Philippoussis not prepared to give up on Wimbledon dream

LONDON, June 14 (Reuters) Former Wimbledon finalist Mark Philippoussis wants to prove his worth at the Stella Artois Championships this week after the All England Club declined his request for a wildcard into the grasscourt grand slam.

''I got an e-mail a couple days ago saying that I didn't get one,'' the Australian, who was runner-up to Roger Federer in 2003, told reporters today.

''You got to earn your wildcards and I've been very fortunate to have a lot and I know that.

''For me, I just need to play matches. I just want to concentrate on this tournament and take it a match at a time.'' Philippoussis had won just three matches on the ATP tour this season before arriving at the Wimbledon warm-up tournament in west London.

Today, he almost doubled that tally when he won two singles encounters to reach the third round. It was the first time he had won back-to-back matches since last October.

The 1997 Queen's champion has had to contend with his fair share of injuries throughout his 12-year professional career and now aged 29, he is determined to make it into the main draw at Wimbledon.

''Whatever I have to do, whether I have to go out there and play quallies, win three matches, I've got to do that. It doesn't matter. It has to be done,'' he said.

Wimbledon begins on June 26.

REUTERS DH RAI0225