It’s family first for heart throb Mark Philippoussis as the nurturing influence of his father runs deep in the life of the player known as the Scud

When People magazine voted tennis heartthrob Mark Philippoussis the sexiest man alive in 1998, it had obviously done its homework.

But there are more strings to the 22 year old’s racket than making women drool by removing his shirt at changeovers.

And, sickeningly, they are all endearing.

The grating nature of the international tennis circuit and the guiding nurture of his father have molded a soft-spoken and shy young man, unaffected by the US$4million prize money amassed in his 6 year career.

The 1.94-M, 91kg Australian star’s love and admiration for his Greek father, Nick, who at one time held down a job in a bank and as a taxi-driver to help support his son’s tennis aspirations, is an integral part of his make-up.

Seemingly in honour of his heritage, Philippoussis sports the tattoo of a coin on his right shoulder depicting Alexander the Great, "a Greek conqueror who, no matter what the odds, kept on fighting," as the tennis player described the ancient hero.

"I speak Greek fluently, all the family speaks Greek," the world ranked No.21 told Life! Last Sat, one day after he arrived here for this week’s Heineken Open.

His mother is Italian, but despite that and a childhood in Melbourne, his father’s Greek influence runs deepest of all.

"All my friends went to Greek barbecues, everything was Greek," he said.

"Greek food is beautiful, the only thing is, it’s very heavy. A lot of meat. But beautiful dips."

Family holidays have shown Philippoussis the source of his heritage.

"We’re from a little island called Tinos, a very small town right at the back of the island," he explained.

The name of the town when translated into English means "love".

Mediterranean family values have also permeated the player’s character.

"the most important thing in my life is my family: my father, my mother, my sister and my friends. They are the most important things and then it’s tennis."

Not surprisingly then, the Scud would like to have a family of his own one day.

"I love kids to death. I would love nothing more in my life than to love a wife and have kids but, er – not now," he emphasised.

Although he is based in Miami, he will probably bring up his family-to-be in the same place his parents chose for him and his sister.

"I love America," he said.

"there are a lot more opportunities in America. It’s so big, so beautiful, but on the other hand, when I have a family I would prefer my kids growing up in Australia.

"There’s just so much craziness. Gun-shooting in the schools, all this stuff that I don’t want my kids to be a part of.

"I don’t want there to be any pressure of drugs at school. I'm sure there’s stuff like this in Australia, but it’s so much cleaner, so much safer for a family to grow up in Australia."

Philippoussis made his debut in the professional tennis circuit in 1993 and was given a computer ranking of 1072.

7 career titles later, with a list of impressive scalps under his belt, including Sampras, Chang, Rios and Henman, he is now one of the hottest names on the tour.

Earlier this year, he rose to no. 8 in the world and made his second straight appearance in the quarter finals of Wimbledon.

To the disappointment of his fans, he was forced to concede part way through that match with Sampras because of a leg injury that has kept him off court until his return to competitive tennis last week.

He gives himself 8 to 10 years before he settles down with the family he craves. Until then, he will work hard with the racket and when not on the court, follow his passion for speed by driving his Ferrari, Porsche or riding 1 of his 7 bikes.

He is also picking up the rudiments of American sports.

"My most favorite thing is definitely basketball," he said, recalling his view of an NBA game from much sought after seats.

"it’s unbelievable, the action. These guys are so athletic and powerful. I’ve watched the Miami Dolphins play in Monday Night Football, which is very big in America. That was a lot of fun," he added, although he prefers television coverage to the live event because of instant replays and, not unnaturally, "close ups of the cheerleaders."

Although an obvious sports fan, sportsmen were not among his idols as a child. "I love Jerry Lewis," he explained, referring to the American comedian. "I used to mimic him when I was a kid. I love that guy."

When the opportunity arose finally to see Lewis perform at a concert in Melbourne, Philippoussis was unable to attend.

During his stay, an artist who had drawn Lewis’ portrait presented it to the comedian but aware that Philippoussis had wanted to see him, Lewis made a memorable gesture. "he heard that I was a big fan of his. The only thing he signed on his visit to Australia was that drawing. I’ve got it in my bedroom."

Indeed, the tennis player might emulate his hero by becoming a movie star himself some day.

He revealed how at the US Open last year, Anthony Quinn was watching him play.

"he contacted my management group and said he liked my look and wanted me to play his son in a movie."

The big serving Australian agreed, but administrative hitches postponed his big-screen debut, although he still harbours dreams of seeing himself on the big screen one day.

After all, there is no shortage of demand for Greek god look-a-likes in Hollywood.

And, by the way, still wondering about that taking-off-the-shirt stuff during changeovers?

Even though he will play no more than 5 matches at the Open, he packed 30 shirts in his suitcase before leaving Singapore.

You do the maths.

Steve Dawson, The Straits Times