Foxsports

6 March 2001

From our wire services

News Interactive

DAVIS CUP captain John Fitzgerald will meet with Mark Philippoussis next week to determine his availability for the quarter-final tie against Brazil next month.

Philippoussis, who made a successful return from knee surgery by winning the St Jude Classic in Memphis last week, has been undecided on whether he'll play the claycourt tie in Florianapolis.

But Fitzgerald said he was hopeful after a brief discussion with the 24-year-old last week.

"I've already spoken to Mark but we are going to make a decision in Indian Wells (California) next week," said Fitzgerald today.

"I spoke to him last week and he was good but he did say he was dragging the chain (health-wise) a bit."

Philippoussis mentioned a bout of flu as a big factor when he lost a first round match in San Jose days after claiming the Memphis title.

He is taking a week off tournament play this week and is then scheduled to play the two big Masters Series tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami back to back ahead of the Davis Cup quarter-finals week.

While Philippoussis has had a chequered history of on-off availability for the Davis Cup team in past years, annoying some teammtes, but he proved a Cup winner in the 1999 final against France.

His camp has hinted strongly that he'll remain a tie by tie proposition, with no commitment to play a complete campaign.

But Fitzgerald, in his first year at the helm, wouldn't speculate on whether factors other than fitness could influence the Victorian's decision.

"I really think it's pointless my summising anything," said Fitzgerald.

"I'm always hopeful with Mark.

"He indicated at the start of the year he was keen to play and that's music to my ears."

Fitzgerald admitted he was "feeling his way a bit" with the Australian team after taking over the reins from John Newcombe this year.

Australia won a first round tie against Ecuador in Perth but could struggle against the Gustavo Kuerten-led team in Florianopolis, Brazil from April 6-8.