Mark Philippoussis' Australian Open hopes have hit a snag after he lost to world No.341 Samuel Groth in the tournament's wildcard play-off.

Groth, 20, posted the biggest win of his career, 6-4 6-3, in both players' second match of the round robin format.

The young New South Welshman broke Philippoussis in the tenth game of the first set and then broke in the second set to lead 4-2.

Philippoussis broke back, but Groth secured another break and then served out the match.

At 194cm tall, Groth was more than able to match Philippoussis for power, and he served more aces in the one hour, 30 minute contest.

Starting the year ranked 686th in the world, some strong Challenger series results have seen Groth improve his ranking to its current mark of 341.

The play-off looms as probably 31-year-old Philippoussis' only path into the Open's main draw, given Tennis Australia has indicated it will favour younger players with their discretionary wildcards.

The top two players from each group in the play-off progress to the quarter-finals, with the eventual tournament winner to receive a wildcard into the Australian Open main draw.

Philippoussis hasn't played an ATP event since injuring his knee in January but took part in an over-30s event in October.

In the women's play-off, Jelena Dokic scored a second victory, winning a tough three-set match against experienced Victorian Christina Wheeler 3-6 7-6(7-0) 6-3.

The two wins mean Dokic has already booked her place in the quarter-finals.

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