Scud blasts into fourth round

Australian wildcard Mark Philippoussis blasted his way into the fourth round at Wimbledon today 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 zinging 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.