Scud stuck in grand slam limbo
No-man’s land … Scud puts hopes on Aussie Open wildcard. Pic:AP Scud stuck in grand slam limbo 
By Leo Schlink
Former Australian Captain December 01, 2006
MARK Philippoussis yesterday ended 2006 as he started it, clad in uncertainty and in desperate need of an Australian Open wildcard.
The Wimbledon and US Open finalist’s quest for automatic entry into the January 15 to 28 Australian Open was scuttled by world No.349 Brendan Evans, from the United States.
Hoping to reach the semi-finals of the Maui Challenger in Hawaii to improve his ranking from No.117 to about No.100 to guarantee a main draw spot at the Open, Philippoussis was eliminated in the second round.
His 6-4 3-6 6-3 defeat has left Philippoussis in grand slam no-man’s land.
His season-ending ranking will be about No.113, still well outside the direct entry ranking cut-off of about No.105.
With retirements (Andre Agassi), absentees and injuries shaping to aid the Australian’s cause, Philippoussis is agonisingly close to gaining entry to the tournament on his ranking.
But the burgeoning strength of the Australian Open ahead of Monday’s entry deadline has Tennis Australia expecting a virtual full house, apart from the significant absence of four-time champion Agassi.
Philippoussis has three available options.
He can attend the Australian Open training camp from December 10 to 19 and contest the wildcard play-off.
He can delay a decision until after he faces Tim Henman in a London exhibition next week before leading Australia in the Hopman Cup and then playing Open qualifying.
Or, as he has done in the past, the dual Davis Cup winner can plead his case to Australian Open officials for a wildcard.
On the strength of a season featuring his first ATP Tour title in three years and a Challenger victory, Philippoussis has good claims.
He will finish the year at No.2 nationally behind world No.20 Lleyton Hewitt, well clear of nearest rivals Chris Guccione (No.153) and Wayne Arthurs (No.161).
Philippoussis this season was beaten in the first round at Melbourne Park by Frenchman Sebastien Grosjean.
