Mark Philippoussis' father arrested in US on child sex offences
The father of retired Australian tennis star Mark Philippoussis has been arrested on charges of child molestation in the US.
Nikolaos Philippoussis, 68, has been charged with a number of offences including lewd and lascivious acts with two minors, the San Diego Sheriff’s Department said.
“Earlier today, detectives from the San Diego Sheriff’s Department Child Abuse Unit arrested Nikolaos Philippoussis, age 68, at his residence in Mira Mesa for multiple counts of lewd and lascivious acts with two minor victims,” the sheriff’s department said in a statement.
“Philippoussis works as a professional tennis coach in North San Diego County and the alleged molestation victims took tennis lessons from him.
"The investigation is ongoing at this time,” the department said.
It is believed Philippoussis Snr remains behind bars in Sand Diego with bail set at $2.5 million.
His son Mark is yet to comment on the allegations.
“Nick” Philippoussis has been around his son Mark his whole life, guiding and coaching the budding player and was noted for taking taxis to his son’s matches.
Mark had one of the most potent serves in all of tennis.
Philippoussis Snr moved to San Diego recently where his son Mark has been a resident for some time, living with his wife and they have a young child as well.
Mark Philippoussis was part of Australia's winning Davis Cup team in 1999 and 2003. He also reached the US Open final in 1998 and the Wimbledon final in 2003.
