As Mark Philippoussis walks into the room, it’s a little surprising to find him in a remarkably good shape. Even though he retired from the professional tour years ago, the 38-year-old still looks as fit as an active player.
“May be, I don’t play as much tennis as I should. But I train every day. I surf almost every day.
“And I try to eat healthy. If I’m playing an event, then a month before it I play thrice a week and hit some balls,” he says.
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This proved enough for him in the inaugural Champions Tennis League. Philippoussis won all four sets in the legends’ singles category. Sadly for him, his team Hyderabad Aces failed to make the final.
“You want to have fun, of course (in such a tournament). But we’re disappointed that we didn’t make the final. We lost twice to the same team (Pune Marathas) and by just a game both times. When you win, you have more fun,” he says, in a chat with The Hindu on Tuesday.
Incredible experienceADVERTISEMENT
However, the losses will not blemish an “incredible experience” for Philippoussis.
“The organisers have done an incredible job in their first year. I didn’t have the time to explore as much as I wanted but each city has been beautiful. This was one of my favourite events of the year.”
Philippoussis has much to keep himself busy every year. He participates in four-six tournaments on the ATP Champions Tour annually, in addition to a few exhibition and charity events. He also plays the senior tournament at Wimbledon.
But the Australian has no intention of returning to the circuit full time.
“On the court, I love playing tennis. I’m very competitive. But I’m in a great place in my life now. It’s very difficult to travel now that I have a wife and son.
“It’s not where my heart is. These kinds of events (like CTL) are perfect. I play three-four days and I go home.”
Philippoussis’s desire to stay close to his family could also be a consequence of the way he was brought up by his parents.
“My first language was Greek. We had a Greek, European mentality (in the family). Our number one priority was our family. We did everything together when I was growing up. We went fishing and on holiday together. I was lucky to do that in Australia, it’s a beautiful country,” he said.
Philippoussis, though, is already looking forward to returning to India in 2015. And the next time, he won’t come alone.
“I had so much fun that I want to bring my wife and child next year to experience India,”