Date:02/01/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/01/02/stories/2003010208002000.htm

Sport - Tennis

Guiding 'The Scud' to its destination

By K. Keerthivasan

Peter McNamara has the onerous task of coaching Mark Philippoussis, a player who has a long list of injuries, back to the top again. — Photo: M. Moorthy

CHENNAI JAN. 1. Peter McNamara has seen Mark Philippoussis since he was 12. He has also seen the extremely talented player waste his enormous skill, partly due to a recurring knee injury and to a weakness for `pleasures.'

At a time when Philippoussis is making a crucial comeback — with his ranking slipping from a career-best 11 to 83 in 2002 — the role of a perceptive coach and insider like McNamara cannot be overemphasised. After a strenuous workout at the centre court with Philippoussis, McNamara took some time out to share his thoughts with The Hindu at the Nungambakkam Stadium on Wednesday.

"It's difficult to come back after so many injuries. Injuries are frustrating. It's very difficult. One does all the right things: practice and sticking to schedules, and one day he (Philippoussis) gets the injury.

"It is really frustrating," says the 47-year-old Australian, in his second stint as Philippoussis' coach.

McNamara knows the difficulty in overturning the clock and starting afresh after an injury.

For, he himself was a victim of a knee problem in 1983 which cut short what could have been a bright career (the former World No. 7 reached the semifinals of the 1980 Australian Open).

"I did not play any Tour after that injury," he says.

How complex is it dealing with a player like Philippoussis, who has diverse interests other than tennis (including surfing) and a long list of giants as former coaches (Tony Roche, John Newcombe, Ion Tiriac and Pat Cash)?

"Tennis is a simple game, the basics remains the same. It still consists of backhands and forehands. All you have do is get the simple things right."

There have been tough decisions McNamara had to take, like parting ways with Philippoussis sometime in mid-1998.

"The decision to split," McNamara says, "was good for both of us. I did not really leave at that time. I kept watching his matches from a distance."

McNamara is impressed at The Scud's fighting spirit. For one who has seen injuries at inappropriate times, the courage and will to fight against all odds has been awe-inspiring. "I am really amazed at the way he keeps coming back. It is easy to say `Sorry, I can't do that. I am giving up.' Despite all the tribulations, he has kept going," McNamara notes, and adds: "he (Philippoussis) has hardly played 40 tournaments in four years, when others have played as much in one year."

He is concerned with the current trend of using slower courts and heavier balls. He believes the changes are not good for the game. "There are not many volleyers like Pat Rafter. You play the game as it should be played."

Asked about his appointment as brand ambassador for the forthcoming Australian Open, he says there is a huge opportunity for Asian sponsors and Asian Television. And quips that the job involves "kissing ladies and shaking hands."

One thing's for sure: the job with Philippoussis is not merely about kisses and handshakes. Given the knowledge and rapport he enjoys with him, there is no doubt that Peter McNamara will guide `The Relaunched Scud' to its destined target.