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Philippoussis to take low-key approach to return

Roar Pro
9th January, 2009
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Injury-plagued tennis star Mark Philippoussis will take a low-key approach to his return to the court in the World Tennis Challenge in Adelaide next week.

Philippoussis, who has not played a tournament since re-injuring his knee at the Australian Open wildcard playoff in December 2007 and is still sporting a heavily strapped right knee, will team up with Pat Cash at Memorial Drive.

The event features four teams from Australia, Sweden, the US and France each with a current player and a former star.

Jim Courier will partner Taylor Dent for the US, Mats Wilander will join Joachim Johansson for Sweden and Henri Leconte will play with Gael Monfils for France.

Philippoussis took to the practice court on Friday and said he was pleased to be back.

“For me, it’s just getting out there and having fun,” he said.

“There’s no expectations other than going out there and having fun.”

But his low-key approach masks a desire by the former US Open and Wimbledon finalist to return to top-line tournament tennis, with his longer-term goal playing in the Australian Open in 2010.

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The World Tennis Challenge is the brainchild of former professional and leading coach Darren Cahill.

It will feature two courts, side by side, in action simultaneously to ensure fans see every player on each of the three nights.

Cahill said he was delighted to have Philippoussis playing, adding that the 32-year-old had not asked for anything to come to Adelaide.

After the challenge, Philippoussis will partner Leconte in the legends event at the Australian Open in Melbourne.

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