Swiss star on a roll

Now, in the aftermath of a critical six weeks for the sport, Ferrero and Federer are also Slam champions and all the men's tour now needs is for America's Andy Roddick to win the US Open in the first week of September in New York. If Hewitt can bounce back from the problems that have hampered him this year then the sport really has a quartet to create rivalries to delight the fans.

So, how good are these New Balls? Well, Hewitt has tremendous fighting qualities but needs to recharge his game, Ferrero is the best clay-court player while Roddick has a serve that could crack the 150mph barrier.

It is only when you examine the strengths and weaknesses of Federer on all surfaces that it becomes clear that, with the addition of a Slam title to boost previously brittle self-confidence, the 21-year-old is now the outstanding player of his generation.

Boris Becker, three-times Wimbledon champion, has closely watched Federer's development and said: "Finally you can see an all-technique player and he is good example that you don't need a 130mph serve and heavy top spin to be a champion."

His Wimbledon campaign - which eclipses Switzerland's America's Cup win - was almost ruined by a back injury in the fourth round, but he dug deep, took huge comfort from his recent win in Halle and finally nailed a Slam title at the 16th attempt.

The previous 15 appearances at Wimbledon and the Australian, French and US Opens yielded just two quarter-finals and he lost in the first round at Roland Garros in May.

However, years of massive under-achievementfor the 1998 Junior Wimbledon champion have now ended and he will be the man to beat at next month's US Open.

Federer had to recover from losing long-time coach Peter Carter, who was killed in a car crash in South Africa last year. He said: "I knew I had the game to win titles and having won five this year changes you mentally. You believe it's possible and it's happened. Can I emulate Pete Sampras? I am just happy to be on the honours board - to be part of Wimbledon history.

"There was pressure from lots of sides and you need a little luck and I had that with my back. Less than a week later I was holding the trophy and I didn't think that would be possible while I was having treatment against Feliciano Lopez."

Philippoussis left with an emphatic "I will be back" and was immediately supported by Australian great John Newcombe, who has seen the 26-yearold battle back from three knee operations. Newcombe said: "Mark can come back and win this title and the five-set match he had with Alexander Popp took a lot out of him."

Philippoussis, who will now head back to the California surf, said: "I don't know if Roger is going to dominate the game because there are a lot of great players out there."

Meanwhile, officials from the Lawn Tennis Association are about to sign a deal with John McEnroe to allow him to help up-and-coming British players at three camps a year. "The talks with John went very well," said David Felgate, the LTA's new performance director. "John has a special place in the sport, and who better to inspire people like (young British player Alex) Bogdanovic."

SWISS tennis chiefs have asked Wimbledon to send a piece of their sacred grass to be planted at Roger Federer's home tennis club in Basel in honour of his men's singles triumph.

Standard Sport understands that the All England Lawn Tennis club has agreed to the request and the turf will be taken to Switzerland by John James, the former LTA chairman. Federer was present at the Wimbledonchampions dinner along with Serena Williams, the women's winner, at The Savoy last night, together with Martina Navratilova who won a record-equalling 20th Wimbledon title by taking the mixed doubles with Leander Paes of India.