Room for improvement ... Davis Cup captain John Newcombe says Mark Philippoussis is yet to realise his full potential. Photo: Ray Kennedy
To view pic (http://www.smh.com.au/news/0011/26/sport/sport12.html)
Mark Philippoussis's decision to avoid the Davis Cup has cost him two grand slam titles, outgoing
Australian captain John Newcombe believes.
Newcombe, who ends his seven-year reign as Davis Cup captain after the final against Spain next month, said Philippoussis had yet to realise his full potential.
And while "The Scud" had performed solidly this year, Newcombe maintained his absence from the Australian team had affected his performances.
"He showed the world in that Davis Cup final last year what he was capable of - he really thrived in that team atmosphere," Newcombe said. "Since then, I don't think he has quite hit his peak.
"In my opinion, he would have two grand slams under his belt if he had gone that route [representing Australia at Davis Cup level].
"But I don't hold that against him. No-one has to play Davis Cup if they don't want to. Looking back, I wouldn't have approached the situation any differently."
Newcombe labelled the ongoing controversies involving Philippoussis as "the only down side" during his time as Davis Cup captain.
But prior to joining the Australian camp, which is now in preparation mode for the final in Barcelona from December 8 to 10, Newcombe said he hoped Philippoussis would rejoin the team.
"It seems to be a prerequisite that Mark's new coach has to come in and give Newk a verbal belting - that's fine, take a swing," Newcombe said. "But I have never publicly said anything against him.
"I have always believed in Mark's capability. There's no sourness there from my point of view. Disappointment maybe, but no sourness. Looking back, though, I wouldn't have handled the situation any differently.
"My job now will be to look for the next generation of players. I have no idea if Mark will come back - right now, you couldn't count on it. In the future, hopefully he will."
With Lleyton Hewitt now all but recovered from a mystery illness, Newcombe believes the Australian camp is well prepared to defend its title against Spain.
Newcombe leaves Sydney tomorrow optimistic of claiming successive titles.
"I know [retirement] has been coming for a while, but it's only been in the last week or so that the adrenalin has really started pumping about it," Newcombe said. "It's been an incredible seven years - very emotionally draining - but the time is right.
"I think we're on the verge of another great tennis dynasty."