Molik, Scud set for French in Perth
Mark Philippoussis will know within three days whether he'll get his expected wildcard for the Australian Open - and will get a better idea on Tuesday how his latest comeback is progressing.
Philippoussis and partner Alicia Molik will take to the court for the second time at the Hopman Cup on Tuesday night to do battle with France and possibly go a long way to securing Australia a place in Friday's final.
And having already beaten world No.22 Dmitry Tursunov on Saturday's opening day, another win for the 30 year-old Melburnian against unknown Jerome Haehnel would install him as firm favourite for a wildcard entry into his home town Grand Slam.
A Tennis Australia spokesman said the decision as to who out of Philippoussis, Peter Luczak, Chris Guccione, Wayne Arthurs, Nick Lindahl and Nathan Healey would get the nod would be known by Thursday.
The enigmatic Australian is expected to overcome Haehnel, who is best known for beating Andre Agassi in round one of the French Open two years ago.
Haehnel beat American Mardy Fish in Perth on Saturday, suggesting Philippoussis's new fitness regime devised by former Agassi fitness coach Gil Reyes should get a solid workout.
French glamourpuss Tatiana Golovin will play Molik in the women's singles.
Molik's new coach Paul Kilderry, in his home town of Perth, said he was impressed by Molik's first day win over world No.6 Nadia Petrova, confirming to him she still belonged amongst the world's elite.
"Playing big matches, in front of big crowds on show courts, that is when she plays her best," Kilderry said.
"But it is a step forward. It is the first top 10 player she has beaten since she got sick, so it is a step forward."
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