LONDON. July 6: Todd Martin. dignified in defeat, wished his opponent and friendly neighbour' Malivai Washington the best of luck in his bid to become the first black American to win Wimbledon in 21 years after crashing to a five-set defeat in the semifinals on Saturday, reports AFP.

The 13th-seeded Martin, finally beaten 7-5. 4-6. 7-6 (8/6). 3/6, 8-10. recently moved into a new house close to Washington's home in Florida.

"After this he’d better throw me a house-warming party.” grinned the 25-year-old Martin, the last of the men's seeds at the championship.

Martin, who went off the boil after surging 5-1 clear when the final set resumed on Saturday, admitted: "I obviously froze a little bit. but Mal played well when he needed to/

Asked what he thought about Washington becoming the first black American since Arthur Ashe to reach the final Martin replied: "It's got to be a great feeling to be in the finals at Wimbledon — whether you're black, white, brown or green.

"I think he's done a great job of playing tennis and I don't think anybody should let the colour of his skin overshadow what he's done on the tennis court.

Obviously his victory is something the whole black community can cherish and I \think that's exciting''