Mark Philippoussis is back after a nine-year hiatus with him playing at the ATP Hall of Fame Championships in Newport, Rhode Island. The former world No. 8 and two-time Grand Slam finalist was beaten by American Eric Quigley in the qualifying match. He later told atpworldtour.com, “It was the first time back after nine years and getting the body back into this pace and movement, it was difficult to get rhythm.”
Mark may or may not go on a full-scale comeback, but that does not mean he won't put on a good show at the 2015 International Premier Tennis League.
Mark recently celebrated his 39th birthday (August 11, 1976) and as a birthday shoutout to the new member of the Philippine Mavericks, here are some cool facts about "The Scud”!
1. Mark was born in Melbourne, Australia — the third largest Greek-speaking city in the world. He also has an “Alexander the Great” tattoo on his right shoulder.
2. His nickname “The Scud” was derived from the Scud missile, which was deployed in the 1991 Operation Desert Storm. It was given to him for good reason: Mark’s serves usually are ballistic, and his fastest serve clocked in at 142.3 mph back in 1997.
3. Mark’s love for speed isn't exclusive to tennis. He loves fast cars and motorbikes. He owns a Harley Davidson, and it is rumored that he never rides it but instead just loves to clean it.
4. The Scud was also once a stud and appeared as a bachelor looking for love at the 2007 dating reality show “Age of Love”.
5. Mark was instrumental in Australia’s win at the 1999 Davis Cup held in Nice, France. It was the country’s first win in 13 years.
See Philippoussis live in action this coming December in Season 2 of the IPTL!