MELBOURNE, 21 January 2004 — Todd Woodbridge would like to see a short list of ATP-approved supplements and drinks in order to cut the confusion of what is and what is not legal for tennis players to ingest. With the Greg Rusedski drug-test controversy heading towards a Feb. 9 hearing, the Australian doubles ace says some major clarification is needed. Rusedski tested positive in July for nandrolone, a performance enhancer. But the Canadian-born Briton blames his positive reading on ATP-administered energy drinks which were contained the substance and later withdrawn from use. While confusion reigns, Woodbridge has a suggestion.

“There isn’t any product that a player can be sure they can take and not fail a test,” said Woodbridge. “We need the IOC or WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) to come out with a list.”

Moya Fumes Over Lost Opportunity

• Carlos Moya, a 1997 finalist, is fuming over losing a possible chance to play in the Australian Open after a weekend ankle injury. The Spaniard was angered by a decision that did not allow him a delayed Tuesday start at the Grand Slam for his opening match. Keeping Moya’s match against American James Blake on Monday denied the 27-year-old a chance for his twisted ankle to heal enough for him to have possibly played. “I would have loved to play, unfortunately, that wasn’t possible. All of the doctors and physios said that if I had one more day, I could have a chance to play,” Moya said. “I would have loved that, I was playing very well.”

Philippoussis Cousin Has Heart Attack

• A member of Mark Philippoussis’ family suffered a heart attack during the 10th seed’s tense straight sets victory over former champion Thomas Johansson at the Australian Open late yesterday. Philippoussis, hero of Australia’s Davis Cup final victory over Spain last November, claimed a 7-6 (8-6), 6-2, 7-6 (7-4) victory over the 2002 champion two hours 23 minutes. Philippoussis, who will now play Frenchman Fabrice Santoro in the second round, said he had not been informed that his cousin, David, had a heart attack until after the match. “My cousin David had a heart attack while he was in the toilet. It was fortunate that a doctor happened to be there with him at the time,” Philippoussis said after the match. “He’s unconscious at the moment but I hope he recovers really quickly. I didn’t know until after the match. I was told when I came off the court.”

Venus All Smiles, Clijsters Relieved

• Venus Williams made a triumphant return to tennis at the Open and second seed Kim Clijsters, suffering with an ankle injury that threatened to force out of the opening grand slam of the year, came through the test with flying colors in the night session. All she had to overcome was a little rustiness to advance 6-3, 6-2 over Marlene Weingaertner. “I didn’t really have any problems with the ankle and that’s the most important thing,” she said. While Clijsters was clearly relieved, third seed Williams was all smiles at Melbourne Park. Despite not having played a tournament since losing the Wimbledon final to sister Serena last July, the former world No. 1 looked as sharp as ever as she thumped fellow American Ashley. “Oh, yes, I’m back now,” she giggled, before saying she was missing the absent Serena, who also beat her in the final here last year. “It’s not the same without her,” she smiled, “we are like bread and butter.”