It seems Australia can’t hang on to its big name tennis players anymore. Jelena Dokic says she has no plans to return to her former home in Sydney, and certainly won’t play under the Australian flag again.

Dokic announced her decision to play under Yugoslavian colours just before the Australian Open earlier this year.

“I made my decision there and I haven’t even thought about it since because I don’t think it’s a huge issue,” says Dokic. “I’ve made up my mind.”

It seems Dokic’s former countrywomen are a forgiving lot though.

“I’ve spoken to a few of them in the locker room,” said Dokic. “We’re still all really good friends and there’s no hard feelings at all.”

Dokic is without her father this week at the Ericsson Open. Damir Dokic is still serving a six month ban from tournaments, imposed by the SanexWTA Tour after he was ejected form the US Open last year following a fight with catering staff. Damir is staying at the new Dokic base in Tampa, while her mum Liliana takes on coaching duties. Damir’s ban ends on the 31 March. No doubt Tour officials are bracing themselves for his return.

Mark Philippoussis is another Aussie who prefers life on foreign shores, and by the sound of things the Scud is unlikely to go back to living in his native Melbourne any time soon.

“I did consider it for a very short time but I changed my mind very quickly,” says Philippoussis. “What topped it off was going back to Australia, seeing how the press were and realizing that I would never have any peace and quiet at home. It’s unfortunate because I have family and friends that I love back home so when things like that keep you away from people you love that frustrates you a little.”