Philippoussis insists he's still daddy's boy

The tangled life of Mark Philippoussis remains a mystery after he denied his split with his father-coach.

The tangled personal life of Mark Philippoussis remains a mystery after the former Top 10 player denied his split with his father-coach.

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The 29-year-old said it's simply a matter of fact that the elder Philippoussis is not travelling so much any more on the ATP circuit.

"Let me tell you, that stuff's ridiculous," said the former US Open and Wimbledon finalist after losing in the first round to Rafael Nadal at Flushing Meadows.

"It's frustrating when I hear that stuff because I'm a tennis player and an athlete. Someone wants to write about my tennis - great. It's unfortunate when I have to read things about my personal life and my family.

"My dad's my dad. He's been there from the start. Without him, I wouldn't be where I am.

"There's nothing at all that's happened with my dad. I just needed to spend some time on my own.

"My dad's still there. I talk to him every day, even before matches. Nothing's changed."

There also seems to be mounting speculation on the Florida-based player's love life with reports recently in the Australian press that he and teenaged girlfriend Alexis Barbara were no longer together.