Australia's Mark Philippoussis will be out of action for about two months after undergoing knee surgery today. Philippoussis, 24, the 1998 U.S. Open runner-up and a hero for Australia in their Davis Cup final victory against France in 1999, said: "Naturally I'm very disappointed about missing the Australian summer. But I'm confident of a full recovery and am planning to return to competitive play in San Jose”
Philippoussis will miss the Hopman Cup international mixed teams’ event which starts in Perth on Saturday and the Australian Open in January. He will also be out of Australia's Davis Cup first round tie against Ecuador in Perth from February 9-11 although he was doubtful to play anyway after being unavailable several times previously for Davis Cup matches, including this year's final which Australia lost in Spain.
"I'll wait to see how my year unfolds and keep in contact with Fitzy and Wally (captain John Fizgerald and coach Wally Masur)," Philippoussis said. Captain John Fitzgerald added: "Mark and I had a terrific meeting a couple of weeks ago and I now have a clearer understanding of his position in relation to Davis Cup. It was really positive and the lines of communication are wide open."
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
