Sampras moves on without winning
Philippoussis bows out early with knee injury

WIMBLEDON, England -- Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi advanced to the semifinals at Wimbledon with victories today and set up the possibility of an all-American final on the Fourth of July.

Sampras moved up on a break when Mark Philippoussis retired with a knee injury while holding a one-set lead over the five-time champion.Agassi, meanwhile, needed no favors as he overpowered Brazil's Gustavo Kuerten 6-3, 6-4, 6-4, in just 1 hour, 35 minutes to edge closer to a rare French Open-Wimbledon double.

One more victory apiece would match Sampras and Agassi for the men's title.

Sampras, chasing his sixth title in seven years, will next face Britain's Tim Henman, who ousted an injured Cedric Pioline 6-4, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 to reach the semifinals for the second straight year.

Agassi will face the winner of the remaining quarterfinal between Todd Martin and Patrick Rafter.

Two remaining women's quarterfinals, suspended by rain Thursday, were resuming.

In a battle of two qualifiers, 18-year-old Alexandra Stevenson won the first set 6-3 against 16-year-old Australian Jelena Dokic, but trailed 5-1 in the second.

The winner will become the first qualifier in Wimbledon history to reach the women's semis.

In the other women's quarterfinal, France's Nathalie Tauziat led Croatia's Mirjana Lucic 6-4, 3-3.

Philippoussis won the first set 6-4, and Sampras was up 2-1 on serve in the second when the Australian decided he could not continue.

In the last game, after Sampras had saved a break point, Philippoussis clutched his left knee after hitting a forehand service return at deuce.

After Sampras won the next point to hold serve, Philippoussis called for the trainer during the changeover.

"I heard it click," the Australian said.

The trainer flexed Philippoussis' knee, first as he sat in the chair, and then as he lay on his back on a towel.

"That hurts," Philippoussis said as ATP Tour trainer Doug Spreen bent his knee outwards.

After the three-minute injury timeout expired, Philippoussis shook his head to show the umpire he couldn't continue. He then went over to shake hands with Sampras, who had been waiting in the shade at the back of the court while Philippoussis was being treated.

There were scattered boos from the Centre Court fans when the umpire announced Philippoussis' retirement.