By LINDA PEARCE
January 3rd, 1999
EVEN before flight QF499 to Perth left the Tullamarine tarmac on Friday afternoon, the tall, dark passenger in the army pants and gold earring stretched out in business class had his eyes closed and his mind on a trans-Nullarbor snooze.
Either Mark Philippoussis was sleeping off some New Year revelry, or he was resting up for a demanding month. The physical load is clearcut: the Hopman Cup, followed by the Colonial Classic exhibition at Kooyong and then the Australian Open, where his previous best is the fourth round. The related demands are what the world No.15 has struggled most with in the past.
Since returning from his Florida home to Williamstown more than a month ago, Philippoussis has steadfastly refused all interview requests other than one related to his nomination as one of Cleo's 50 most eligible bachelors.
Yesterday at Perth's Burswood Dome, Philippoussis could avoid the questions no longer. He reluctantly faced the Australian media for one of the rare times since he crashed to Hicham Arazi in the second round at Melbourne Park more than 11 months ago.
He was accompanied by co-coach Pat Cash and introduced by tournament boss and staunch ally Paul McNamee.
All the expected subjects were aired: Davis Cup, bad blood, mistakes, regrets, coaches, Cash (who seems to have been a remarkably positive influence during their six-month association).
Describe 1998? ``Definitely a roller-coaster ride.'' New Year's resolution? ``Probably to be a good boy.''
And, 20 minutes later, it was over. Everyone got what they wanted.
McNamee, who knows Philippoussis well and attended both finalists' parties after their US Open duel, was asked where he believed the Victorian's at-times-battered public image currently stood.
``Mark II,'' he said optimistically.
And let's all raise a new year toast to that. Maybe then we can all get some sleep.