With the match left evenly poised at 2-2 in the fifth set when rain halted play on Wednesday, the Australian came storming out of the blocks on resumption to tame Popp and reach his first semi-final at the All England Club.

Philippoussis, who had fought his way back from two sets down, had never previously lost a contest in which he had serve more than 30 aces and his tally of 34 was enough to outgun Popp and set up a semi-final date with France's Sebastien Grosjean.

Having squandered nine break points in Popp's first two service games on Thursday, Philippousis showed off his athletic skills at 5-5 as he hit diving volley winner to stave off a break point against him.

Popp surrendered his Wimbledon bid by netting a low service, leaving 26-year-old Philippoussis lift his arms in delight and acknowledge the noisy Australian contingent on court one.