Former Wimbledon finalist looks unrecognisable in Instagram picture

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It is 20 years on from Mark Philippoussis’ only Wimbledon final and he looks unrecognisable in an Instagram snap.

Philippoussis faced a young, pony-tailed Roger Federer in 2003, losing in straight sets to him.


Philippoussis reached the 2003 Wimbledon final

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Philippoussis recently sported a stubbly grey beard in a photo with his family

IG @mphilippoussis

That was Federer’s first Grand Slam victory, going on to win a further 19 that included seven more Wimbledon singles titles.

It was a miracle the Australian was even able to get to the final at the All England Club that year after battling back from three knee surgeries.

His run to the showpiece event in 2003 included an epic five-set victory over Andre Agassi.

“Walking into that match, I felt like I was the favourite,” he later said. “We were playing on grass. I don’t care who the person is or what he’s ranked. A couple months earlier I’d actually beaten him in Hamburg where he was defending champion on clay.

“I felt confident. I was living my dream. I’m not going to lie, it hurt. I got to the final. No one remembers the runners-up. Of course you don’t want to go all that way and lose. It was my second Grand Slam final loss and it hurt, especially this one.

“This one really, really hurt. I came back from some surgeries, they said my tennis career was over. I worked very hard. It was a beautiful two weeks, but I fell short.

That first Grand Slam final defeat came against fellow Australian Pat Rafter in the 1998 US Open final.

He officially retired from the sport in 2015 and most recently the 46-year-old was coaching Stefanos Tsitsipas before their split earlier in 2023.


The Australian reached two Grand Slam finals

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Philippoussis most recently was coaching Tsitsipas

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“Thank for the opportunity of being a part of your team,” he posted on Instagram alongside a picture of the two of them.

“It was a great ride and experience, I’m proud of what we achieved together in the short amount of time we had. I wish you health, happiness and success for your future, on and off the court!”

In 2007, he starred as the bachelor in the Australian reality series ‘Age of Love’, where women in their 20s and 40s competed for his affection.

Philippoussis also appeared in The Masked Singer Australia in 2020.


Source: TalkSport.com Tennis