I expected to win 2003 Wimbledon final over Roger Federer – Philippoussis

In an interview to The Telegraph, made an interesting admission about his straight-sets loss to the Swiss in the 2003 Wimbledon final. The Swiss player prevailed 7-6, 6-2, 6-3 to win his maiden Grand Slam title.

Philippoussis was surprised about the result. To be quite honest with you, I expected to win that match. But the first set tie-break was everything, the Australian admitted. Philippoussis would eventually retire not many years later due to injuries: You wake up and it hurts, and its a grind.

You go into the bathroom and its aching and its sore. How can you get into the mindset of preparing for a match when it feels like someone beat the s*** out of you while you were asleep? Asked if he will become a coach, Philippoussis replied: I have no plans to go full-time on the tour, but I am open to some events during the year. Philippoussis finally commented on how it felt to play the Senior Tour event in an amazing location like the Royal Albert Hall in London.

These events have absolutely got me back in love with tennis, said Philippoussis. You dont have the added pressure, youre going out and enjoying yourself. Youre still competing but its also about entertaining the crowd, its about seeing the players again, having fun in the locker room, enjoying each others company.

Weve become much better friends now because when youre finished you drop that shield. ALSO READ: Rafael Nadal: Worse players than David Ferrer won a Grand Slam title