Tennis star Mark Philippoussis welcomes baby daughter with wife Silvana

Tennis star Mark Philippoussis has shared a loving message to announce the birth of his baby daughter with model wife Silvana, revealing he’s “incredibly happy, grateful and blessed”.

The 41-year-old sports star shared a sweet photo of Silvana cradling their second baby, with their four-year-old son Nicholas cuddled up next to her – already proving to be the doting older brother.

The couple have named their tiny tot Maia Maria, but kept her face hidden in the photo as they spend some quality time as a family together in hospital.

“So incredibly happy, grateful and blessed to announce the birth of our little girl Maia Maria Philippoussis, born August 12th at 9:05pm, weighing 6.9lbs,” he wrote.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bmb1Np7hwaH/?hl=en&taken-by=mark_philippoussis

He added the hashtags: “#grateful #blessed #healthygirl #thankful #happy #family #love #bigbrother #myteam.”

Silvana, 34, appears besotted in the photo as she stares lovingly down at Maia while appearing to breastfeed her, still wearing her hospital gown but showing off wavy natural curls and a proud smile.

Fans were quick to share their congratulations, with one commenting: “Beautiful news Mark !! Congratulations! Blessings to all of you,” while another added: “Aww, that’s Wonderful. Congratulations to you all. Beautiful photo.”

Meanwhile one wrote: “Awww Congratulations guys! Hope Silvana and Maia are doing well.”

Mark’s father won’t be there for the celebrations as he remains in a coma in hospital after suffering a massive stroke following his high profile arrest last year.

He was arrested in July 2016 over a series of child sexual abuse allegations made against him, but later suffered a stroke in an American jail – where he was originally being held in relation to his alleged crimes. He always denied the allegations.

Read more: Wife of Mark Philippoussis’ dad ‘files for divorce’ as he remains in coma

“He’s still in the hospital, bed-ridden and more or less non-responsive,” Philippoussis’ lawyer Ryan Tegnelia said earlier this year, according to Nine News. “The indications are… that he will not be improving. At some point we’ll have to make the decision to dismiss the case or how to move forward.”

His tennis star son Mark has remained loyal to his father, with Tegnelia previously saying that, although the family was “in shock”, Mark was committed to providing comfort for his father. Mark appeared at the initial court hearing but declined to make a statement or answer questions from the media at the time.

As for his father, he would be imprisoned for life if found guilty. A six-month stay has been placed on hearings and if well enough, Philippoussis will be required to face court in December.

Do you have a message for Mark Philippoussis following his exciting news?