Who is Mark Philippoussis?
Mark Philippoussis is a former Australian tennis player nicknamed the Scud for his powerful serve. He reached the 1998 US Open final and the 2003 Wimbledon final, and helped Australia win the Davis Cup.
Philippoussis was born in Melbourne in 1976 to a Greek father and Italian mother. His father, Nick, coached him from a young age.
He was known for one of the fastest serves of his era and a big, attacking game. In 1998 he reached the US Open final, losing to fellow Australian Pat Rafter.
Wimbledon final
In 2003, Philippoussis reached the Wimbledon final, where he lost to a young Roger Federer, who was winning his first Grand Slam title.
He played a key role in Australia's Davis Cup wins in 1999 and 2003. In the 2003 final against Spain in Melbourne, he won the deciding match against Juan Carlos Ferrero.
Philippoussis's career was affected by several knee injuries and surgeries. After retiring, he appeared on reality television and later coached young players. He reached a career-high ranking of number eight in the world.
Did You Know?
Philippoussis also won both of his singles matches in the 1999 Davis Cup final against France.