Philippoussis Drafted as Marquee Player for 2013
February 15, 2013 - World TeamTennis (WTT)
Boston Lobsters News Release
Mark Philipoussis is the newest member of the Boston Lobsters.
The former world number eight was a first round pick in the 2013 Mylan World TeamTennis Marquee Draft, held on Tuesday, February 12. Philippoussis, who started with Mylan WTT in 2005, will be playing his fifth season in the league and was a member of the Philadelphia Freedoms last year. In a pre-draft trade, the Lobsters acquired his rights from Philadelphia.
"I'm excited to be playing for the Lobsters," Philippoussis says. "They have always had strong teams in the past, as well as positive energy. I love the Boston area. It reminds me a bit of Melbourne, Australia, especially when I see the trams go by. I hope to bring a lot energy and good vibes to the team, as well as some power."
The 36-year-old Philippoussis was a two-time Grand Slam runner-up - US Open in 1998 and Wimbledon in 2003 - with 11 titles and victories over Andre Agassi, Jim Courier and Pete Sampras. He also helped his native Australia win two Davis Cups. Now he joins the Lobsters for at least three matches. And Crustacean Nation is thrilled to have him.
Philippoussis with some Boston fans in 2011 "I loved it," said Lobsters' head coach Bud Schultz of the move to acquire the 6-foot-4-inch Philippoussis. "He's played against us the last couple of years and he's played exceptionally well. It's going to be great for the Lobsters from a competitive standpoint and it's going to be great to have him on the team. He's a really good guy. I'm thrilled to have him on board. He creates quite a presence across the net."
Along with Philippoussis's debut, the Lobsters will have a new venue this season. Home matches will be played at the Joan Norton Tennis Center at the Manchester Athletic Club.XX In other draft news, Andy Roddick was taken first overall by the Springfield Lasers; Sloane Stephens goes to the Freedoms; Venus Williams stays a Washington Kastles; and the Texas Wild, formerly the Kansas City Explorers, retained Bob and Mike Bryan. XX Lineups will be completed at next month's Mylan WTT Roster Draft, Tuesday, March 12. Dates for all matches will be announced during the week of March 4.
The league's eight teams, split into Eastern and Western conferences, will play 14 matches - seven home, seven away - during a regular season that runs from July 7-24. The top two teams from each half will advance to the Mylan WTT Conference Championships on Thursday, July 25, culminating with the finals on Sunday, July 28.
World TeamTennis Stories from February 15, 2013
- Philippoussis Drafted as Marquee Player for 2013 - Boston Lobsters
- Teen Sensation Sloane Stephens to Play at Kastles Stadium - Washington Kastles
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