Jul 3, 2008, 10:47 GMT
London - 2003 Wimbledon finalist Mark Philippoussis has survived a dangerous surfing drama in the dead of the Australian winter, Melbourne television reported on Thursday.
The 31-year-old who last played in January, 2007, found himself in trouble while trying to ride the waves in wild weather off the Victoria coast near Melbourne.
The Nine network reported that the winner of 11 ATP titles had to shelter in a sea cave where he had been dragged by huge waves after his board had been smashed at noted surfing spot Bells Beach.
After two hours, he was able to exit via the sea to safety.
The report said Philippoussis suffered slight injuries to his hip and feet and was recovering at his parental home at a beachside suburb.
Philippoussis' management said the former Top 10 player was surfing alone but had gone to the beach with a friend, adding that surfing was part of his rehabilitation from knee surgery.
His mother told Channel Nine that he was fine.
The network quoted an fellow surfer as saying he warned Philippoussis about heavy waves and treacherous conditions.
Philippoussis lost the 2003 Wimbledon final to Roger Federer.
View blog reactions
There are currently no comments for this article. Be the first to comment! (no registration required)
Advertising
There are currently no comments for this article. Be the first to comment! (no registration required)