SYDNEY, Australia -- Two-time winner Mark Philippoussis has been left off Australia's team for next month's Davis Cup match against Austria, with selectors opting for journeyman tennis player and golfer Scott Draper in his place.
Draper, who recently earned his card to play on the Australasian professional golf tour, said he'd have no problem returning his focus to tennis for the March 4-6 Davis Cup match in Sydney.
He could play in the second singles spot behind No. 2-ranked Lleyton Hewitt, who has been runner-up at the last two Grand Slam events.
Doubles specialist Todd Woodbridge and Wayne Arthurs were also named Tuesday to Australia's four-man team.
Philippoussis had a season plagued by injuries in 2004, when his ranking slid from No. 9 in the world to No. 106. He missed the Australian Open last month after pulling out of the Hopman Cup international mixed teams event with a groin strain.
Philippoussis was expected to return to competition this week.
Philippoussis "wants to be part of the Davis Cup, but form and fitness are a concern and he just needs tennis," said Australia coach Wally Masur. "We will welcome him back with open arms, but at the moment it's a case of him working on his fitness and improving his ranking."
Masur said he had no concerns about Draper's fitness, despite the 30-year-old playing mostly golf since winning the mixed doubles title at the Australian Open tennis tournament last month.
"He's the right man for the job," said Masur.
Draper's previous Davis Cup appearances were a loss against Argentina and a win over India in 2003.
Draper missed the cut at his two most recent golf tournaments, the New Zealand Open and the Jacobs Creek Open and will skip two tournaments on Australia's secondary golf tour to prepare for the Davis Cup.
