Australia welcome Philippoussis
to Davis Cup squad
Greg Buckle
Australia welcomed 1998 U.S. Open finalist Mark Philippoussis back to their Davis Cup squad on Tuesday for next month's playoff against India, ending the player's two-year absence from the tournament.
Philippoussis, 25, was the hero of Australia's 1999 final victory over France in Nice but over the past two years has suffered knee problems and personality clashes with Australian officials.
World number one Lleyton Hewitt will lead the bid by Australia, beaten finalists in the past two years, to defeat India in the September 20-22 playoff in Adelaide to qualify for the World Group next year.
Philippoussis has not played for his country since the first round tie against Switzerland in 2000.
"He has had some big moments for Australia and no bigger than in France," Australia Davis Cup captain John Fitzgerald, speaking from the U.S., told reporters in a teleconference.
"We all understand potentially what a tremendous player Mark is," added Fitzgerald, who has been negotiating with Philippoussis for several months.
"The players are all excited at the prospect of having him in the team and we view this tie against India as the beginning of our campaign for next year.
"The last time we played India in Australia we lost, in 1987. We're not taking them lightly.
"They are going to be very tough in the doubles but on paper we are probably favourite to win in the singles."
GRAND SLAMS
The injury-plagued Philippoussis chose not to play against Argentina in February because he wanted to focus his energy on grand slam events.
Hewitt, 21, missed that first round tie because of illness and Australia lost 5-0.
Fitzgerald named a squad of five on Tuesday, led by Hewitt and Philippoussis and including Wayne Arthurs, Scott Draper and Todd Woodbridge, plus hitting partners Peter Luczak and 17-year-old Ryan Henry.
Former world number one and twice-winner of the U.S. Open Pat Rafter, 29, has recently become a father and is taking a year's break from tennis.
The big-serving Philippoussis had a running battle with former Australia Davis Cup captain and coach, John Newcombe and Tony Roche, especially during the pair's support for Rafter in the 1998 U.S. Open final in which Rafter defeated Philippoussis.
Australia, under new captain Fitzgerald and coach Wally Masur, overlooked Philippoussis for last year's Davis Cup final against France in Melbourne because of the player's lack of match fitness in his comeback from knee surgery.
Philippoussis had a public falling out with the team two years ago over claims they were not supportive enough and had doubted his injury when he said he was unavailable.
The Davis Cup promotion/relegation tie next month will be played on Rebound Ace, the same surface as the Australian Open in Melbourne in January.
