Coria crashes as Mayer holds court

GUILLERMO CORIA became the biggest name casualty of the opening two rounds at Wimbledon after losing 6-4 3-6 3-6 4-6 to Florian Mayer yesterday, and the Argentinean number three seed offered no complaints for his exit.

The French Open finalist, who had never progressed beyond the first round of the championships in two previous visits, endured a marathon rain-affected clash with Wesley Moodie which finally ended on Thursday.

But the 22-year-old, virtually unbeatable on clay, refused to blame his drawn-out opener for the defeat by Mayer and declared himself satisfied with his performance.

"The delay to the first round game didn't affect me," he said.

"Today I met a player who made good use of all his opportunities and who played well.

"There was nothing I could do about it.

"I'm not angry because there's no shame if you lose having done your best, especially as there is some liquid on my shoulder and arm which affected me."

Mark Philippoussis maintained his collision course with Tim Henman by recording a 4-6 6-3 7-6 7-5 victory over Martin Verkerk and then took a swipe at critics suggesting his colourful private life has stalled his career.

The number 11 seed's relationship with singer Delta Goodrum who shot to fame on long-running soap Neighbours has been well documented Down Under where the couple are seen as Australia's answer to Posh and Becks.

Pat Cash has been one of the voices suggesting Philippoussis' high profile outside tennis has resulted in a dip of form his world ranking had dropped to 17 upon his arrival at Wimbledon but yesterday the 'Scud' hit back.

"How would anyone else feel if their performances at work were being related to their private life? Is that right?" said the 27-year-old, who finished runner-up at the All England Club last year. "I'm a professional athlete. If people have something to say, they should say it about my tennis I'll take that criticism on the chin. They should blame my tennis, nothing in my personal life.

Tim Henman felt he gained some measure of 'revenge' for England's Euro 2004 exit by seeing off Switzerland's Ivo Heuberger with a 7-5 6-3 6-2 win.

Juan Carlos Ferrero joined Coria on the list of men's top 10 seeds dumped out of the tournament after losing to Robby Ginepri of the US in straight sets, going down 6-3 6-4 6-1.

Ninth seed Carlos Moya blasted out Russian Dmitry Tursunov with his serve, hitting 16 aces and winning 83% of his first service points on the way to triumphing 6-1 6-4 7-5.

Wayne Ferreira is nearing the end of his remarkable 15-year odyssey on the professional circuit and believes he could celebrate his imminent retirement with the first Grand Slam of his career.

The South African will end life as a professional tennis player in September but only after he has given his last appearance at Wimbledon his best shot.

"I'm hitting the ball really well at the moment, "he said after beating Karol Kucera 7-6 6-3 6-1.

French 10th seed Sebastien Grosjean clinched his spot in the third round after cruising past Jan-Michael Gambill of the US 7-6 6-3 6-2.