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Posted at 6:18 a.m., Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Tennis: Philippoussis to miss Australian Open

Associated Press

MELBOURNE, Australia — Former U.S. Open and Wimbledon finalist Mark Philippoussis will miss January's Australian Open to undergo knee surgery, raising speculation he may be near the end of his injury-filled career.

The 31-year-old Australian withdrew from a wild-card playoff Tuesday through which he hoped to gain entry to the Open, deciding instead to schedule surgery on a damaged cartilage in his right knee.

"I am bitterly disappointed because I really wanted to play in Australia this summer," Philippoussis said. "They tell me it can be fixed. My initial reaction is I want to get the surgery done and then work on getting back on the court as soon as I can."

Philippoussis has had three knee operations, most recently in January. Recuperation from that surgery kept him out of the entire 2007 ATP season and he had only returned in the hope of gaining an Australian Open start.

Philippoussis' setback Tuesday led to speculation that his latest injury may hasten his retirement. Australian tennis great John Newcombe was among those who hoped he could overcome his latest challenge.

"I think I'm the same as everyone that says it would be lovely to see him do it, but you've got to wonder. There's been too many times that he's got injured," Newcombe said.