The Deuce Club, 7.10
***
By Jackie Roe, TW Social Director
Hey there, TWibe! So how was everyone's 4th? (Well, everyone who celebrates it, obviously.) Mine was spent watching loads of Wimbledon - I miss it already! - so I couldn't have asked for a better day.
Another TennisWorld > Real World Facebook group alert: SilentP has added some of her Wimbledon photos to the group album, and they're fantastic! Just like Ali C's (hope you checked those out, as well). We've got some talented photographers in our midst!
The past several weeks have been pretty intense here in TW, what with all the Roland Garros and Wimbledon coverage. Now that the smoke has cleared and we have a little downtime from the tennis madness (well, relatively - there's still Davis Cup and Bastad and Stuttgart and ... ), I thought we should do something totally off the wall in this week's Deuce Club.
A little over a week ago, one of my co-workers (who is well aware of my tennis obsession) directed me to a Fox Sports article on tennis love affairs - click here to read it. The couples you'd expect to see are mentioned, including the king of 'em all, Steffi and Andre, and recent flings like Ana/Fernando and Dominika/Jurgen ("fling" is right, as both relationships are now kaput).
Before I continue ...
Am I the only one who found it hilarious that a journalist actually devoted an entire article to the topic of tennis couples? I guess it's more than just fodder for blogs and gossip sites!
But I digress. After reading the article, I was reminded of a DC idea proposed by our incomparable Nancy several months ago, called "Mix and Match." The premise? Forget about those existing tennis couples - which ones do we wish were a reality?
A little silly, sure, but don't tell me the thought hasn't crossed your mind one or two (or fifteen) times. I've seen several of you wax rhapsodic about the virtues of an Ana/Rafa pairing, for instance. Here's your chance to unabashedly proclaim those players you think are perfect for one another, who are clearly soulmates but haven't yet seen the light.
Since this is Nancy's brainchild, I asked her if she could provide her desired tennis couples - sort of her tennis couples "wish list." Here it is (you'll be in stitches, I promise):
*1) Marat Safin and Anna Chakvetadze: She seems high maintenance. He knows how to maintain. Besides, for hottness sake, can you imagine their kids?
[Jackie: I might actually pair Marat with Maria Kirilenko. But what about Maria's beau, Igor Andreev? I'm sure there are plenty around here who'd gladly take him off her hands.]
*2) Novak Djokovic and Ana Ivanovic: I might be the only one who fancy these two together. And now that Hott Pants is out of the picture I'd really like to see it happen.
- Simone Bolelli and Flavia Pennetta: If you Google some pics from the Hopman Cup you'll see how they were so freakin' adorable together. I love him. And her. And Italians in general. Forza!*
4) Roger Federer and Serena Williams: She was all over the dude at the USO players' party last year and I don't think she'll find it hard to get him; I mean, look at the muscles on that woman. She'll take Mirka down comfortably.
[Jackie: Nancy might be on to somethin'. In one of her Wimbledon pressers, Serena was asked, "There's been some controversy about the Wimbledon playing committee perhaps picking players for their looks rather than their tennis talent on Centre Court. They are saying that good looks are a factor with who plays on Centre Court. What do you think about that as an extremely accomplished tennis player who should be on Centre Court?" She responded, "Well, I think Roger's hot, but he's married, so ... " Someone's got a wish list of her own.]
I don't fancy the next two couples but just for the hilarity, imagine with me:
5) Feliciano Lopez and Francesca Schiavone: Gender-confused couple. That could be fun.
6) David Nalbandian and Daniela Hantuchova: Remember Joey in Friends and that famous line "Joey doesn't share food*!!!" ? That kinda reminds me of the Nalby situation here; maybe having a beautiful pin-thin girl next to him will make him share.
(Let me just state for the record - 'cause I know you guys are not aware of it - that I love him to death and I'll take him over anyone any day.)*
7) Tommy Robredo and Gisela Dulko: I know she did extensive "research" on the ATP circuit before, including Tommy, but I'd like them to get back together. Let me elaborate. I want them together 'cause a) I want her off Gonzo (or have they already broken up?)**, and b) let's face it, Tommy is boring, while she's hott. And interesting. And Argentinean. He'll have to be more exciting with her on his arm.
8) David Ferrer and Svetlana Kuznetsova: They'll make a cute/obscure/headcase-y couple.
[Jackie: Don't forget how affectionate they were with one another at the players' party in Beijing last year.]
*9) Evgeny Korolev and Caroline Wozniacki: Both young, gorgeous, hott. They'll make such a stunning couple.
10) Juan Monaco and Sorana Cirstea: No particular reason, I just think they'll look cute together.
Told you it was hilarious.
Now it's time for you to share your tennis couples wish list. The list can be as long or as short as you like, and make sure to include reasons why you think your couples "work." As with all of our DC lists, the more creative, the better.
If that starts to get old or you're at a loss for ideas, consider pairing players with ... TWibers! (And remember to play nice.) What do we think about these, for starters: Sam and Severine Bremond? Sherlock and Petra Cetkovska? Jenni and Mario Ancic? Jackie and ... what's his name again ... ?
Knock yourselves out!