Philippoussis had knee surgery in Miami last month and, while busily rehabilitating his left knee, is battling to be ready for the clay of Roland Garros from May 28.

Philippoussis's management yesterday conceded he was doubtful for the French Open and "tentative" for Wimbledon (June 25-July 7) after his third bout of surgery to the knee.

"I guess at this stage, Mark is looking to the grass of Wimbledon," John McCurdy, of Octagon, said yesterday. "Mark is in rehabilitation back in Miami, so it's a bit early to say when he'll be able to play again. "The French Open is doubtful and, at this stage, Wimbledon is tentative.."

Philippoussis, 24, originally scheduled the French Open as his comeback tournament after having surgery to repair cartilage damage and to remove floating debris.

But the schedule is now viewed as ambitious, even though the US Open finalist has an impressive record of recovery.

The Victorian first had surgery on his left knee after tearing cartilage while leading Pete Sampras in the 1999 Wimbledon quarter-finals.

He rebounded strongly to become the hero of Australia's Davis Cup win in Nice five months later.

Recurring soreness drove Philippoussis back to the operating theatre in December -- and out of the Australian Open -- before he reappeared with victory in the St Jude Classic in Memphis in February.