Philippoussis hits back at critics in Davis Cup row
daily.tennis
SYDNEY (Reuters)(DS) - Mark Philippoussis has hit back at critics of his decision to
withdraw from Australia's Davis Cup squad for this weekend's World Group semifinal
with Brazil.
Australia's Wimbledon finalist Patrick Rafter accused Philippoussis of "jerking" his
team mates around for suddenly pulling out of the tie with an injured knee after originally
saying he would play.
But Philippoussis told reporters in Australia on Wednesday that he had wanted to play
and insisted the only reason he pulled out was because he was injured.
"I don't understand why everything has been blown out of proportion...it's frustrating
and upsetting to me," said Philippoussis.
"Whenever I'm fit I'm going to play for my country. The best thing any athlete can do
is to play for his country."
Speaking publicly for the first time, Philippoussis said he was especially disappointed
to have come under fire from Rafter.
Philippoussis has had an on-again, off-again relationship with Australia's Davis Cup
team but was the hero of last year's win over France in the final.
Rafter was unavailable for the Davis Cup final because of a shoulder problem that
kept him out of the sport for five months.
"I think that Pat's been misinformed. He's had his shoulder problems and he hasn't
played Davis Cup... I understand that," Philippoussis said.
"(But) I have put myself at risk and I don't like people saying to me that I don't like
playing Davis Cup when I have put myself in line for Davis Cup when I haven't even
been fit."

Scud hits back

By news.com.au and AAP
12jul00

MARK PHILIPPOUSSIS has broken his silence over the Davis Cup furore, saying criticism of him has been uninformed.

Philippoussis has been attacked for his late decision to rest an inflamed knee rather than play in the Brisbane semi-final against Brazil.
Pat Rafter said in London at the weekend that Philippoussis should decide once and for all whether he wants to represent his country.

Philippoussis said his withdrawal has been blown out of proportion.

"I think Pat's been uninformed. He's had his shoulder problems and he hasn't played Davis Cup or he's played only doubles," Philippoussis told Channel Ten.

"He couldn't play five sets or singles. I understand that, but thank God now he seems fine."

Philippoussis, who played two tough five-setters at Wimbledon in the past fortnight, said he was shocked at the reaction to his decision.

"I don't understand why everything has been blown out of proportion.

"It's frustrating and upsetting to me to see these things in the newspapers."

Philippoussis said it's the greatest honour for any athlete to play for his country, and he'll play Davis Cup whenever he's fit.

He said he had risked long-term injury before playing for Australia and once had to pull out of a following tournament because he aggravated an injury playing in the Davis Cup.

"I have always been available for the Davis Cup team," he said.

"I don't like people saying to me that I don't like playing Davis Cup when I have put myself in line for Davis Cup when I haven't even been fit."


Scud hits out at his critics

Source: AAP|Published: Wednesday July 12, 5:35 PM
The Age


Melbourne: Embattled tennis player Mark Philippoussis today said he was frustrated and upset at Pat Rafter's criticisms of his late withdrawal from Australia's Davis Cup team.

Speaking publicly for the first time about the row, Philippousis accused team-mate Rafter of being uninformed about the issue.

Philippoussis came under fire from Rafter at the weekend after saying he wanted to rest an inflamed knee rather than play in the Davis Cup semi-final against Brazil, starting on Friday.

'I think that Pat's been uninformed. He's had his shoulder problems and he hasn't played Davis Cup or he's played only doubles,' Philippoussis told Channel Ten.

'He couldn't play five sets or singles. I understand that, but thank God now, he seems fine.'

Philippoussis, who played two tough five-setters at Wimbledon in the past fortnight, said he was shocked at the reaction to his decision.

'I don't understand why everything has been blown out of proportion.

'It's frustrating and upsetting to me to see these things in the newspapers.'

He insisted he wanted to play for his country.

'Whenever I'm fit I'm going to play for my country. That's the best thing any athlete can do is to play for his country,' said Philippoussis.

But he had risked long term injury before playing for Australia and once had to pull out of a following tournament because he aggravated an injury playing in the Davis Cup.

'I have always been available for the Davis Cup team,' he said.

'I have put myself at risk and I don't like people saying to me that I don't like playing Davis Cup when I have put myself in line for Davis Cup when I haven't even been fit.

He said he was confident that Rafter and team-mate Lleyton Hewitt would help defeat Brazil and put Australia in the final to defend its title.