Mark Philippoussis' Wimbledon campaign got off to a disastrous start when he lost his opening round match at the Queen's club tennis championships to an unknown player ranked 866th in the world.

The world No.17 struggled against 22-year-old Ian Flanagan and eventually lost in straight sets, with Flanagan claiming his prized scalp 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (7-3).

It was the eighth tournament this year Philippoussis had bowed out in the opening round and took his 2004 record to 13 losses and eight wins.

Flanagan was ranked 947th in the world before he made it through qualifying and into the main draw at the Queen's Club.

In the end, he beat Philippoussis at his own game, serving 16 aces to Philippoussis' 12, including in the second set tie break.

The Australian acknowledged it was a terrible lead up to Wimbledon, where he made the final last year, but said with a few days rest and some exhibition matches next week he felt confident he could get it together in time.

"It wasn't a great day obviously," he said.

"I never felt comfortable from the start. I just felt off.

"But these things happen, so there's nothing much you can do about that," he said.

"(I'll) just take a couple of days off and just get ready for Wimbledon."

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