Daily Tennis

MELBOURNE (Reuters)(DS) - Australia's Mark Philippoussis has said knee surgery this week should end an
injury that has plagued his career for 18 months and caused friction in the Australian Davis Cup team.
The surgery will mean Philippoussis, the world's number 11 player, will be out of action for about two
months. But he told a media briefing his surgeon was pleased with the results of the operation on
Thursday.
"This is a bit of a set-back for me but I am going to keep my chin up and I will be back stronger, there
is no doubt about that," he said. The withdrawal of Philippoussis, 24, from the Davis Cup contest against
Brazil in July because of the knee problem led to tension with his Australian team-mates and questioning of
his work ethic.
Philippoussis said a slight cartilage tear wich occurred during the Wimbledon tournament in 1999 had
worsened over the past 18 months causing persistent problems.
"People have doubted me, which now I hope they realise that everything was legitimate. There was never
a time where I complained that there was nothing there," he said.

FRESH START
Philippoussis has the opportunity for a fresh start with the Davis Cup team as new captain John
Fitzgerald takes over next year from John Newcombe.
"Whenever I am capable of doing what I can, I am there and I am giving it my all. I am dedicated to the
country and playing Davis Cup," he said.
The surgery means Philippoussis will miss the Hopman Cup international mixed teams event which
starts in Perth on Saturday, the Australian Open in January and the first-round Davis Cup contest against
Ecuador in February.
He is expected to return to competition in eight weeks, in time to play in the Memphis tournament in the
United States.
Philippoussis said there had been no point in delaying the surgery in order to compete in the Australian
Open.
"I am missing out on the Australian Open, but the good news is that I have eight weeks until the next
tournament and this was the best time to do it," he said.
Philippoussis has been touted by Australian tennis officials as a potential winner of several Grand Slam
tournaments but has not yet lived up to his potential.
He said he had matured and was working harder and reports that coach Peter McNamara had banned
him from buying any more sports cars until he won a Grand Slam tournament were not true.
"There was a phase I went through where I loved fast cars but I have sold them all," he said.
"I feel like I have what it takes to do well and win some grand slams and that is what I want to do before
my career is over."