Getting ready for a comeback (yes, another) to the world of professional tennis, former top-10 player Mark Philippoussis is also taking part in a different kind of “love” game.
The serial dater has been linked mainly to models, singers, actresses, and various wannabes. Most recently, that included Alexis Barabara, with whom he had a short-lived engagement that was called off last summer. Now, he’s filming an eight-episode reality series “Age of Love” for NBC.
"I am so shy," he told People magazine. "I would just really like to meet someone."
Since becoming single in August when he split from 19-year-old Barbara, the Scud has been attempting a comeback in his love life as well as on the courts. NBC is lending the Australian a hand by casting him in their version of ABC’s “The Bachelor,” but with a small twist: Philippoussis will tempt Cupid’s arrow with a two groups of women, half in their 20's and half in their 40's. He is currently 30.
Though he admits he had some reservations when he first learned of the twist, Philippoussis said, "Age doesn't matter to me. All the women are beautiful."
While tabloids have pegged the two-time Grand Slam finalist with the likes of party girls Tara Reid and Paris Hilton, as well as tennis ace Anna Kournikova and Aussie singer Delta Goodrem, Philippoussis concedes that the flash and glam approach is not necessarily his dating mantra.
He is "a simple guy who wants a simple girl."
But if you want to win this stud’s – or scud’s – heart, there is one prerequisite. You must be a dog-lover. If not, he says, "I just don't see how that could ever work.”
And another thing – smokers need not apply.
Philippoussis, whom the network pegs as "one of the world's most eligible bachelors” will date 13 women from two very different groups," according to a statement issued by show executives. "The Kittens [are] six fun, enthusiastic women in their 20s and the Cougars [are] seven beautiful, sophisticated women in their 40s.
"The series takes a dramatic turn when Mark learns there's a second group of much younger women who will also be attempting to vie for his affections.
"Unaware of each other, the two groups of women meet for the first time taking the competition for Mark's affections to a whole new level.
"From there, each week the field of women will be narrowed down with the remaining vying for his attention - but only one can win Mark's heart."
Shooting for the series has already begun in Los Angeles with the US premiere set for June 18, the kickoff time for the summer’s new shows.
No word on a possible Aussie debut, as the rights to show have yet to be picked up an Australian television network.
And a word on Philippoussis’ tennis career... the wild card king is also expected to make this on-court return in June on his favored grass courts. "He won’t play any of the clay, but sure he’ll be ready for the grass,” Cahill told Tennis Australia’s Tennis World earlier this year.
Though he won a challenger last year in Calabasas, former home of Jessica Simpson and Nick Lacey, and a grass court ATP title in Newport, Flip has not played this season after re-injuring his right knee at the Hopman Cup in January.
He has relocated to Las Vegas from San Diego, where he has been working out with Andre Agassi’s former trainer, Gil Reyes, and coach, Darren Cahill. And old habits must die hard, because Philippoussis still has his Hollywood connections. He has been playing tennis four times a week with avid tennis fan and rock star Gavin Rossdale at Rossdale’s Beverly Hills home.
Philippoussis will also become the first active ATP player to play in the Champions Cup Series, a senior tour founded by former World No. 1 Jim Courier. The first international event in the series is set to take place in Athens, Greece May 17-20. The Greek native will join the likes of Pete Sampras, Richard Krajicek, and Courier himself in the four-day event.