11jan01

He already back on the tennis court for 30 minutes a day.

"I'm doing what I have to do, working with Peter McNamara, I'm disappointed but things happen and you have to deal with them," he said.

While he won't reveal details of his long-distance relationship, Philippoussis said he flew his partner to his home in Miami, Florida, for visits.

When they were in Melbourne, the Scud said they enjoyed simple pastimes -- their favorite is going to the cinema.

"On the first date with my current girlfriend we went to the casino to watch a movie because I'm a movie buff and we had a drink at a cafe," Philippoussis said.

"I'm pretty simple. Chapel St is always nice - I don't go out much but I like going to movies at the Jam Factory."

Philippoussis has spent time with his mum Rosanna and sister Maria during his recovery time in Melbourne.

But one of the great attractions of living in Florida is the anonymity he enjoys there.

It was there that he decided to dye his naturally dark hair bright blond.

"I woke up in Miami one day and decided to change my hair so I went down to my hairdresser," he said.

"I wanted to go platinum white but because I have dark hair it was hard to get that."

Those dark brooding looks have also been a winner with advertisers, with watch company Longines signing him up as an ambassador.

"I collect watches so when I heard Longines was interested I was really excited," Philippoussis said.