The Associated Press

WIMBLEDON, England - Wimbledon runner-up Mark Philippoussis drew consolation Sunday from the career of another big server with a polysyllabic surname and knack for coming close: Goran Ivanisevic.

Playing in his first Wimbledon final, Philippoussis lost to Roger Federer 7-6 (5), 6-2, 7-6 (3). Despite the defeat, Philippoussis was encouraged by his progress in a comeback from knee problems that nearly ended his career.

"Goran was in the final three times before he won it," Philippoussis said. "I'm definitely going to hold that trophy up before I retire. That's for sure."

Ivanisevic won his only Grand Slam title in 2001 at Wimbledon. It was his 48th major event, the most for a first-time men's champion in the Open era.

OLYMPIC FUTURE? Olympic tennis may be moving to grass.

International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge watched the men's final from the Royal Box on Sunday and said Wimbledon would add "prestige to the games" if it became an Olympic venue.

It could happen.

London is bidding for the 2012 Olympics and is among the early favorites, with New York and Paris. London bid organizers have suggested Wimbledon might be the site for tennis.

"It is a temple of sport," Rogge said.

"The question is this. If London obtains the games in 2012, will the International Tennis Federation ask to play on grass, or on clay or another surface," Rogge added.

Despite Rogge's optimism, there may be problems.

Wimbledon is across town from east London, where the main venues are to be built. That's 15 miles through some of the world's most congested streets.

The All England Club is private and closed to the public, and Wimbledon officials have suggested a large price tag for using the facilities.

BORIS SPEAKS: Three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker is expecting more Grand Slams from Federer.

"I am convinced he will win many more Wimbledons and U.S. Opens and other Grand Slams," Becker said. "The future has come today."

Becker likes Federer's all-court game.

"We are finally seeing a player with an old technique. He can serve and volley, can stay back, can slice and play the drop shot."

DOUBLE TROUBLE: Kim Clijsters and Ai Sugiyama picked up the women's doubles title, defeating Paola Suarez and Virginia Ruano Pascual 6-4, 6-4. The pair won the French Open last month, also beating Suarez and Ruano Pascual in the championship match.

MARTINA LOST: Former Wimbledon champion Martina Hingis was at the All England Club during the fortnight - and got lost.

One of the stewards on the grounds reported that Hingis approached and asked: "I'm sorry. Can you tell me where I need to go? It's just that I don't come to watch tennis that much."

NEXT YEAR: British bookmakers Ladbrokes has Federer at 5-2 to win the title again next year. Andy Roddick is 4-1 and Lleyton Hewitt 6-1. They also have seven-time champion Pete Sampras at 16-1.