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

The wife of Mark Philippoussis’ father Nick has confirmed she is filing for divorce in an exclusive interview with News Corp, despite him still lying in a coma in hospital following a massive stroke.

Philippoussis was arrested in July last year 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 was unable to attend court last month due to his health, and now his wife Yan Cui has confirmed she has split from her former husband as he continues to fight for his life.

“I’ve posted the divorce papers. As a woman, you have to understand I have nothing else to say right now,” she told News Corp.

She was reportedly seen seeking legal advice at the end of May, before returning again on June 29. The papers are yet to be filed in the San Diego court system.

It comes after it was claimed Philippoussis is unlikely to ever face court over the allegations.

“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.”

Read more: Mark Philippoussis’ father unlikely to face sexual assault charges

Tegnelia dismissed claims his client was faking illness to get out of appearing in court. Philippoussis originally made headlines last July when it was alleged he assaulted two young girls.

They were believed to be nine at the time of the alleged incident, although Philippoussis pleaded not guilty to the serious charges against him. 

A judge had previously lifted Philippoussis’ bail, set to be at $US9.2 million (A$11.7m), meaning family members, including his son Mark, would be able to visit him without restrictions.

The tennis star has remained loyal to his father, with Tegnelia previous 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.

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