Father of Aussie tennis star Mark Philippoussis arrested on molestation charges

Nikolaos Philippoussis. Photo / Getty

The father of retired Australian tennis star Mark Philippoussis has been arrested on child abuse charges in the United States.

Nikolaos Philippoussis, 68, allegedly molested two minors who took tennis lessons from him, authorities in San Diego in the state of Los Angeles announced on Tuesday local time, news.com.au reports.

Few other details have been provided but San Diego Sheriff's Department lieutenant Greg Rylaarsdam said the charges include lewd and lascivious acts with two children.

"Philippoussis works as a personal tennis coach in Northern San Diego County and the alleged molestation victims took tennis lessons from him," lieutenant Rylaarsdam said.

"The investigation is ongoing at this time."

County Sheriff Bill Gore posted a Tweet just before 10am NZT calling for other alleged victims to come forward.

Police said he was arrested at his home in the suburb of Mira Mesa home and was remanded in custody, with authorities reportedly seeking a US$2 million bail.

Mark Philippoussis, dubbed the Scud in his heyday, is an icon of Australian tennis who reached a peak of world number eight, won two Davis Cup titles and made the US Open and Wimbledon finals.

His father was a prime figure in his star career and served as his coach and manager.