Adelaide, Australia  - Mis-firing Mark Philippoussis has apologized for a miserabke performance at the World Tennis Challenge, as the two-time Grand Slam finalist made a timid return to the game.

The 32-year-old was competing for the first time in more than a year since re-injuring his right knee and undergoing another operation. Australia with Philippoussis and Pat Cash lost to the US side with Jim Courier and Taylor Dent.

"I tried, but it got ugly out there," Philippoussis said. "The knee held out and I like to say I had a lot of fun. But you don't have that much fun when you get beat like that [6-2, 6-3 by Dent]."

While his heavily strapped knee caused no dramas, the Australian did require the trainer for a thumb taping at the exhibition which ends on Friday.

Philippoussis admits he's unsure about any tennis future.

"I have no expectations. I don't need to prove anything to anyone or even to myself, it's just about me loving the game and getting back out and playing the game.

"There's no way I'm looking too far ahead. It's in my heart to give it [an ATP career] one more go and I would love to."

The three-day team event with one current and one former player per side, also features team Sweden with Joachim Johansson and Mats Wilander and France with Gael Monfils and Henri Leconte. (dpa)