Monday, October 2, 2000
South China Morning Post

UNUS ALLADIN

Mark Philippoussis has gone back to basics, hoping to regain his winning touch and rediscover his passion for the game.

The six-foot-four Australian colossus is working harder than ever with the help of old hand Peter McNamara, who played a key role in shaping Philippoussis' junior career. And the power-serving "Scud" thinks he can not only become a top contender again but a champion, too.

"My form has been up and down this year but since I have returned to basics it's been good. I have been training a lot harder and I feel a lot better," said the 23-year-old former US Open finalist. "I'm doing what I was doing when I was 15, 16 and just enjoying my tennis and keeping it
simple. I'm trying to forget about some of the disturbing things off court. There have been too many distractions."

Philippoussis' decision not to represent his country in the Davis Cup final against Spain in Barcelona in December opened new wounds for the world number 15.

His recent spats with teammate Patrick Rafter and Australian head coach John Newcombe were widely publicised and part of a controversial history over committing himself to play for his country.
The bad press affected much of his game but the power-serving Aussie says that's all behind him now.

"That Davis Cup issue. I don't really want to talk about it," said Philippoussis who didn't give any indication of whether he would represent his country again in the Davis Cup.

"I want to put that behind me and concentrate on my tennis. That's what I want to do. I have to regain some confidence in my game and win some matches and that's why I am [in Hong Kong]."

Philippoussis has started making progress since rediscovering his passion for the game. Although he didn't get further than the last 16 in the men's singles at the Sydney Olympics, he was ousted by eventual gold medallist, Russian Yevgeny Kafelnikov.

The Australian is making his second appearance in Hong Kong after teaming up with American Tommy Ho and winning the Salem Open doubles title five years ago.

"The more you play in tournaments, the more you become more mature. Obviously, you can take a few wrong turns. I am trying to get back on track," said Philippoussis.

McNamara was excited to be working with his protege again, saying he had unfinished business to take care of.

McNamara, the two-time Wimbledon doubles champion with fellow-Australian Paul McNamee, said he was convinced Philippoussis had a lot to offer and "we haven't seen the best of him yet".

"We are returning to Mark's roots where we hope to harness all the wonderful talent that he has," said McNamara who last coached Philippoussis three years ago but was one of his first coaches Down
Under some eight years ago.

"He [Philippoussis] knows what it takes to become a top player. The opportunities are there and he realises it. He knows that there is no short-cut to the top. He is keeping his tennis fairly simple and he has been able to enjoy his tennis. He has always had the talent. It's the matter of putting it all together," said 45-year-old McNamara.

"He hasn't fully blossomed as a tennis player. He's still only 23 and he's already reached one Grand Slam final. He has also beaten Pete Sampras three times, which is no mean feat considering that the American is one of the all-time greats of the game."

Philippoussis has received a tricky opening-round assignment against 1998 Salem Open finalist Byron Black of Zimbabwe in the main draw of the tournament which begins today.

Top seed Gustavo Kuerten will play a qualifier in the first round as will Australia's Pat Rafter.

Second seeded Tim Henman of Britain begins his campaign tonight against Israeli Harel Levy, while Germany's Nicolas Kiefer, the third seed, plays Switzerland's George Bastl this afternoon