Pat (cash) says Scud a big show

(Herald Sun)

Pat Cash believes his former protege Mark Philippoussis has a superb chance of winning Wimbledon next month, but warned time was running out for the Victorian, a first-round winner at Queen's last night.

Cash yesterday rated Philippoussis fourth favourtie for the All-Endlgand Club title behind Pete Sampras, Tim Henman and Andre Agassi.
But he said "Philippoussis's path to the crown was complicated by "off-court stability".

"I think Flip should do well at Wimbledon; it's his big chance to win it," Cash said.

"Sampras can't keep going for ever. This year is going to be a great opportunity for a young player who's prepared to stand up and be counted.

"This is a good a shot as Flip will get and you can see guys like Lleyton Hewitt coming up behind him and Hewitt is just going to get better and better.

"This is a great opportunity for Mark, but the instability in this off-court activities could hurt him".

Cash, who ended his coaching involvement with Philippoussis in MArch, would not elaborate.

But there are rumours of discord in the camo over the dilited role handed to long-time coach Gavin Hopper in the wake of Boris Becker's appointment as Philippoussis's coach for the grasscourt season.

Philippoussis last night lost the serving battle - but won the war - to defeat DC teammate Wayne Arthurs at Queen's club.

Philippoussis and Arthurs each delivered 12 aces before Philippoussis edged to a 6-3 7-5 win over his fellow Victorian.

Distracted by six double faults, Philippoussis fambled relentlessly against Arthurs ti advance after a quality 63 min battle toa clash with Goran Ivanisevic.

Safer on serve with jhust two double faults, Arthurs was furious over three concetration lapses that cost him the match.

Queenslander Scrott Draper endured a wretched return to Queen's club, where he was the champion three years ago, loosing in 3 sets to Englishman Artvind PArmar.