Krajicek in twilight zone

TENNIS/Wimbledon Championships: In the crepuscular light of Centre Court Richard Krajicek finally out-blasted Australian serve-volleyer Mark Philippoussis 6-7, 7-6, 6-7, 7-6, 6-4 from the fourth round after a series of rain delays had reduced the match to a one-set shootout late yesterday evening.

Neither player had dreamed they could have advanced so far as both were returning from serious injury. Philippoussis has been confined to a wheelchair for a number of months and resorted to practising his tennis strokes from the chair. He also continues to subject himself to a series of injections into his knee to allow him to compete.

Krajicek, who won here in 1996, has had a series of complaints including hamstring, elbow, shoulder and yesterday his toes had to be spiked because of a painful swelling. The Dutch player was so surprised about his victory that he admitted yesterday that he had booked a holiday with his wife.

"It was tough. The toughest part was the last rain break," said Philippoussis. "It was the first time in the match that I was leading."

Krajicek said: "Today I came out really sharp. I went to the gym today and did a few sprints. I came on to the court sweating, which is not usual. I knew it was only one set and I was pretty nervous.

"You know a little mistake can be the match if you make one little mistake. I didn't want to play a loose service game.

"I thought third round was the maximum that I could achieve before I saw the draw. I was lucky because Andre (Agassi) lost so, yes, this is unbelievable. I never would have expected this.

"I booked my holiday house today. My wife is already on holidays which shows the trust that I had in my ability to get this far in the competition."

Typically the match, which was played over two days, was one of menacing serves and net volleys. The only break of serve in the final set came in the first game and from there Krajicek held firm. He meets the slayer of Greg Rusedski, Xavier Malisse, in the quarter-finals.

"Yeah, I'm disappointed," said Philippoussis. "But I'll keep my head high. I won't think of this at all. I came here, gave my best."