After the farewell party, Becker picked up his racquets and began his final walk out of his favourite court. Looking up, he saw royalty in the box and stopped Rafter for the customary bow. That over, Rafter tapped his victim on the back and quickly left the scene where he had served an eviction notice to its permanent resident, letting Becker take in all the adulation.

Becker walked a couple of steps, dropped his bag and raised his arms, clapping in between, as the packed stands and the royalty gave him a standing ovation. And even after he had disappeared into the locker room, and into history, the crowd was still at its feet paying tributes to one of its best-everchampions.

``Well, it is time to move on,'' Becker said. ``I have no regrets. I didn't expect to be in the round of 16 playing Rafter. He outplayed me. He was a class better.''

Meanwhile, English hopeful Greg Rusedski was demolished by Australian Mark Philippoussis 2-6, 7-6 (4), 6-3, 6-1. Tim Henman survived two match points in the 12th game of the fifth set to beat Jim Courier 4-6, 7-5, 7-5, 6-7(5), 9-7 to enter the quarter-finals. He meets former finalist Cedric Pioline who beat Karol Kucera 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (5), 4-6, 6-3.

Bhuapthi pulls out of mixed doubles

Mahesh Bhupathi pulled out of his mixed doubles second round match today. He was pairing with Australia's Annabel Ellwood. Bhupathi-Ellwood were scheduled to play Mark Knowles (Bahamas) and Elena Likhovdtseva (Russia).

Bhupathi had hurt his hamstring in the third round of men's doubles event. Paes-Bhupathi will meet Sebastian Lareau (Canada) and Alex O'Brien (USA) in the quarters tomorrow.