Melbourne: Mark Philippoussis is eager to use his Hall of Fame Championships victory in Newport on Sunday as a springboard to propel him back into the higher echelons of the game.
The former US Open and Wimbledon finalist secured his first ATP title since September 2003 when he swept aside American eighth seed Justin Gimelstob 6-3 7-5 in the Rhode Island final.
"It feels great. It feels like 20 years," the 29-year-old Australian said after his 11th career victory.
Once ranked as high as world number eight, a string of injuries have blighted Philippoussis throughout his career and the last three years have seen the big-serving Victorian sink to a new low.
He entered the tournament as the world number 214, his worst ranking since February 1995, despite showing handy form with wins over Paul-Henri Mathieu and Sebastien Grosjean at Wimbledon and Queen's.
The Australian then proceeded to march through the draw on his favourite grass surface in Newport without losing his serve and blasting 64 aces in the process as he became the lowest ranked winner on the tour in 2006.
"I've always said the number one thing is your health. If you feel great, you start off the day great. I'm enjoying my tennis," said Philippoussis, who rocketed 89 places to 125 in the new rankings published on Monday.
Nicknamed 'Scud', he never gave up hope of returning to the top after the injuries which followed his 2003 Wimbledon final defeat to Roger Federer.
"A whole lot has happened between now and then, but I don't see that much difference in my game," he said. "I was injured for close to four years. Now I am enjoying my life, living it, feeling healthy."
The victory means Philippoussis is fairly certain to feature in Australia's squad for the Davis Cup semi-final against Argentina in Buenos Aires in September.
However, his success has come too late to secure a place in the main draw at the US Open, where he lost the 1998 final to compatriot Pat Rafter.
His main hope for a place at Flushing Meadows is to come through the qualifying draw.
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