Davis Cup teammates Lleyton Hewitt and Mark Philippoussis have set up an all-Australian final at the $US400,000 ($A650,000) Templeton Classic as both rolled through the semi-finals in straight sets.

Hewitt, whose game has gone from strength to strength this week in his first competitive outing in a month, flattened American Taylor Dent 6-2 6-4.

Philippoussis, who won at Scottsdale in 1997, held off eager Argentine Mariano Zabaleta 6-3 7-6 (10-8) as he reached his first final since Adelaide in January of 2002.

Unseeded Philippoussis will be trying to win his first ATP title in more than two years, since February, 2001, in Memphis.

Signs of success may be at least promising, as Philippoussis' last five trophies have come in the United States.

Hewitt clocked up his best showing of a slow-starting season in 68 minutes, coming back from 1-3 down in the second set against Dent and winning five of the last six games.

He now owns a 16-2 record at this event.

As he aims for his 18th singles title, Hewitt, riding his most consistent form this season, remains confident after not dropping a set all week in the desert.

"When I'm match-tough and match-hard and have played a lot of matches and get that competitive, winning spirit going, I can get on some rolls like I did last year," said the world number one.

"I won San Jose, Indian Wells and made the semi-finals in Miami - it can happen for me."

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