SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP)—Mark Philippoussis beat Jim Courier 6-4, 6-1 on Sunday to win the Cancer Treatment Centers of America Tennis Championships for his second straight Champions Series title.
Philippoussis, coming off a final-round victory over John McEnroe in May in Boston on the 30-and-over circuit, said his goal is to return to play on the regular ATP Tour.
“I’ve just fallen back in love with the sport on the Champions Series,” the 33-year-old Australian said. “It’s just great and since I’ve gotten that love back, my body has been getting stronger. I feel I can hit the ball just as hard as the guys on the tour, so why not give it a go if I’m having this much fun?”
Philippoussis last played on the ATP Tour in 2006. He has been troubled by knee injuries, having surgery three times on each knee.
“When Mark plays well and he plays that first-strike tennis, he can play with anybody,” the 40-year-old Courier said. “The question is can his body hold up to the rigors of the tour on a day-to-day basis. All of us who are in this sport can appreciate the racket skills he brings to the table.”
Philippoussis said he benefited from recent practice sessions with U.S. star Andy Roddick.
“Roddick came to San Diego, where I live,” Philippoussis said. “I hit with him while he was down there at La Jolla Beach & Racquet Club.”
In the third-place match, Michael Chang beat John McEnroe 7-6 (6), 7-6 (6).