(SUNRISE, FL) - Australian Mark Philippoussis will play singles at the Pro Tennis World Open, Tournament Director Gabe Norona announced Saturday. Nicknamed the "Scud" for his 142-mph missile-like serves, Mark Philippoussis is one of the best talents in tennis, with ten singles titles under his belt. Philippoussis has been rated as high as no. 8 in singles (1999), and is currently 157 in the 2005 Indesit ATP race.

Philippoussis received a wild card into the Pacific Life Open Masters Series event in Indian Wells, CA this year, which runs concurrently with the Pro Tennis World Open; but lost first round to qualifier Gregory Carraz (FRA) on March 11. He was then admitted into the PTWO as a wild card. The tournament retains two more WCs, which will be awarded Monday, March 14th (Qualifying day). The four winning qualifiers will complete the main draw for 32 singles players and 16 doubles teams. Round one of the ATP Challenger begins Tuesday, March 15th at noon, Sunrise Tennis Club, 9605 West Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise, Florida; and runs through March 20.

Philippoussis began 2004 in the Top 10, and reached the 4th round at Australian Open, losing to Hicham Arazi. At the ATP World Team Championships in Dusseldorf, the Australians reached the final. Philippoussis defeated Spadea, Schalken and Zabaleta before losing to Chile's Massu. After a 1st round loss at Roland Garros, he turned to grass and reached 4th round at Wimbledon for the sixth consecutive year with wins over C. Rochus, Verkerk and Gonzalez before losing to Tim Henman in four sets.

Philippoussis reached the Wimbledon finals in 2003, defeating Andre Agassi in a dramatic round of 16 five-setter, and outlasting German Alexander Popp in a grueling five set quarter final match. He lost in the final to Swiss phenom Roger Federer, who had begun his climb to the top of men’s tennis. In 1998 Philippoussis reached the finals of the U.S. Open, where he lost to fellow Aussie Patrick Rafter. The two countrymen have been successful as doubles partners, reaching the quarters or semis of Wimbledon and the U.S. Open a total of four times.

Philippoussis began playing tennis at age six with his father, Nick, a former soccer goalkeeper - who is currently his coach. In doubles, he and Ben Ellwood finished as the no. 1 junior team in the world in 1994, winning the Australian, Wimbledon and Italian juniors. In 1995, he earned the ATP Newcomer of Year award. Philppoussis owns a 13-9 career Davis Cup singles record in 12 ties, and was a member of his country’s winning team in 1999 and 2003. Always a crowd favorite, the tall, big-serving Aussie was named one of People Magazine’s "Sexiest Men Alive" in 2000.

The Pro Tennis World Open opens Sunday, March 13 with an exhibition match scheduled for noon. Popular U.S. player Justin Gimelstob (entered in the PTWO as a wild card) will play Andy Lake, the 2003 National Hard Court Champion (30 years and older category); and winner of the 2003 National 30s Indoor Men's Singles Championship. Lake is currently Director of Tennis at Hawk’s Landing Club in Plantation, Florida.

The Pro Tennis World Open is scheduled from March 13 through 20, 2005 at Sunrise Tennis Center at 9605 West Oakland Park Blvd. in Sunrise, Florida. For tickets, media credentials, and complete tournament details, visit www.sunrisetennis.com.