Fading tennis star Mark Philippoussis has entered the Australian Open play-off, in another step to re-launch his stalled career.

Philippoussis, 31, will likely use his protected ranking of 119 in the world in order to ensure direct acceptance into the play-off which will run from December 15-21 at Melbourne Park.

Australian players ranked in the world's top 250 will receive direct entry into the play-off, the remaining positions to be filled with wildcards.

The wildcard selection will focus on Australia's up-and-coming younger players with a field of 16 to contest both the men's and women's play-offs.

The winner of the men's and women's wildcard tournament go into the main draw.

"I think it's great that Mark has decided to contest the play-off," said Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley.

"The play-off promises to be a great event with some potentially exciting match-ups as players vie for an Australian Open wildcard."

Players must enter and compete in the play-off to be eligible for wildcards into the Australian Open and Australian Open Series tournaments.

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