31mar00

THE recurrence of Mark Philippoussis' knee problem in Florida overnight has put in doubt Australia's line-up for the Davis Cup second-round tie against Germany in Adelaide on April 7-9.

On Tuesday, captain John Newcombe named Philippoussis for the second singles berth but reports from Key Biscayne yesterday indicated the player's knee had become painful and that he would not be available to face the Germans.
A Tennis Australia spokesperson said yesterday that Philippoussis was definitely still in the team.

The spokesperson said Philippoussis was on his way back to Melbourne from Miami and would have an MRI scan on his knee within the next couple of days to determine his fitness.

Philippoussis required surgery on his knee after Wimbledon last year and has since complained of tenderness a number of times.

He had to withdraw from an event in the United States this month because of soreness on the side of the troublesome joint. He reached the fourth round of the Ericsson Open this week before losing to American Jan-Michael Gambill.

Newcombe has been aware of the problem all year and said this week he would be keeping a close eye on the player during the lead-up to the tie on grass at Memorial Drive.

In fact, the make-up of the team, which includes Lleyton Hewitt as the No. 1 singles player with Pat Rafter and Mark Woodforde chosen to play doubles, allows for the withdrawal of Philippoussis.

If he is unavailable, Newcombe could decide to risk Rafter, who is still recovering from shoulder surgery last year, or select Wayne Arthurs, who would be formidable on grass in singles or doubles.

If he has to withdraw from the four-man team, Newcombe can call on either Arthurs, Todd Woodbridge or Sandon Stolle as a replacement.

"It would be nice to get a call from 'Newk' in the next day or so," Woodbridge said from Miami yesterday. "It seems such a shame to me that the best doubles team in the world can't be a part of the best team event in the sport. I love the Davis Cup. I would be ready to play any time."