Fromberg wins, too

Herald Sun

31^st August 2000

MARK Philippoussis encountered no Spanish trouble in his first round assignment at

the US Open today. Philippoussis always remained in control to beat Albert Portas

6-3 6-2 6-3 in a late but impressive start to the championships.

The tournament 15^th seed played within himself, using the power serve to

prevent 70th ranked Portas settling into a pattern with those European

groundstrokes and passing shots which brought about Pat Rafter's demise

yesterday.

Portas lacked the polish and penetration of countryman Galo Blanco who felled Rafter

in a marathon five-set thriller. And Philippoussis gave the impression he would relish

a crack at Blanco if their third round confrontation eventuated.

Right now, Philippoussis is concerned only with his next opponent, either

American Jan-Michael Gambill who has a couple of victories against the tall

Victorian, or wild card invite Mardy Fish, an 18-year-old from Florida

"I'm happy about the way I played. I was pumped and ready. This is

the US Open, so everyone is going to give it their all on the court and that's

what I did today," Philippoussis said.

"I just came out and concentrated and left everything on the court. I was positive out

there, very relaxed and enjoying myself."

Philippoussis said two loose service games were the only blemishes in his

crushing warning to prospective foes in the bottom section of the draw

where No. 2 seed Gustavo Kuerten and Rafter have already gone.

"Besides those two loose games, where I just lost a bit of concentration, I was

a double break up and sort of relaxed a little bit too much. I'm as healthy as

I've ever been"

Philippoussis said he was aware his section of the draw had opened up, but he doesn't

want to look ahead.

"That doesn't mean that it's a breeze for anyone. Obviously they're tough

matches because those guys have played to win. You still have to win to get

through."

Philippoussis, beaten finalist to Rafter here two years ago, was delighted

with the faster court conditions this time.

"I love them. Ball is bouncing high and it's quick. It's nice," he said.

While Philippoussis hogged the spotlight, compatriot Richard Fromberg

also booked a second round spot, downing George Bastl of Switzerland 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-2.

Fromberg is also down the Aussie dominated bottom of the men's singles draw and he has

a winnable next match against Belgium qualifier Xavier Malisse.