the first game, only to immediately claim his opponent's serve for the first time.
It was a strange match, as neither player was warm so much as just hot or cold, but Kiefer will lament his inability to convert five further break points in the fourth game of the third set, and then the fact he dropped his serve again in the next game.
Kiefer has been ranked 50 places above his current slot at No. 54, but had won just four of his 13 matches for the year before beating Sampras and Roger Federer on the way to the Halle final last week.
As a result of multiple knee surgeries, Philippoussis is also well below his old heights, and needed a wildcard to avoid having to qualify.
But, helped by 33 aces, he was clearly the better grasscourt player, and booked a round-of-16 appointment with 1996 champion Richard Krajicek, who belied his recent lack of match play after wrist surgery, as well as a draining second-round win over James Blake, to back up 7-6 (7-5), 6-4, 6-2 against Andre Agassi's Thai conqueror, Paradorn Srichaphan.
PHILIPPOUSSIS SERVES UP VICTORY
wimbledon.org
By Henry Wancke
28 June 2002
SC
Wild card entry Mark Philippoussis of Australia powered past Nicolas Kiefer of Germany, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2, in a match of contrasting style on No. 2 Court.
The midday start obviously did not appeal to either player as neither appeared mentally alert. The big Australian was lethargic but the loss of the first set provided him with the necessary wake-up call, which he heeded by breaking Kiefer immediately in the second set to go 3-0 up.
While the 25-year-old Philippoussis improved his game marginally, Kiefer's level remained much the same and the expected sparks were never struck.
The Scud - as the Australian is fondly referred - came into the match with 48 aces already credited to him from his two previous rounds. He added another 33 today but offset those free points by handing Kiefer 13 points through double faults.
He won the third set by following up two double faults with three aces, the match having turned his way earlier in the fifth game when he saved five break points and then went on to break a dispirited Kiefer in the next.
The match never really settled into a contest. Aces increased as it progressed but there were few occasions when the players engaged in a rally or one of them introduced some touch-play around the net.
The tie was mundane as power dominated via the serve or off the baseline. The 6 feet 4 inches Australian finally found his serve-volley game to finish off the encounter in two hours and 17 minutes.
Philippoussis progresses into the fourth round to play against another big hitter, former champion Richard Krajicek of the Netherlands. There are many parallels between the two. Krajicek, like Philippoussis, relies heavily on his serve and has a power game ideally suited to Wimbledon's grass courts. They have also both recently returned from serious long-term injuries. It will be an encounter that promises to be a battle of big serves and aces.
PHILIPPOUSSIS STAYS ON COURSE AT WIMBLEDON
www.ananova.com
28 June 2002
SC
Mark Philipoussis bounced back from losing the first set to overwhelm Nicolas Kiefer in the third round at Wimbledon.
The elimination of all but two of the tournament favourites has seen the giant Australian elevated to third favourite - and one of the main contenders for the title.
And he showed his power game to good effect in a 3-6 6-3 6-4 6-2 over the German.
However, Kiefer was too good for him in the opening stages of their match, breaking Philippoussis' booming serve in the second game, then remaining solid for the remainder of the set to take it 6-3.
The second set followed exactly the same pattern as the first only this time in reverse.
It was Philippoussis who got the early break and served out to level the match, although Kiefer did have break points in the first and third games.
Kiefer should have regained the initiative almost immediately but contrived to blow five break points in the fourth game of the third set.
He was made to pay in the very next game when Philippoussis produced a cross-court winner after Kiefer had tried to pass him down the line.
The German seemed to be having problems with his footing and Philippoussis took full advantage serving out for the set despite opening the final game with two double faults.
Philippoussis grabbed the vital break in the third game of the final set when the German placed a weak volley into the net.
And when Kiefer repeated the feat on successive points at 2-4 down he handed the Australian a match winning initiative. The Scud fired down three more aces to win the match.
PHILIPPOUSSIS BLASTS INTO LAST 16
uk.telegraph.com
28 June 2002
SC
Mark Phillippousis remains on course for his first Grand Slam title after coming through a tough four-set battle with Nicolas Kiefer.
The 'Scud' eventually won through 3-6 6-3 6-4 6-2, his heavy serve eventually proving too much for the German who struggled with his footing throughout the match.
After so many shocks in the last three days, it looked like Philippoussis could be the next big name to fall.
Kiefer broke the Australian's first service game, aided by a couple of double faults and retained his composure to take the set.
The second followed exactly the same pattern in reverse, this time Philippoussis the man to benefit, although Kiefer will reflect on five missed break points just side of his own service loss which probably proved crucial.
Philippoussis grabbed the vital break midway through the third set and with his trademark impressive serve firing well, never looked in real danger of being headed.
In contrast, Kiefer was starting to look tired and after a weak half-volley had found the net to give his opponent one break, two more gave him a second and the match was gone.
SCUD ON WINNING STREAK AT WIMBLEDON
abc.net.au
28 June 2002
SC
Australia's Mark Philippoussis has defeated German Nicolas Kiefer three sets to one in their third round match at Wimbledon.
Kiefer won the first set 6-3, but Philippoussis fought back to win the next three sets, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.
Earier, Philippoussis says he had a simple game plan.
"I just want to go out there and compete and get my first serve in, make some volleys, make him play on his serve and if I do that, I know it's going to be tough for him," he said.
Meanwhile Wayne Arthurs, who faces big serving American Taylor Dent in the third round, says he is quietly confident.
"I played him once this year in Houston, that was on clay earlier this year and had a win there," he said.
"Obviously probably the biggest server on the tour I'd say, and obviously had two great wins coming into here.
PHILIPPOUSSIS AIMS TO CUT OUT MISTAKES
ananova.com
28 June 2002
SC
Mark Philippoussis is determined to cut mistakes out of his game as he prepares for the fourth round at Wimbledon.
He was speaking after beating Nicolas Kiefer 3-6 6-3 6-4 6-2 in round three.
"I didn't get the start I wanted - but I don't really think I did anything wrong," said Philippoussis.
"He came out of the blocks a lot faster than me and took advantage of the slow start on my part, but I'm not too disappointed about that.
"I'm just telling myself to concentrate because I put a lot of pressure on myself with some easy volley misses.
"The good thing was that when I did double-fault I came out with an ace straight after it - but I've got to cut those out.
"As the tournament goes on, I want to serve less double-faults and cut those easy mistakes out."
SUPER SCUD
sportinglife.com
By Simon Stone, PA Sport
28 June 2002
SC
Third favourite Mark Philippoussis remains on course for his first Grand Slam title after coming through a tough four-set battle with Nicolas Kiefer.
The 'Scud' eventually won through 3-6 6-3 6-4 6-2, his heavy serve eventually proving too much for the tenacious German who struggled with his footing throughout the match.
After so many shocks in the last three days, it looked like Philippoussis - three times a quarter-finalist but only in the tournament because of a wild card after an injury-ravaged 18 months - was going to be the next big name to fall.
Kiefer broke the Australian's first service game, aided by a couple of double faults and retained his composure to take the set.
The second followed exactly the same pattern in reverse, this time Philippoussis the man to benefit, although Kiefer will reflect on five missed break points just side of his own service loss which probably proved crucial.
Philippoussis grabbed the vital break midway through the third set and with his trademark impressive serve firing well, never looked in real danger of being headed.
In contrast, Kiefer was starting to look tired and after a weak half-volley had found the net to give his opponent one break, two more gave him a second and the match was gone.
Philippoussis said: "I didn't get the start I wanted - but I don't really think I did anything wrong.
"He came out of the blocks a lot faster than me and took advantage of the slow start on my part - but I'm not too disappointed about that.
"I'm just telling myself to concentrate because I put a lot of pressure on myself with some easy volley misses.
"The good thing today was that when I did double-fault I came out with an ace straight after it - but I've got to cut those out.
"As the tournament goes on, I want to serve less double-faults and cut those easy mistakes out."
PHILIPPOUSSIS, KRACIJEK INTO FOURTH ROUND
yahoo.com
By Stephen Wilson
28 June 2002
SC
WIMBLEDON, England (AP) -- Richard Krajicek and Mark Philippoussis, two big servers coming back after serious injuries, powered into the fourth round at Wimbledon on Friday and established themselves as legitimate title threats.
Philippoussis was the first man to reach the round of 16, serving 33 aces and beating Nicolas Kiefer 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.
Krajicek, the 1996 champion, swept to a 7-6 (5), 6-4, 6-2 victory over Thailand's Paradorn Srichaphan, who beat Andre Agassi in the second round.
Philippoussis and Krajicek will meet in the next round in what shapes up as one of the biggest hitting matches of the tournament and features two players making a remarkable resurgence after long injury layoffs.
Philippoussis missed most of last year following three operations on his left knee in the space of 14 months and spent two months in a wheelchair. He has also played sparingly this year.
The 6-foot-4 Australian reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals three years in a row from 1998-2000, but missed the tournament last year due to the injury. He got into this year's draw as a wild card because his ranking had slipped too low for direct entry.
Philippoussis relies on his huge serve, and his first serves Friday averaged 122 mph -- including a delivery of 132 mph. In addition to his aces, he had 13 double faults.
But Philippoussis' returns were also key. He converted on four out of five break points, while Kiefer converted only one of 10 chances.
Krajicek, meanwhile, is playing in only his second tournament since undergoing serious elbow surgery in November 2000.
The Dutchman is the only former champion left in the draw, following the defeats of Agassi and seven-time champion Pete Sampras.
In the first set, Krajicek found himself in a tight contest with Paradorn but hit an ace down the middle to clinch the tiebreaker. He was in command the rest of the way.
Paradorn, a new crowd favorite here, pressed his hands together in a Buddhist prayer gesture and bowed to all four corners of the court after the match -- just as he had after beating Agassi. He left to a standing ovation.
SCUD HITS BACK TO DOWN KIEFER IN FOUR
Sky Sports
28 June 2002
SC
Australian wildcard Mark Philippoussis blasted his way into the fourth round with a solid 3-6 6-3 6-4 6-2 victory over Germany's Nicolas Kiefer.
Philippoussis, three times a quarter-finalist at Wimbledon, is gradually getting back to his best form after three knee operations had left him in a wheelchair with his career in tatters.
In the first set, the attacking German raced into a 3-0 lead before Philippoussis had got into his stride. Kiefer's consistency deservedly gave him the set 6-3.
The roles were reversed in the second set. Philippoussis's booming serve - he is nicknamed "The Scud" for the missiles he sends down - moved into top gear. He raced to a 3-0 lead, delivered 10 rasping aces and levelled the match.
Kiefer squandered five chances to take a 3-1 lead in the third set. He then promptly lost his serve and Philippoussis pounced. Kiefer's resistance crumbled in the final set and his service was broken twice by the burly Australian.
SCUD NOW TAKES ON KRAJICEK
thisislondon.co.uk
By Chris Jones
28 June 2002
SC
Mark Philippoussis will face former Wimbledon champion Richard Krajicek, ranked 1093 in the world, in a fourth-round clash.
Philippoussis and Krajicek have both battled back from career-threatening injuries and now they will fight it out on Monday for the right to the title as the "most dangerous floater in the draw".
Philippoussis needed a wild card to get into the Championships after three knee operations and proved his fitness by firing off 33 aces while defeating Nicholas Kiefer 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in 2hrs and 17mins today.
Krajicek, the 1996 champion and playing only his third match in 19 months, had a straight-sets 7-6, 6-4, 6-2 victory over Paradorn Srichaphan, the man who knocked third seed Andre Agassi out of the tournament.
Philippoussis turned his match in the fourth game of the third set when Keifer wasted five break points and after holding his serve, the big Australian immediately broke for an advantage he never gave up.
He said: "Richard is a past champion and loves the tournament and I know it's going to be serve and volley on first and second serve. I am going to be dangerous in that match."
Krajicek injured his elbow in November 2000 and underwent surgery in March last year but had a serious setback in October and was considering quitting the game five weeks ago when the pain returned. Philippoussis is currently ranked 104 in the world but the way he is functioning on the grass suggests it will not be long before he is back in the top 10 of the men's game.
Krajicek, now 30 years old, has a ranking of more than 1000 because of his absence from the tour but he gained direct entry as the "protected ranking" system takes into consideration time off for injury.
Krajicek began as if he was going to follow Agassi out, dropping his usually formidable serve as early as the third game. But the 6ft 5ins Dutchman broke back in the eighth game and although Srichaphan challenged him on the occasional big point, Krajicek had control when it mattered.
SCUD, ARTHURS, HOLDING ALL THE ACES
Sports Watch
29 June 2002
SC
Mark Philippoussis and Wayne Arthurs are in line to meet in the semi-finals at Wimbledon but even before then, they are staging their own private battle over who can serve the most aces.
The Australians are locked together at the top of the Wimbledon aces leaderboard with 81 each after three rounds.
Philippoussis caught up with 33 aces in his four-set win over Nicolas Kiefer while Arthurs sent down 32 in his all tie break triumph over Taylor Dent.
The Netherlands' 1996 Wimbledon champion Richard Krajicek only came up with 11 to slip well behind into third place on 60.
Arthurs is acknowledged as having the best serve in the grass court game and has yet to be broken in 54 games here.
Even though he has sent down the equal most aces for the tournament so far, the 31-year-old doesn't depend only on sheer pace and he is not among the top 37 players for speed of serve.
The Shane Warne of tennis, Arthurs says he has about 10 different serves, including a few mystery deliveries he hasn't revealed yet.
But unlike Warne, he doesn't have any names for his serves.
"I've still got a few in the bag," he said.
"When I go to the line I know what serve I'm going to use, but I don't say this one's Fred coming out now."
American Andy Roddick has delivered the fastest serve at 230.4kph while Philippoussis is third with 214.4.
"I just want to get a good percentage of first serves in, if it's an ace, it's a plus," he said.
"I just go out there to get rhythm on my serve, trying to play some good serve and volley tennis."
On overall efficiency, Arthurs' nine double-faults is well ahead of Philippoussis who has served 34.