Federer wipes out Philippousis

WIMBLEDON champion Roger Federer swept past big-serving Mark Philippoussis in Melbourne yesterday to haul Switzerland level 1-1 in their Davis Cup semi-final against Australia.

Runner-up to Federer at Wimbledon in July, Philippoussis’s key weapon deserted him at Melbourne Park as the Swiss broke serve five times in his 6-3 6-4 7-6 victory, prompting visiting fans to jangle cow bells in the stands.

“I’m on a 10-match (Davis Cup) winning streak now so I’m very happy with my game,” said Federer, who will play doubles on Saturday and reverse singles on Sunday.