ABC News

February 12, 2001

Australian Davis Cup coach Wally Masur says the form of Mark Philippoussis will be monitored closely in the lead-up to April's quarter final against Brazil in Brazil.

The Australian team yesterday moved into the next round after wrapping up the tie against Ecuador in Perth, four rubbers to one.

Masur says Philippoussis, who returns to the ATP tour next week in the United States after knee surgery in January, will be in contention to play against Brazil.

"We haven't got too far ahead of ourselves, obviously there's the issue with Mark - we're hoping that he can play some tennis upcoming in Memphis and get through it and hopefully his knee will be okay."

The Australian Davis Cup team expect no favours from the Brazilian crowd when it plays Brazil in a quarter final in April.

Masur says the tie against Brazilian team led by Gustavo Kuerten could be tougher than last year's final against Spain in Barcelona.

"The same will apply in Brazil - difficult surface probably fairly slow clay and Kuerten in Brazil is exceptional and crowd will be exceptional too," he said.


Game wrap

Australia has wrapped up its Davis Cup tennis tie against Ecuador 4-1 in Perth with resounding victories in the reverse singles.

Lleyton Hewitt thrashed Ecuador's number one player Nicolas Lapentti 6-2, 6-1, 6-1, then Pat Rafter beat Giovanni Lapentti 6-3, 6-1 in the final singles rubber.

World number six Hewitt beat Lapentti, ranked 25th, 6-2, 6-1, 6-1 in 82 minutes to give Australia an unbeatable 3-1 lead in the tie.