Herald Sun

September 17th, 2000

The catchphrase at these games is that perennial Australian greeting, g'day. It seemed no one was saying it to Mark Philippoussis yesterday.

While Australian tennis coach Tony Roche played down speculation that the chasm of disharmony between Philippoussis and other team members still existed, nothing happened at a team practice to alter the view.

On court six at the Olympic Tennis site was the defending gold medal doubles team of mark Woodforde and Todd Woodbridge. On neighboring court five were Pat Rafter, Andrew Ilie and Lleyton Hewitt.

A little further south, towards centre court, Philippoussis limbered up. But rather than practising with one of his team mates, the Scud was hitting with Karol Kucera.

Hewitt, Ilie and Rafter did what they needed to do while Philippoussis went about his business.

After a two-hour workout, Rafter, Ilie and Hewitt packed up and left. They passed by Philippoussis but there was no interaction.

Roche explained it away by saying that limited court time and differing practice needs had caused the segregation.

Philippoussis has had a volatile relationship with his fellow Australian players. Despite piloting his country to a stunning victory in the Davis Cup final against France last year, his team mates have been skeptical about injuries cited for his absence from other ties.

"He wanted to organise a hit with Karol, which is fine" Roche said. "That's fine, to get some matchplay under his belt. He hit with Andrew yesterday. No problems there, he's fitted in well with the team"
.