Philippoussis concedes latest injury could end career

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Former world number eight Mark Philippoussis has conceded his latest knee surgery may end his tennis career.

The 31-year-old withdrew from the Australian Open wildcard qualifying tournament earlier this week and said he would need surgery on his troublesome right knee.

He is expected to be out for at least two months.

"I'm not thinking about a comeback at the moment," the Australian, who has had a succession of debilitating knee injuries, told reporters.

"I'm just going to be thinking about spending time with my family, spending time at home and then assessing things - you know, where life will lead me and what direction I want to take in life and whether I'll be going again."

The former U.S. Open and Wimbledon finalist added that even if the surgery was successful it could be too hard for him to make a comeback.

"I'll be honest, you've got to understand it's more a mental battle getting back from injury after injury.

"I don't want to be getting up sore and going to the gym and battling day after day."

Philippoussis has won 11 ATP tour titles and almost $7 million in prize money.

(Writing by Greg Stutchbury; editing by Miles Evans)