Philippoussis in eye of Davis Cup storm

The row began when Philippoussis told reporters in New York on Sunday that he was deeply upset that Roche, the Davis Cup coach, had sat in Patrick Rafter’s box during the all-Australian US Open final.

Philippoussis accused Roche of showing bias towards Rafter, who won the match in four sets to retain his Flushing Meadows title.

Newcombe told the Australian newspaper that Roche, who denied the accusations, was so upset by Philippoussis’ attack that he wanted to resign.

Newcombe said he would also resign in sympathy but told a news conference today that he was hopeful the matter could be resolved by an independent third party.

The row is just the latest in a series of flare-ups between Philippoussis and the Davis Cup team.

Earlierthis year, Philippoussis vowed never to play for Australia again unless team management apologised to him.

Philippoussis accused Newcombe and Roche of refusing to help him when his form slumped last year on learning his father had cancer.

Newcombe and Roche denied the accusation and told Philippoussis that he should grow up.

Philippoussis still refused to play then further upset his teammates when he turned up to watch Australia’s tie against Zimbabwe at Mildura which Australia lost.

Philippoussis had appeared to have patched things up before his latest outburst, even hinting that he might make himself available for Davis Cup.

Australia’s next match, against Uzbekistan in the north Queensland tropical city of Townsville, starts on September 25.

“If Mark wants to play Davis Cup, he’ll be welcome,” Newcombe said.

“If he feels he can’t play because Tony and I are such terrible people, then I’m sorry, I can’t do anything about it.”