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Injured Philippoussis doubtful for Davis Cup opening round
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (Reuters) -- After aggravating a knee injury in a loss to American upstart Mardy Fish at the Tennis Masters Series Indian Wells, Australian star Mark Philippoussis said he was doubtful for next month's Davis Cup tie against Brazil. "My No. 1 priority is myself and my body," said Philippoussis, who was an Aussie Davis Cup hero in the first round last year before feuding with the team and passing up the next three rounds. "That's the only thing I'm looking at. There's some tournaments ahead. I have to look after myself and relax. If that means missing out on Davis Cup, that means missing out on Davis Cup," Philippoussis said. Philippoussis, who has been battling knee problems since he took a bad spill at Wimbledon in July of 1999, said he would make his final decision after the Ericsson Open ends in Miami on April 1. "I've got to be selfish," said Philippoussis, who won the title in Memphis three weeks ago. "I've got to set myself a goal this year to have a great year and I know I can. I've got to be a little selfish in other aspects." Countryman and Davis Cup stalwart Patrick Rafter said the team was tired of the conflict with Philippoussis, but he was more sympathetic this time than he has been in the past. "The whole team has talked about it," Rafter said. "We've said, 'Hands up, whatever you want to do.' We've tried bickering and fighting and it hasn't worked, from both sides. "If Mark's available, he's available. As simple as that," Rafter said. "He's got to be selfish. His knee comes first. If it does blow out, that's another few months off it. He can't afford to do that."
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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