June 29, 2006

WIMBLEDON, ENGLAND - Former Carolina All-American Tripp Phillips advanced to the 2nd round of the Wimbledon doubles draw on Wednesday morning. Phillips and the Netherlands' Roger Wassen defeated Chris Haggard (RSA) and Dominik Hrbaty (SVK) 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a marathon match on the first day of doubles competition at the All-England Lawn and Tennis Club.

Haggard and Hrbaty were seeded 16th in the 64 team draw. Phillips and Wassen will face Cyril Suk and Robin Vik in the 2nd round. Today marked Phillips' first victory in a grand slam event. Phillips also participated in the 2004 Wimbledon Championships and last month's French Open. He is currently rated 70th in the ATP Tour World Doubles rankings.

Phillips is a 2000 graduate of the University of North Carolina where he was named an All-American in singles and winner of the prestigious Patterson Medal. He continues to train in Chapel Hill between tournaments under the direction of Coach Sam Paul.