What he discovered during that time of reflection was the dedication required to become a consistent winner and Grand Slam champion.

Sunday in the final of the $800,000 Kroger St. Jude tennis tournament at The Racquet Club, he may have taken the first step - on a sound left knee - toward achieving those goals. Philippoussis, the tournament's No. 2 seed, defeated an injured Davide Sanguinetti, 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-3 before about 4,500.

It was the ninth ATP title of Philippoussis's career and his second tournament win in Memphis. He collected $120,000 for the win

En route to the finals, Philippoussis, 24, did not drop a set. Among his victims was No. 3 seed Tommy Haas in the semifinals, a match Philippoussis won in two tiebreakers and one that qualified as the highlight of the tournament.

"Things couldn't have gone better this week," Philippoussis said. "It's been very positive for me, but I've really worked hard for it. I was in Miami working really hard on my fitness three to four times a week, plus tennis twice a day on the court, plus running on my own. I've never done that."

While he was rehabilitating in Australia, he found motivation in 30-year-old Andre Agassi's preparation for the Australian Open, a grueling fitness workout that helped Agassi to his seventh Grand Slam title.

"It made me realize that if you want to be the best you've got to be willing to give it your all," Philippoussis said. "Andre went to the Australian Open knowing he had trained harder than anyone else and knowing that once he gets on the court no one was going to outlast him. That's the whole point. He's a true champion and he's really made me open my eyes."

Against Sanguinetti, the ninth-seed, Philippoussis never was in danger of losing the match, even though he dropped the second-set tiebreaker. That's because Sanguinetti re-aggravated an upper-back injury early in the first set and lost one of his best weapons, an effective serve that has carried to wins over Michael Chang and Chris Woodruff.

"Most of (my problem) was in serving," said Sanguinetti, who originally injured his back in Saturday's semifinal win over Sebastien Lareau. "I couldn't really toss the ball, so it was tough. All week I served pretty well and today I could not really serve. It was a big advantage I gave to him."

Sanguinetti, 28, had to have his back wrapped between the first and second sets and his discomfort the remainder of the match was evident. He grimaced throughout and walked gingerly toward the sidelines during changeovers.

"I almost wanted to retire at the end of the first set," Sanguinetti said. "But I said, `No, no, no, let's stay all the way and see what's going to happen.' I don't know how I managed to win the second set."

In the third set, Sanguinetti, appearing in his third ATP final, was in such pain he didn't attempt to swing at Philippoussis's serves. During one stretch, he conceded eight straight aces.

"It's tough because you need to have a good reflex," Sanguinetti said. "But every time I was moving there was pain."

Because he fought gallantly through the pain and forced a third set, Sanguinetti earned the compassion of the crowd.

"It felt great,'' he said. ``I heard someone say `Go gladiator.' It was fun and I did my best. I guess everyone approved."

Philippoussis said it was an understandable reaction from the crowd, which also enjoyed Sanguinetti's on-court antics. At one point, Sanguinetti chatted amiably with a linesman on a questionable call. Another time he sat atop the courtside scoreboard after unsuccessfully chasing down a Philippoussis shot.

"It's always tough when you play someone when they are injured and limping around,'' Philippoussis said. ``They are just going with the flow and they have nothing to lose."Then he started slapping some shots for winners and the crowd got into it. It's always tough. I just wanted to stay concentrated and make sure I held onto my service."

Philippoussis's serve never was a problem, even though he was broken once in the opening set. He finished with 31 aces and only two doubles faults.

But more importantly for him was his triumphant return to the tour, marked by a solid week of tennis that he hopes can translate into his best year, his seventh year, as a pro.

"I've turned 24, hopefully I've got six or seven years left,'' he said. ``I just want to commit everything I have to the next six or seven years so I know that I gave it my best shot."

sportal.com.au

26 February 2001

Mark Philippoussis has won his first tournament since left knee surgery last December, defeating Italy's Davide Sangiunetti 6-3 6-7 6-3 to win the St. Jude Classic in Memhis.

The second seed Philippoussis overcame losing his first set of the week to capture his ninth career crown and the $A230,000 top prize. Memphis won at Memphis for the second time in four years and his ninth career title overall.

``Things couldn't have gone better this week. It's been a real positive for me, but I worked really hard (rehabilitating),'' Philippoussis said afterwards.

The Victorian said he was inspired during his recovery period by Andre Agassi, who won the Australian Open by basically preparing harder than anyone else. ``No one was going to outlast him,'' Philippoussis said.

Sanguinetti aggravated a back injury in the first set and at one stage in the third set, did not even attempt to return Philippoussis' serve. ``It affected me the most in serving because I couldn't toss the ball,'' Sanguinetti said. ``I couldn't serve so it was a big advantage for him.''

He said it was nearly impossible to react to Philippoussis's lightning serves. ``It's tough because you need a good reflex," he said. "But every time I was moving there was pain.''

abc.net.au

26 February 2001

Mark Philippoussis has fired 31 aces to win his first ATP event since knee surgery last December, beating Italy's Davide Sanguinetti to win the ATP event in Memphis Philippoussis won 6-3, 6-7, 6-3 to reclaim the title he first won in 1998.

Second seed Philippoussis overcame losing his first set of the week to capture his ninth career crown. The hard-serving 24-year-old Victorian struggled despite Sanguinetti suffering with a bad back.

Seeking his first ATP title, Sanguinetti was hampered by back pain early in the match and called for the trainer at 2-5 in the first set. He managed to save three set points in the eighth game and forced Philippoussis to serve out the opening set.

Both players held serve in the second set to force the tiebreaker.

Philippoussis appeared ready to close out his ailing opponent after winning the first three points but fell apart and allowed Sanguinetti to get back in the match.

The Australian committed six unforced errors on the next seven points as Sanguinetti found himself with two set points at 6-4.

Philippoussis saved one but netted a backhand on the next point to push the match to a deciding set.

A gallant Sanguinetti again called for the trainer after the first game of the final set

Two points later, he bowed over in pain but played on and lost his serve to give Philippoussis a 2-0 lead.

Sanguinetti appeared ready to retire after falling behind, 1-4, but would not go quietly. He saved one match point at 3-5 and even managed to run down a drop shot and pull off a running forehand winner to force Philippoussis to serve out the match.

The Victorian did just that, closing with an ace and service winner on his third match point.

Sanguinetti, 28, appeared in his third career ATP final and first since September at Tashkent, Uzbekistan. He has turned around his season after starting the year 0-5.

After this first US ATP event of the year, Philippoussis will join compatriot Lleyton Hewitt and Andre Agassi next week at San Jose.

Atp Memphis Site

26 February 2001

Mark Philippoussis has crowned his comeback with the Memphis title.

In the final, the second seeded Australian defeated ninth seeded Italian Davide Sanguinetti 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-3. It was his first tournament of the year after knee injury in December and an impressive comeback indeed. The second set of the final was the only set he dropped throughout the tournament. In the semifinals, Philippoussis survived a tough match against Tommy Haas, winning in two tie-break sets.

Philippoussis dominated the final, which lasted little more than two hours, with his powerful serve. He hit 32 aces, but also returned very well. The Italian had only one break point, which he converted.

"It's a great feeling to come in here and win," Philippoussis said afterwards. "It's a great way to begin the year, and for my confidence and for my knee. I worked really hard for it and it's nice to see it pay off. This week couldn't have gone better. It's been very positive."

It was Philippoussis' ninth ATP title, and the second in Memphis after 1998.

Bob and Mike Bryan are the 2001 Memphis doubles champions. In the final, the American twins defeated countrymen Alex O'Brien and Jonathan Stark 6-3, 7-6(3) to win their first title.

"It feels great," said Mike. "We've let a couple slip away and it's nice to get the first title and it's great to get it here, especially in the US." "It's kind of ironic to beat them for our first title since we looked up to those guys growing up."

The Age

26 February 2001

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE

Fear of being an unfulfilled talent is driving Mark Philippoussis in a hardworking and triumphant return to the ATP Tour.

The big Australian made up some lost time with his first tournament back after knee surgery in December, beating Italy's Davide Sanguinetti 6-3, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3 to win the StJude Classic here on Sunday.

It was Philippoussis' ninth career ATP Tour title and the sixth in the United States, where his past five titles have all come.

Philippoussis' power advantage was telling as he hammered 31 aces to six by Sanguinetti, who was further handicapped by a back injury.

The 24-year-old Victorian made it clear later he felt he'd not achieved as much as he could and was bent on making up for it through hard work with his coach Peter McNamara.

Even though I won this week, I've got a lot to work on, said Philippoussis. I don't want to be known as a guy who had a really big serve and a lot of talent but never worked hard enough.

I've got to commit my life to tennis. I've got to commit six to seven years to give it my best shot.

He was motivated during his injury layoff by 30-year-old Andre Agassi's achievement in winning a third Australian Open title last month.

I looked up to Agassi, the way he prepared for the Australian Open and saw how much work he put in, he said. He's the fittest player out there. And he really made me open my eyes.

Coach McNamara has been impressed by Philippoussis' work ethic since his return from arthroscopic surgery.

To Mark, this means a lot because he really worked hard to get back, said McNamara, who began working with Philippoussis in October.

Second seed Philippoussis regained the St Jude Classic title he won in 1998 and is brimming with confidence for a tough schedule ahead, starting with the San Jose tournament this week where Agassi and Lleyton Hewitt will also play.

It's a great feeling to come in here and win, Philippoussis said. It's a great way to begin the year, and for my confidence and for my knee. I worked really hard for it and it's nice to see it pay off.

This week couldn't have gone better. It has been very positive, he said.

Yet to win a tournament, Sanguinetti inflicted Philippoussis' first set loss of the week despite suffering with a bad back he injured in his semi-final.

He called for the trainer at 2-5 in the first set. In the second set, Sanguinetti forced a tiebreak, but Philippoussis took an early 3-0 lead and appeared as if he would close out the title match quickly.

But Sanguinetti recovered after a couple of Philippoussis errors and won the tiebreak when Philippoussis netted a backhand.

In the third set, it was apparent Sanguinetti was in severe pain. He conceded several points, walked gingerly to the sidelines during changeovers and had his back re-wrapped.

It affected me the most in serving because I couldn't toss the ball, Sanguinetti said.

The Sydney Morning Herald

27 February 2001

Memphis: Fear of being an unfulfilled talent is driving Mark Philippoussis in a hardworking and triumphant return to the ATP Tour.

The big Australian made up for some lost time in his first tournament back after knee surgery in December, beating Italy's Davide Sanguinetti 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 to win the St Jude Classic. It was Philippoussis's ninth ATP title and his sixth in the United States, where his past five tournament wins have come.

Philippoussis's power advantage over most players was obvious as he hammered 31 aces to the six by Sanguinetti, who was also hampered by a back injury sustained in his semi-final.

The 24-year-old Victorian said after Sunday's win he felt he'd not achieved as much as he might have in the past and was bent on making up for it through hard work with his coach Peter McNamara.

"Even though I won this week, I've got a lot to work on," Philippoussis said. "I don't want to be known as a guy who had a really big serve and a lot of talent but never worked hard enough.

"I've got to commit my life to tennis. I've got to commit 6-7 years to give it my best shot."

He was powerfully motivated during his injury lay-off by 30-year-old Andre Agassi's achievement in winning a third Australian Open title last month.

"I looked up to Agassi, the way he prepared for the Australian Open, and saw how much work he put in," he said. "He's the fittest player out there. And he really made me open my eyes."

McNamara, who began working with Philippoussis last October, has been impressed by his charge's work ethic in his return from arthroscopic surgery. "To Mark, this means a lot because he really worked hard to get back," he said.

Philippoussis, the second seed who won this title in 1998, is brimming with confidence for a tough schedule ahead, starting with the San Jose tournament this week in which Agassi and Australian Lleyton Hewitt will play.

"It's a great feeling to come in here and win," Philippoussis said. "It's a great way to begin the year, and for my confidence and for my knee. I worked really hard for it and it's nice to see it pay off.

"This week couldn't have gone better. It has been very positive." Sanguinetti was the first to take a set off Philippoussis in the tournament despite having to call for a trainer at 2-5 in the first set.

In the second set tie-breaker Philippoussis looked as if he would close out the match quickly when he took a 3-0 lead. But a couple of errors allowed Sanguinetti to recover and take the set when Philippoussis netted a backhand.

In the third set, it was apparent Sanguinetti was in severe pain. He conceded several points, walked gingerly to the sidelines during changeovers and had his back re-strapped.

"It affected me the most in serving because I couldn't toss the ball," Sanguinetti said. "I couldn't serve so it was a big advantage for him."

The Herald Sun

27 February 2001

FEAR of being an unfulfilled talent is driving Mark Philippoussis in a hard-working and triumphant return to the ATP Tour.

The big Australian made up some lost time in his first tournament back after knee surgery in December, beating Italy's Davide Sanguinetti 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 to win the St Jude Classic in Memphis, Tennessee, yesterday.

It was Philippoussis's ninth career ATP Tour title and his sixth in the United States, where he has picked up his previous five titles.

Philippoussis's power advantage over most players was obvious as he hammered 31 aces to the six managed by Sanguinetti, who was further handicapped by a back injury.

The 24-year-old Victorian made it clear later he felt he'd not achieved as much as he could in the past and was bent on making up for it through hard work with his coach Peter McNamara.

"Even though I won this week, I've got a lot to work on," Philippoussis said.

"I don't want to be known as a guy who had a really big serve and a lot of talent, but never worked hard enough.

"I've got to commit my life to tennis. I've got to commit six to seven years to give it my best shot."

He was motivated during his injury layoff by 30-year-old Andre Agassi's achievement in winning a third Australian Open title last month.

"I looked up to Agassi, the way he prepared for the Australian Open and saw how much work he put in," he said.

"He's the fittest player out there. And he really made me open my eyes."

Coach McNamara has been impressed by Philippoussis's work ethic in his return from arthroscopic surgery. "To Mark, this means a lot because he really worked hard to get back," said McNamara, who began working with Philippoussis in October.

Second seed Philippoussis, who regained the St Jude Classic title he won here in 1998, is brimming with confidence for a tough schedule ahead, starting with the San Jose tournament this week where Agassi and Lleyton Hewitt also play.

"It's a great feeling to come in here and win," Philippoussis said. "It's a great way to begin the year, and for my confidence and for my knee. I worked really hard for it and it's nice to see it pay off."

Yet to win a tournament, Sanguinetti inflicted Philippoussis's first set loss of the week, despite suffering with a bad back he injured in his semi-final. He called for the trainer at 2-5 in the first set.

In the second set, Sanguinetti forced a tiebreaker, but Philippoussis took an early 3-0 lead.

But Sanguinetti recovered behind a couple of Philippoussis errors and won the tiebreaker when Philippoussis netted a backhand.

In the third set, Sanguinetti was in severe pain. He conceded several points, walked gingerly to the sidelines during changeovers and had his back re-wrapped.