Philippoussis career in balance

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Mark Philippoussis will undergo surgery this week on a career-threatening knee injury he suffered at the Hopman Cup.

The 30-year-old has been ruled out of the Australian Open after tearing the lateral meniscus in his right knee.

Philippoussis said he would "definitely" return to action, despite admitting "they won't know the extent of the tear until they get in there".

However, Hopman Cup doctor Hamish Osborne warned the prognosis "could be four weeks, it could be never".

Philippoussis, who was hoping for an Australian Open wild card, was forced to pull out of the event on Tuesday after suffering the injury while trailing 4-1 in the first set to France's Jerome Haehnel.

He suffered the injury with Haehnel a point away from taking a 3-1 lead.

After taking time out for treatment Philippoussis attempted to play on but after being broken for 4-1 he decided to retire.

<a class="bodl" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A18570990?s_fromedit=1">606 DEBATE: Your reaction to Philippoussis' latest injury</a>

This injury is the latest in a series of problems Philippoussis has had to deal with in the last few years.

Although Philippoussis has had three previous knee operations, it is the first time the 2003 Wimbledon finalist has had surgery to his right knee.

"I went out for a wide one and it just buckled, I knew I did something bad straight away," he added. "It was a freak thing that happened.

"It is disappointing, but what can you do? This is another minor setback and something I am going to deal with.

"It is the only thing I can do, it is the only thing I want to do, it's as simple as that.

"People used to be thinking about retiring at 30, but Andre Agassi has shown that if you stay physically strong you can keep going."

<LI> In Wednesday's ties at the Hopman Cup, the Czech Republic beat Spain 2-1 and India beat Croatia 2-1.

Lucie Safarova got the Czechs off to a winning start with a gruelling three-set victory over Anabel Medina Garrigues before Tomas Berdych thumped world number seven Tommy Robredo 7-5 6-1.

The win was the Czech Republic's first in the competition and boosts their chances of qualifying from Group B.

India moved closer to a final appearance with a thrilling win over Croatia.

Mirza put India ahead with a 6-2 6-3 victory over Sanja Ancic before Mario Ancic hit back with a 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (7-3) win over Rohan Bopanna.

India then sealed victory after Mirza and Bopanna clinched the decisive mixed doubles rubber on a tie-break, winning 3-6 6-3 7-6 (10-8).