Scud should stick to seniors, says Woodbridge

National men’s coach Todd Woodbridge believes Mark Philippoussis should stick to the seniors tour rather than put his ageing, injury-ravaged body through another comeback.

Woodbridge, who is also Australia’s Davis Cup coach, doubts whether the 33-year-old former world No.8 could ever be a serious contender on the ATP tour again.

Philippoussis, who has undergone knee surgery six times, played in the Champions Tour (seniors) event in London last week, declaring his intention to make a regular tour comeback.

But Woodbridge was sceptical, with the former US Open and Wimbledon finalist out of the game through injury for the past three years.

Philippoussis last played on the ATP tour in the 2006 US Open when he was beaten in the first round by Rafael Nadal.

“At his age … it’s a tough road,” Woodbridge said.

“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.

“It’s hard work and I don’t know what shape his body’s in.”

In the 2008 Australian Open wildcard playoff, Philippoussis suffered another knee injury that required surgery with his campaign ending in the quarter-finals.

The wildcard playoff for next month’s Australian Open will be held in Melbourne next week, however he hasn’t entered.

Now without a world ranking, to have any chance of playing in the Open he would require a wildcard from Tennis Australia to play in qualifying, which is held just prior to the tournament.

“At the present stage he hasn’t indicated to anybody here (at Tennis Australia) that that would be the case,” said Woodbridge.

“From memory he hasn’t played since the wildcard playoff here three years ago and he hasn’t played in an open tour match for almost five years so it would be big call.”

Davis Cup captain John Fitzgerald said he hadn’t spoken recently to Philippoussis about his plans.

“I haven’t seen him for a while, I saw him a couple of months ago in Melbourne.

“I hope his body holds up … it depends on that,” said Fitzgerald when asked about his prospects for a successful return.

© 2010 AAP