Melbourne, Australia - Mark Philippoussis will make a return to tennis two years after last playing professionally as he enters the senior event at the Australian Open. The 32-year-old double Grand Slam finalist sprang the surprise on Monday with the first major of the season now a month away. Philippoussis last competed in January 2007, going down with injury at the Hopman Cup.
Plagued throughout his career by knee problems and ensuing surgery, Philippousssis hopes that his fitness holds up for what is much more than a hit-and-giggle competition among former greats of the game, played during the second week of the Open.
Philippoussis is taking it easy to start and is set to partner in doubles with French former great Henri Leconte.
"I always loved watching him when I was growing up and dreaming of being a professional tennis player," Philippoussis said. "He was one of my heroes and I can't wait to have the opportunity to play with him against guys like (Thomas) Muster and (Guy) Forget."
The senior event is undergoing a relaunch, with ex-doubles legend Todd Woodbridge as the tournament director. Woody called Philippoussis "a huge drawcard."
"This will be a great event for him to test himself as he comes back from injury. He's a fantastic competitor and is really looking forward to playing with, and against, some of his heroes of the game," he said.
Also in the senior field are a trio of former number one players, Australian Pat Rafter, Austrian Thomas Muster and Mats Wilander of Sweden.
