Mark Philippoussis On The Future of Australian Tennis
Men's Health sat down with Aussie tennis great, Mark Philippoussis at Wimbledon this year. After making his professional debut in 1994, Philippoussis is best known for his booming first serves which, standing at 196cm his infamous reach and power had him feared by his opponents. The new ambassador of JACQUES tennis capsule wasn't afraid to share his softer side.
Who inspires you?
On a main level my wife, son and daughter who’s almost here (due in August). I am also inspired be the things I see and stories I read.
What motivates you?
I’m in a very different place in my life and chapter, I’m a husband and father, there's no better feeling in the world. For me it’s about having an exciting incredible life for me and my family, giving them the best of what life has to offer but always being grateful for what we have, that is what is most important, our health and each other. So this motivates me each day to learn, to grow, to build, to continue moving forward and upwards in life, and becoming the best human being I am capable of becoming on many levels in life.
Who do you think are the young guns to watch?
Alexander Zverev, he’s leading the charge of the young guns, he has the complete package as far as his game (even though they're a couple of areas he can and will improve on) and the mental side, he’s hungry too and wants it which is everything.
Where do you see the future of tennis?
It’s becoming more and more physical that's for sure, conditions are slower and heavier now then they used to be, longer rallies, longer matches, guys are stronger, they are hitting the ball harder, technology on racquets and string have a lot to do with that too. The only problem with that, in my opinion, is that everybody is starting to play very similar now, whereas in the past players were so different with styles and the way they played, more personalities. In saying that I appreciate the tennis these guys are playing, incredible high-quality stuff, you can’t afford to have any weaknesses now, you won’t get away with it like you could have in the past.
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started?
How long do you have haha, look it’s life, you learn as you go and sports in the spotlight at a professional level makes you have to grow up faster than you sometimes want too or are ready for.
What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given?
Don’t worry everything’s going to be ok.
