It was not that Philippoussis overpowered 33-year-old Woodforde, but the fact that he didn't that made his second-round win so impressive. As the 6-7 (4-7), 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (7-5), 6-4 scoreline suggests, it required the skills necessary to survive on English roads - patience, perseverance and the ability to get through the smallest gaps - and Philippoussis passed his test with flying colors.

Particularly if you put the match in its historical context. Woodforde, you may recall, is the brick wall that Philippoussis ran into after he had white-washed Pete Sampras at the Australian Open in 1996.

Woodforde beat Philippoussis 6-2, 6-2, 6-2 that day, using his court-craft to pick apart the rising star's powerful game. Two and a half years later, Philippoussis had won his subsequent two meetings with Woodforde and claimed the 1996 match had not been in his thoughts. ``I was 18 then, I'd just beaten the No.1 player in the world and I was not thinking about it that much, so I have matured a lot since then and a lot has happened.''

Which is precisely why the two matches are such good reference points for those plotting his progress. When Philippoussis was unable to blast his way through Woodforde in 1996, you could almost see the smoke from beneath the bonnet as his engine seized. This time, though, he could not force a single break of serve until the first game of the fourth set, but was patient, took his chances in two of the three tiebreaks and three hours later came out on the winning end of a match he could easily have lost.

While time seems to have made Philippoussis a more mature player, it has not healed the deep wounds between the Davis Cup teammates. There was a distinct chill in the air when Philippoussis and Woodforde assessed each other's game. The normally forthcoming Woodforde was curt when asked if Philippoussis was a better all-round player than in 1996.

``It's pretty hard to say going on a match like that on grass,'' he said. ``He was only just banging down big serves.''

Nor was he keen to concede that the better player had won. ``He had two break points on me for the whole match, I had maybe a dozen,'' said Woodforde, who admitted that Philippoussis was ``stronger mentally'' than during their match at Melbourne Park.

For his part, Philippoussis continues his mantra that he is now at peace with his fellow Australians, but not best mates.

``We don't go to the movies or dinner, but we see each other and say hello,'' he says of Woodforde. ``But in all fairness, there are no real friends on tour, even if you are Australian.''

Somewhat ominously, Philippoussis was equivocal when asked whether he was committed for the Davis Cup tie against the United States. ``I'm worried and thinking about playing Wimbledon,'' he said, although there is believed to be no suggestion he will withdraw.

Philippoussis now plays clay-court specialist Francisco Clavet, with the prize a likely fourth-round meeting with one of the few players who can match him serve-for-serve, ninth-seeded Englishman Greg Rusedski. The ex-Canadian grooved his delivery by hitting 1000serves two days before Wimbledon and has been firing rockets ever since.

For Woodforde, defeat means he can now concentrate on the doubles, although already the prospect of the Davis Cup tie in Boston looms large, particularly after Pete Sampras made himself available to play doubles.

Meanwhile, Woodforde's doubles partner Todd Woodbridge advanced to the second round in a match resumed from overnight, beating Bulgarian Orlin Stanoytchev 3-6, 7-6 (7-4), 4-6, 7-6 (7-5).

But Andrew Ilie lost his round-two match to Dutchman Sjeng Schalken 6-4, 6-1, 2-6, 6-3.

Sampras won in straight sets against Canadian Sebastien Lareau, while third seed Yevgeny Kafelnikov endured two tiebreaks to beat Thailand's Paradom Srichaphan in four. Two seeds were eliminated: Jim Courier beat 12th seed Carlos Moya of Spain, while American Paul Goldstein beat 16th-seeded Spaniard Felix Mantilla.

It took three hours for the seventh seed to overcome his Davis Cup teammate 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (8-10) 7-5 (7-5) 6-4.

Meanwhile Woodforde's doubles partner Todd Woodbridge advanced to the second round winning a tough five-setter that resumed from yesterday, beating Bulgarian Orlin Stonaytchev 6-3 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 6-7 (5-7) 10-8.

Darkness had halted play the previous day at two sets each.

As Woodbridge became the ninth Australian into the second round, Andrew Ilie bowed out, losing his second round match to Dutchman Sjeng Schalken in four sets 6-4 6-1 2-6 6-3.

Philippoussis will meet Spanish left-hander Francisco Clavet in his third round match.

Today he powered down 38 aces to Woodforde's 17 as he came back from one set down in what seemed to be a never-ending match of tie-breaks.

Philippoussis lost only one point in the first set tie-break but came out and looked shaky at the start of the second set.

He saved six break points in his first service game and went on to take the set in the second tie-break of the match. Predictably, the third set went to another tie-break and this was when Philippoussis got a hold on the game.

He broke Woodforde in the first game of the final set and went on to close out the match. He said he'd been prepared for a long fight against the 30-year-old South Australian. ``I was ready and I was keen,'' he said.

``If I was down two sets I was still going to fight and take it point by point and I'm very pleased with myself that that came out today.

``Even though I was down a set I thought there was some good tennis and tough tennis and I'm just happy to pull it off.''

Jelena Dokic was holding off on the celebrations despite her historic first round win over Martina Hingis yesterday.

The court was slightly fuller than usual as she played her first round doubles match today but the Sydney teenager was not letting the win go to her head.

Her only indulgence, after knocking out the first seed 6-2 6-0 yesterday, was to watch the highlights and go out to dinner with her father.

``No relaxing, I'm not finished yet,'' she said. ``I tried not to celebrate because hopefully it's not over and hopefully I'll win a few more matches.''