Mark Philippoussis came agonisingly close to winning a Grand Slam title during his career but never quite managed to get over the line.
The Australian made finals at Wimbledon and the US Open but was beaten by Roger Federer at the All England Club and Pat Rafter at Flushing Meadows.
Philippoussis did win 11 career titles, however, and won almost $7 million during his time on the ATP Tour, with his career lasting 14 years in total.
The game’s two big stars these days are Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner when it comes to the men, and Philippoussis has confessed that he still enjoys watching tennis when the chance arises.
Mark Philippoussis confirms if he enjoys watching tennis
Philippoussis isn’t typically a regular when it comes to being a pundit on live tennis, but he’s now sat down to do a podcast with Australian Open TV.
He was asked whether he still enjoys watching tennis, and he had some strong words for Alcaraz and Sinner, who he simply loves to watch play at the moment.
He said: “I very much do. You have Sinner and Alcaraz, and every time those two are playing against each other, I feel like they are incredible ambassadors for the sport.
“We are lucky to have them, as I think we got a little worried when Rafa and Federer (retired) and Djokovic, hopefully we have got him for another year, but to have two figures like that in incredible roles for the game of tennis is amazing.
“I enjoy watching the games. I sat and watched Davis Cup over the weekend and unfortunately, it wasn’t the result we wanted but I was glued to my TV watching that, so I definitely do enjoy it, especially if it’s certain players going at it.”
What Mark Philippoussis said about the women’s game
The player who had an almighty serve on the ATP Tour was also asked if he enjoyed watching the women play on the circuit and it’s something he’s a big fan of.
In fact, it would appear as though he finds himself watching more women’s tennis than men’s at the moment, with Aryna Sabalenka coming in for some praise from him.
He said: “The women I have been really enjoying. I have been watching just as much women’s as the men’s and I feel like the tennis has just been incredible from the women, they have taken it to another level.
“The power these players have, like Sabalenka. She has been dominating and I think her average hitting speed is higher than men’s at the US Open, which is incredible.
“So I have just been enjoying watching both. There have been some good matches lately and it’s been great to watch.”
For the women, the season is practically over now, with the WTA Finals to look forward to for the top eight in the world rankings.
As for the men, the final ATP 1000 event takes place in Paris this week, and then attention will turn towards the ATP Finals, which will take place in Turin.
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