SPORTSTODAY
MELBOURNE, Jan 18 AAP - Mark Philippoussis said today he felt great sympathy for Jelena Dokic.

The Australian world No.11 said Dokic, his former Hopman Cup partner, appeared unhappy on court and it was sad to see her booed by an Australian Open crowd.

Like Dokic, world No.11 Philippoussis is no stranger to controversy, having tested the support of Australian fans with his on-again, off-again approach to Davis Cup availability.

But he has never been booed by an Australian crowd as Dokic was before and after her Open first round loss to Lindsay Davenport on Monday night after renouncing Australian tennis to represent Yugoslavia.

``I think why I feel so bad is because she's only 17, she's only started her career and at the moment she's done so well,'' said Philippoussis, who has missed the Open because of knee surgery late last month.

``She looks unhappy on the court, it's a real shame, and because she's 17 she should be enjoying herself and should be happy she's out there with the talent to play tennis.

``I understand how some people would react, but at the same time when a 17-year-old girl walks out onto the court and some people are booing her, I really felt for her.

``To go to three sets (against Davenport) after what's being happening and what's being said, she is so strong and it's great to see that.''

Speaking at a media conference here this morning for Melbourne charity Open Family, Philippoussis added it had been difficult to sit out the Open.

His recuperation period also ruled him out of the Davis Cup first round tie against Ecuador in Perth early next month.

But he said he was on track to resume competition at the men's tour event in Memphis, Tennessee in mid-February.

``It's tough obviously being here at the same time as the Australian Open is going on and seeing what's happening on TV,'' he said.

''(But) I get to spend time with family and friends so it's a bit of a plus.

``It's going really well, Dr Julian Feller is incredibly surprised with the way it's healed, I'm back on the court every day hitting for an hour.

``I'm not moving too much on court, but each day it's getting better.''

His manager John McCurdy said Philippoussis had spoken several times to new Davis Cup captain John Fitzgerald about possibly joining the team later in the year.

McCurdy also hinted Philippoussis would remain unwilling to give a commitment to every Davis Cup tie but Fitzgerald may be prepared to accept that.

``Mark doesn't respond well to having too heavy a schedule - with his injuries and his big body type, the schedule is very important,'' McCurdy said.

``He wants to play Davis Cup, obviously the first one is out but we'll see how the rest of the year pans out.''

McCurdy said there could be more flexibility in selection for the Australian team.

AAP