26jul00

MARK Philippoussis has sparked yet another controversy -- playing in a celebrity match only 12 days after snubbing Australia's Davis Cup team.

The Scud helped win a light-hearted doubles match in Los Angeles yesterday, two weeks after withdrawing from the Davis Cup semi-final against Brazil with a sore knee.
His return to international tennis came as Wimbledon finalist Pat Rafter fired a new salvo at Philippoussis, who he has already accused of "jerking around" the Australian team.

Rafter said Philippoussis had "a lot of rebuilding to do" before being welcomed back into the Davis Cup team.

Philippoussis and comedian Dennis Miller defeated Hollywood star Dustin Hoffman and French Open winner Michael Chang 4-3 in the ninth annual Night at the Net charity event in Los Angeles.

The event kicked off the rich Mercedes Benz Cup, which Philippoussis has entered as a wildcard after initially declaring he would be sidelined for up to three weeks.

The tournament marks the Victorian's return from his knee injury, sustained during his clash with Andre Agassi at Wimbledon.

Philippoussis told Australian captain John Newcombe he would be of little help to the Australians against Brazil because of the injury and fatigue after losing to Agassi.

His decision reopened old wounds in a furious Australian team.

Philippoussis already appears a long shot to be invited to play in the Davis Cup final against Spain from December 8 to 10.

Newcombe has signalled Philippoussis will miss the showdown, declaring he wants to keep the semi-final team for the final.

Since Rafter's last attack on Philippoussis, the pair has not spoken.

Rafter said yesterday he expected a cool reception from Philippoussis when the duo met again.

"I have made no contact and he has made no attempt to contact me," Rafter said after training with the Brisbane Broncos.

"I will be seeing him soon so it will be interesting to see his reaction.

"I can't imagine it will be great.

"I don't think I said anything bad. But if you play a team game, you have to be a team player."