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Philippoussis retires after injuring knee Posted: Tuesday August 27, 2002 2:47 PMUpdated: Tuesday August 27, 2002 9:40 PM NEW YORK (Reuters) -- Mark Philippoussis's U.S. Open ended in agony on Tuesday when the Australian injured his problematic left knee during his first round match with Sjeng Schalken. Runner-up here in 1998, Philippoussis was leading by two sets to one and 2-2 when he leaped for a Schalken lob on Louis Armstrong court. The Australian did not attempt a smash, but when he landed his left knee buckled and he collapsed on the ground grimacing in pain. Philippoussis lay writhing on the court as trainer Doug Spreen was called to treat him. The Australian finally climbed to his feet and walked gingerly round the arena before deciding to continue his service game. But his movement was severely hampered and even his thunderous serve could not keep him out of trouble as he was broken to trail 3-2 in the fourth set. The 70th ranked Philippoussis, head bowed in his seat at the changeover, called Spreen for further discussions. He told the trainer that it felt like a different injury from the one which has caused him so much grief over the years. Philippoussis was playing in the U.S. Open for the first time since 2000. He missed the tournament twice in the past three years because of a left knee injury, which he first sustained at 1999 Wimbledon. Having undergone surgery on the knee three times in 14 months -- January 2000, December 2000 and March 2001 -- Philippoussis now has synthetic cartilage injected into it every six months. The Australian continued fighting, receiving massage and treatment at each changeover. While trailing 4-3 in the fourth set, Spreen told Philippoussis to consider calling it a day. The player continued, however, but was helpless to reach the Dutchamn's serve as he hobbled from one side of the baseline to the other. Schalken held for 5-3 and Philippoussis finally threw in the towel, shaking his head and moving to the net to shake Schalken's hand. Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. |
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