Time for Australian tennis to move on from ‘the Poo’

Australian tennis fans continue to expect great things from Mark Philippoussis, but as Darrell Halim reports, it is time to move on.

How often do you hear Mark Philippoussis suggest that he is on his way back to becoming one of the elite players in the game?

Coming off his first round win on the grass at Newport in the United States, the exceptionally-talented Australian, who has been mistaken to resemble somewhat of a Greek God in the past, was singing some all-too-familiar tunes.

“I am happy with the way I played, my concentration on serve… I just wanted to be aggressive. My confidence is back, I’m healthy, relaxed and enjoying tennis… (playing with) controlled aggression, not just wailing away on the ball with no control.”

And what about this?

“My knee feels good. I felt solid today. I didn’t even think about that I had three surgeries. Pushing off strong (from the knee), feeling good. I’ll play a bunch of tournaments, my confidence will grow, my fitness will improve.”

Most knowledgeable tennis fans would acknowledge that ‘the Poo’ has possessed the sort of talent that could have seen him reach the top of the game. There is no doubting that he had the game to win at least one Grand Slam crown, if not more.

Reaching the final of a Grand Slam could be considered a fluke for some players but when Philippoussis failed to beat compatriot Pat Rafter in the 1998 US Open final, many truly believed his time would come.

It was not until 2003 that he reached another Slam final, this time at Wimbledon. Unfortunately for him, he was to play a man called Roger Federer.

True giftedness cannot be taught and never really wanders with age, but I believe it is time to leave Philippoussis to his own means. At 29, he is no longer the bucking young stallion he once was and, despite the lack of Australian men at the top of the game, it is not fair to hold such unrealistic expectations on a fading star.

Although he continues to depict a stern will to succeed, it is hard to give what he says much credence when his results maintain the path of the roller-coaster ride his entire career to date has taken.

Constantly needing wildcards in all main draw tournaments he has played in 2006 should be a clear indication as to the progress, or lack thereof, he has made. Australian tennis should move on.

His motivation and mental toughness has been the burning issue which has seen some question how far he can go. Give him the mental edge that countryman Lleyton Hewitt holds for example, and it is scary to think of the heights that Philippoussis could possibly have reached.

Besides, he once suggested that had his father not pushed him, “I’d probably be in some supermarket putting food on the shelf.”

Serious knee injuries haven’t helped him either.

He is engaged to a striking young lass and has been able to build up his collection of motorbikes and sports cars, so maybe he is satisfied with what he has accomplished in his tennis career.

He was once quoted as wanting to be a “romantic Hollywood movie star.” Perhaps he should start thinking about pursuing his acting career – when he’s ready of course.

Whether it be to avoid any further disappointment or to let him play out his professional tennis career without the unrealistic expectations that his many fans may posses, it is time for the Australian tennis community to let go of any slight hopes they may still hold for a renaissance of the Scud.

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