Philippoussis through in Indian Wells
Tuesday, 14 March, 2000

Tennis Australia

Defending champion Mark Philippoussis has cruised into the second round of the Tennis Masters Series event in Indian Wells, California, steamrolling American Davis Cup player Chris Woodruff 6-3 6-4 on Monday.

Philippoussis, who defeated Spaniard Carlos Moya in last year's final but this year has been struggling with a knee injury, was playing in his first match since forfeiting his third round match at Memphis against Swede Magnus Larsson a month ago.

Philippoussis takes on Spain's Francisco Clavet in the second round, who defeated Melbourne's Andrew Ilie 6-7(5) 6-3 6-1 also on Monday.

Thirteenth seed Patrick Rafter and No.16 Lleyton Hewitt are the other two Australians contesting the singles event here. They take on qualifier Marcos Ondruska (RSA) and Moya respectively on Tuesday

03/14/00

Philippoussis finds form

tennis masters series.com

Defending champion Mark Philippoussis got his title defense off to a flyer with a straight sets win over Chris Woodruff. The tall Australian, who lifted the Indian Wells trophy last year, followed up a spectacular opening ceremony with a strong performance over the man from Knoxville, Tennessee.
But it wasn't all smooth sailing for the Australian, whaoo had to withstand Woodruff's aggression. "I'm sure they'll be wuite a few people who'll be glad he's out of the draw," said Philiippoussis of his opponent. "He was like a Tiger coming to the net out there."