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Mark Philippoussis’ father arrested on child sex charges

US police say they have charged the father of retired Australian tennis player Mark Philippoussis with molesting two children he was coaching, and want to hear from any other alleged victims.

Jul 26, 2017, updated Jul 26, 2017
Nick Philippoussis watches his son play in 2006. Photo: Mark Ralston / AP

Nick Philippoussis watches his son play in 2006. Photo: Mark Ralston / AP

Nikolaos Philippoussis, 68, was reportedly arrested at his home in Mira Mesa, a neighbourhood in San Diego, California. He is facing “multiple counts of lewd and lascivious acts with two minor victims”, San Diego Sheriff Bill Gore said in a statement.

The alleged victims had been taking personal tennis lessons from him.

Sheriff Gore said an investigation by Child Abuse Unit was ongoing, saying detectives were “looking for more victims in a molestation case in the North County”.

Known as Nick, Philippoussis served as coach and mentor to his son Mark during his professional playing career.

Mark was just six when he took up the racquet at his father’s urging, and was once ranked number eight in the world.

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In a Father’s Day tribute on Instagram last September, Mark told his father: “Thank you for your support, guidance and always being there for me no matter what no questions asked. Love you.”

“Love you to (sic) Son, Thanks,” his father replied.

-AAP

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