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12/14/09 1:50 PM | Johan Lindahl
Despite dreams of somehow returning the ATP world for one last competitive stand, Mark Philippoussis is being advised to get real by at least one influential voice in the Australian game.
"At his age (33) ... it's a tough road," said national men's coach Todd Woodbridge, the former doubles great.
"When you look at him and what he's done to try to get back out on court, playing at Albert Hall, I think that's probably a better focus for him," Woodbridge told local media. "It's hard work and I
don't know what shape his body's in."
Philippoussis, subject of six knee operations, is only a year removed from his last one. He suddenly got the idea in his head that he could make a comeback as he played this month in a senior event
in London.
But that start was less than promising, with the two-time Grand Slam finalist, once known as the Scud for his cannonball serve, losing all three of his matches.
Philippoussis didn't put his money where his mouth was, opting not to sign on this week in Melbourne in the Australian Open wild card playoffs, a field populated by players up to 15 years younger.
Philippoussis last appeared on the ATP tour at the 2006 US Open when he was beaten in the first round by Rafael Nadal. A year ago in the wild card playoffs, Philippoussis suffered his most recent knee
injury.
His lone hope of entering the season's first Grand Slam from January 17 is a wild card from Tennis Australia, a long-shot at best.
"He he hasn't indicated to anybody at Tennis Australia that that would be the case," said Woodbridge.
Philippoussis once stood as high as eighth in the world. He recently faced financial troubles and was forced to sell his home in a Melbourne suburb.
"I'd would love to play in a Challenger tournament again, maybe a tour event, and maybe another Grand Slam, one more Australian Open, or one more Wimbledon," he said in London. "I feel as though I have unfinished business. I would like to go out from this sport on my terms.
"Playing tennis is my job, and I basically haven't had a job for over three years, so it's not surprising that I've had problems. With the bad economy, life has been tough for a lot of people over the last year, but that's what I've had for the last three years."
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