SCUD SKIDS

Court seven at Melbourne Park is only a short walk from Rod Laver Arena.

But for Mark Philippoussis, it's a thousand miles away.

The 31-year-old Scud yesterday was dispatched by 20-year-old Sam Groth, 6-4, 6-3, in a qualifying match for next month's Australian Open.

Strictly speaking, Philippoussis is still alive in the qualifying event. But on the basis of his display yesterday, the telltale bandage below the knee, and his limited movement on the court, the Scud seems unlikely to make it past this land of promising juniors, hopefuls and journeymen.

Again, he will have to rely on the kindness of Australian Open organisers, who have been generous with wildcards in the past.

But having received his share of freebie spots into the grand slam draw, the shot callers are under more pressure this year to do what no nightclub would dare, and refuse Mark Philippoussis entry.