Mark Philippoussis speaks in this interview about Australia’s chances to return to the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas World Group this year after six years of absence from the top tier of the competition. He also praises Lleyton Hewitt’s commitment and put his hopes for the future on Bernard Tomic’s shoulders, among other topics.
“Davis Cup is very special for every tennis player,” says Philippoussis. “The history of Davis Cup in Australia was so successful for so many years and incredible champions were coming out of Australia. We were, I think, spoiled. We kind of took it for granted and didn’t realise how lucky we were.”
The former Wimbledon and US Open finalist lifted the Davis Cup trophy on two occasions and in both finals he won the decisive point that sealed the victory for his country. In 1999 against France in Nice, he defeated Cedric Pioline and, in 2003 in Melbourne, he repeated the feat against Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain.