Aussies seek second straight title

Perth, Jan 2: Australia's defending champion pair of Mark Philippoussis and Jelena Dokic, on Sunday, set high expectations for their team ...

Perth, Jan 2: Australia’s defending champion pair of Mark Philippoussis and Jelena Dokic, on Sunday, set high expectations for their team effort as they go about seeking a second straight title at the $ 585,000 Hopman Cup.

With a fresh Davis Cup crown for world number 19 Philippoussis and a breakthrough last year for the 16-year-old Dokic, the home team should at least go into their first tie on Tuesday against qualifier Thailand bolstered by confidence.

“I’m expecting something from myself this year,” said the 23-year-old Philippoussis, who has been training for the past week in Melbourne.“Last year’s finish (winning the Davis Cup for Australia in France) was incredible. This is a fresh year and I want success even more,” he said.

Story continues below this ad

Dokic, who went into last year’s Hopman mixed teams event at the Burswood Dome on the fringes of the rankings as a newcomer and ended 1999 on a respectable 43rd despite being forced as a youngster to play a reduced tournament schedule by the WTA tour, was equallyconfident.

“I want the top 15 this year,” was the Sydney teenager’s no-nonsense goal for 2000. “I’ve been working for the past month with (Australian Davis Cup captain) Tony Roche. I’m playing well. This is a great place to start the year by doing well.”

Philippoussis, based in Miami, returned his home country before Christmas in the wake of the Davis Cup glory.

“I’ve had a great reception since I go back,” said the `Scud’, known for his big serve. “it’s great to be home.” he said he’s been passing his time at his mother’s Melbourne home by fishing and surfing in an attempt to forget tennis for a few short weeks.

Story continues below this ad

Philippoussis and Dokic lifted the Hopman host nation to it’s first-ever title here 12 months ago after a decade of trying. It was the first of three team titles that Philippoussis would win with Australia in 1999, along with the World Team Cup in Duesseldorf and the Davis Cup, top international prize in the game.

Neither player admitted to feeling any pressure as holders and thefocus of most crowd support in Western Australia at the popular event.“If we both play well, we have chances at another title,” said Dokic. “after 1999, I’d say anything is possible.”

Australia got off to a slow start a year ago, losing their first tie against South Africa but bouncing back to make the final and defeat the Sweden of Jonas Bjorkman and Asa Carlson.

“I’m trying to be 100 per cent ready for each match,” said Philippoussis. “Tennis is an individual sport and I want to be the best that I can.“But it also feels great to play on a team. Playing for your country is a dream, it’s great, and I just can’t explain the feeling.”

Story continues below this ad

After Hopman debutant Thailand, the Aussies will take on Austria on Wednesday and the Slovak republic on Friday in round-robin. Winners from the two groups go into Saturday’s final.

“Careers have begun with the Davis Cup,” said Philippoussis, who clinched the final for Australia as he beat Cedric Pioline in reverse singles.“I concentrated from start to finishin that match. It’s what I expect myself to do now in every match.”