Australia's Mark Philippoussis has clawed his way into his first Wimbledon semi-final with a five set, two day win over world No.198 Alexander Popp.

They resumed their quarter-final at two games all in the fifth set after rain stopped play and Philippoussis finally took a thrilling match 4-6 4-6 6-3 6-3 8-6.

Early Thursday, Philippoussis looked like crashing to a humbling loss to the German after his brilliant five set win over world No.1 Andre Agassi in the fourth round on Monday.

Instead, the world No.48 fought back from two sets down for the fourth time in his career and his first grand slam title was still in his sights.

He faces 13th seed Sebastien Grosjean in the semi-final on Friday after the Frenchman beat local favourite and 10th seed Tim Henman in the quarter-final 7-6 (10-8) 3-6 6-3 6-4.

The big Australian looked the one in command on Thursday's resumption but failed to take the match by the throat after having six break points early on.

He then fell into serious danger on his third break point down serving at 5-5 but saved his skin with a desperate diving backhand volley to intercept a certain looking winner and went on to hold serve and lead 6-5.

Popp's confidence grew and he was hitting regular return winners and held another break point at 6-6 but again Philippoussis clung on with a couple of unreturnable serves.

He had to save two break points in his next service game, and again his booming serve came to the rescue and it was Popp who finally cracked.

Two forehands down the line gave Philippoussis two match points which he took at the first chance with a backhand return to move into the semi-final.

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