San Diego

Father of Tennis Pro Arrested for Allegedly Molesting 2 Minors in San Diego County

The suspect is the father of the famous tennis player Mark Philippoussis

The father of a well-known tennis pro was arrested Tuesday for allegedly molesting two minors he coached in northern San Diego County, San Diego County Sheriff's officials (SDSO) confirmed. 

Nikolaos Philippoussis, 68, was arrested at his house in Mira Mesa, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. He is the father of Mark Philippoussis, a now-retired award-winning tennis player.

Detectives from the Sheriff's Child Abuse Unit went to the coach's house Tuesday morning. 

The 68-year-old tennis coach was booked in jail Tuesday on two different charges of sex-related crimes with children. 

The 68-year-old tennis coach was booked into jail on two different charges of sex-related crimes with children. One charge related to a minor under the age of 14. The other child 10-years-old or younger.

"I'm shocked. He's got a young wife. Around 40-years old. He's over 60," said neighbor Chun Byers.

Philippoussis faces 14 counts of lewd and lascivious acts with minors. At the time, he worked as a personal tennis coach for the alleged victims, sheriff's officials said.

An investigation is ongoing at this time. Sheriff's investigators say there are no indications that other children were molested but it's a possibility they're considering.

Anyone with information can call the San Diego County Sheriff's Department at (858)974-2310.

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