Philippoussis Seriously Thinking About Making a Comeback on the ATP Tour

Written by: Staff on 26th October 2010

Philippoussis Seriously Thinking About Making a Comeback on the ATP Tour |

Comebacks on the main ATP World Tour were once as numerous for Mark Philippoussis as high profile girlfriends or top of the range automobiles and motorcycles in his garage.

Finally a succession of injuries caused the American-based Australian to rethink his life three years ago and Philippoussis began to explore other avenues to try and pay for his expensive lifestyle, including reality television shows.

However after two tournament wins on the Champions Series seniors’ tour, Mark Philippoussis, at the age of 33, is beginning to think he could yet be competitive again on the ATP World Tour. Philippoussis beat Jim Courier 6-4, 6-1 on Sunday to win in Surprise, Arizona, for the Cancer Treatment Centers of America Tennis Championships for his second straight Champions Series title.

The big Aussie, who peaked with a world ranking of no.8 more than 11 years ago and reached the final of the US Open in 1998 and Wimbledon five years later, was coming off a final-round victory over John McEnroe in May in Boston on the 30-and-over circuit. The two wins have recharged his competitive batteries.

“I’ve just fallen back in love with the sport on the Champions Series,” said Philippoussis. “It’s just great and since I’ve gotten that love back, my body has been getting stronger. I feel I can hit the ball just as hard as the guys on the tour, so why not give it a go if I’m having this much fun?”

Philippoussis has undergone three knee surgeries on both legs but his fitness and form have impressed his rivals on the senior tour.

“When Mark plays well and he plays that first-strike tennis, he can play with anybody,” the 40-year-old Courier said. “The question is can his body hold up to the rigors of the tour on a day-to-day basis. All of us who are in this sport can appreciate the racket skills he brings to the table.”

Philippoussis said he benefited from recent practice sessions with U.S. star Andy Roddick. “He came to San Diego, where I live,” Philippoussis said. “I hit with him while he was down there at La Jolla Beach and Racquet Club.”

Topics: Andy Roddick, Atp Tour, Atp World Tour, Cancer Treatment Centers, Cancer Treatment Centers Of America, Champions Series, Comebacks, Jim Courier, John Mcenroe, Knee Surgeries, Mark Philippoussis, Practice Sessions, Reality Television, Rigors, Rivals, Seniors Tour, Series Seniors, Surprise Arizona, Tennis Championships, Wimbledon