Scud no big loss

From our wire services

29 December 00

News Interactive

THE fact Mark Philippoussis was out for the Australian summer because of injury did not change Wally Masur's thinking in terms of an Australian team for the first-round Davis Cup tie.
"The indications were that he wasn't going to be available (anyway). He hadn't come out and said that but that's what the indications were," coach Masur said.

The Scud had surgery in Melbourne last night to correct a cartilage problem in his left knee, the operation forcing him out of the upcoming Hopman Cup in Perth and the Australia Open, the first grand slam of the year.

Masur said this week the 24-year-old had indicated he was unlikely to play in the tie against Ecuador in Perth in February, but the Davis Cup coach had not completely discounted the possibility.

Now, Masur said he suspected the power server would be sidelined until probably March.

"I feel sorry for the guy. He finished the year very strong. I had a sneaky feeling he would hit the ball well this summer," Masur said.

"(Not being available for) Davis Cup is a bad break for him but he won't even get to play the Australian Open; let's put it in perspective."

Lleyton Hewitt, Pat Rafter, Todd Woodbridge and Sandon Stolle were among certainties for the Davis Cup squad, with Masur saying he would also watch the form in coming weeks of Wayne Arthurs, Andrew Ilie and Jason Stoltenberg.

"I'd like to think they're all focussed on doing well at the Australian Open, and (the possibility of a berth in) Davis Cup is a bonus," Masur said.