SYDNEY Australian Mark Philippoussis has withdrawn from the Davis Cup final against Spain after another row with his teammates.
Philippoussis said on Friday he had agreed to pull out of after fellow squad members made it clear they did not want him.
Philippoussis was the hero of Australia's 1999 Davis Cup victory over France but upset fellow teammates when he refused to play in last month's semifinal against Brazil. He said he had a knee injury.
"I was surprised by the lack of support I received," Philippoussis said in a statement.
"I have been made aware of the Captain John Newcombe and players Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt's desire and intention to maintain the same lineup for the final in December that was available for the semifinal last month and I will respect that decision." The big-serving Philippoussis again defended his decision to withdraw from the Brazil tie. He had an operation on his left knee after last year's Wimbledon and problems with it continue.
But Australia's players, who beat Brazil 5-0 to reach the final on December 8-10, were upset by his sudden withdrawal, and attacked him.
Rafter asked Philippoussis to stop "jerking" his teammates around while Hewitt said he was not needed for the final.
Tennis Australia President Geoff Pollard said later that he hoped to persuade Philippoussis to change his mind.
"I will be approaching both Mark and all those individuals named in his statement in an attempt to discuss this situation," Pollard said.
"Mark Philippoussis has been a valued member of the Australian Davis Cup team and I look forward to witnessing his future contribution." (Reuter)