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| 05 Jul 2003 | |
| Day Eleven: Philippoussis to meet Federer for Wimbledon Title |
The Wimbledon men’s final promises to provide tennis that is
captivating. It is a match that throws together two men who have teased the
sport with their talent but for one reason or another not quite been able
to realise the talent they possess. Coincidentally fourth seeded Roger
Federer and Mark Philippoussis reached their first Wimbledon final with
exactly the same score in the semifinals.
Philippoussis was first to get through, defeating Sebastien Grosjean 76(3) 63
63 in one hours 56 minutes, and then Federer moved past Andy Roddick 76(6) 63 63 in one
hour 43 minutes.
For Mark Philippoussis it has been an incredible ride. The injuries to his
knee robbed so much valuable from his career. Three major surgeries and a
spell in a wheelchair would have disheartened even the strongest wills, but
Philippoussis knew that tennis was his first love and he wanted to feed the
hunger he had. Now that he is in his first Wimbledon final, he is not
allowing himself to get carried away because the job has not been
completed.
"I think after that third surgery, I pretty much told myself never to look
too far ahead," said Philippoussis.
"I’ve always done that in my career and
I’ve just taken it a day at a time since then.
"It’s very tough and I’ve been through a lot. But everything in life
happens for a reason. I’ve always said that. So everything’s been
worthwhile."
That’s the philosophy he holds close to him going into the final against
Federer. He says it feels good to reach the final after so long - his last
Grand Slam final was at the US Open in 1998 when he lost to Pat Rafter -
but there is still one match to go. Philippoussis says he is going to play
exactly how he has been playing up to now. He is taking it as just another
match.
He added that he is not thinking about the trophy, the gold Challenge Cup.
He is just thinking about getting his body ready for the match. He was
happy to get a three set match so that he can recover quicker and just take
it easy during the off day before the final.
"You know obviously just having your name on the trophy is a dream come
true ... I’m sure," said Philippoussis.
"A lot of tennis players, when they
are kids, dream of winning Wimbledon. It’s one of their favourite
tournaments, it has been for me. Obviously the history this tournament has
is great. Hopefully, I’ll have a chance to be part of it."
Federer’s performance in defeating Andy Roddick was so superb that he
received a standing ovation from the crowd at the end of the match. At
times the tennis he played was made in heaven.
"I guess you don’t very often get standing ovations after three sets," said
Federer smiling.
"It means a lot to me. I got a standing ovation when I
beat [Pete] Sampras as well. And you kind of look in the crowd, but somehow
you don’t see any seats anymore, everything is just people. It’s a real
special feeling. You work so hard for this. It’s just a real nice payback.
I really feel quite good about myself now."
Facing the Roddick serve should prepare Federer for the bazookas that will
be fired at him by Philippoussis but the Swiss player says the Australian’s
serve is different and that he goes for it more than the American. So, the
question is can he maintain this level for another match?
"I know it’s gonna be difficult to keep the same level, but I have enough
time now to get ready and mentally prepared, and physically, I’m fine. So,
I’m just really forward to this moment because it’s a dream, I think, for
anybody to be in his first Grand Slam final."
If you want to follow the action as it happens, with live scores and results, then please visit the Official Website at www.wimbledon.org.
The Junior Tournament is now underway. Please visit www.itfjuniors.com for daily wrap-ups and the latest pictures.
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