Australian Mark Philippoussis reached No. 8 in the world tennis rankings but now he spends his days lapping up the surf in San Diego.
San Diego surf —
Australian Mark Philippoussis reached No. 8 in the world tennis rankings but now he spends his days lapping up the surf in San Diego.
In 2007, with his best tennis days behind him, Philippoussis tried his hand at various things including dating show "The Age of Love" -- where he had to choose one lucky lady from a group of younger "kittens" or older "cougars."
The Age of Love —
In 2007, with his best tennis days behind him, Philippoussis tried his hand at various things including dating show "The Age of Love" -- where he had to choose one lucky lady from a group of younger "kittens" or older "cougars."
Melbourne-born Philippoussis announced himself on the tennis scene with a third round victory over Pete Sampras at the U.S. Open in 1996.
Aussie arrival —
Melbourne-born Philippoussis announced himself on the tennis scene with a third round victory over Pete Sampras at the U.S. Open in 1996.
Philippoussis gained an army of female fans right away thanks to his film star looks.
Tennis star or film star? —
Philippoussis gained an army of female fans right away thanks to his film star looks.
Philippoussis reached the first of his two grand slam finals in 1998, when he was beaten by compatriot Pat Rafter at the U.S. Open.
Grand Slam blow —
Philippoussis reached the first of his two grand slam finals in 1998, when he was beaten by compatriot Pat Rafter at the U.S. Open.
In 1999 Philippoussis won the decisive rubber against France's Cedric Pioline to seal the Davis Cup for Australia in Nice. He counts his two Davis Cup titles as his biggest achievement in the game.
On top of the world —
In 1999 Philippoussis won the decisive rubber against France's Cedric Pioline to seal the Davis Cup for Australia in Nice. He counts his two Davis Cup titles as his biggest achievement in the game.
Philippoussis enjoyed rapturous support throughout his career, especially in the Davis Cup when representing Australia.
Beware 'The Scud' —
Philippoussis enjoyed rapturous support throughout his career, especially in the Davis Cup when representing Australia.
Philippoussis' second and last grand slam final appearance came at Wimbledon in 2003 when he lost in straight sets to Roger Federer, who would go to win five in a row at SW19.
Wimbledon woe —
Philippoussis' second and last grand slam final appearance came at Wimbledon in 2003 when he lost in straight sets to Roger Federer, who would go to win five in a row at SW19.
But Philippoussis made up for his Wimbledon heartache by defying a shoulder injury to beat Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain to land the Davis Cup for Australia in front of his home town crowd in Melbourne later that year.
Double Davis Cup delight —
But Philippoussis made up for his Wimbledon heartache by defying a shoulder injury to beat Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain to land the Davis Cup for Australia in front of his home town crowd in Melbourne later that year.
Injuries hampered Philippoussis throughout his career and after the Davis Cup in 2003 he endured three years of disappointing form and persistent knocks.
Slowing down —
Injuries hampered Philippoussis throughout his career and after the Davis Cup in 2003 he endured three years of disappointing form and persistent knocks.