The hottest story, and I mean that with multiple meanings, at the 2006 Australian Open has not been the phenomenal play of men’s defending champion Roger Federer or the start of what could be an amazing comeback for Martina Hingis, who is chasing her first Grand Slam title since injuries forced her to retire in 2002.
No, instead the press focus is on a Russian and an American, and with the Cold War virtually ancient history, the two seem to be warming up to each other rather quickly.
According to reports in the Australian Melbourne Herald-Sun, the native Siberian, Maria Sharapova, who is hot enough to de-ice the entire region, is feeling pretty toasty next to Yankee Andy Roddick.
Reports say the two were seen together after a player party hosted by sports management firm IMG. Sharapova supposedly proceeded with Roddick to a poker game where she watched him play cards on Saturday, January 14 and Wednesday, January 18.
The Herald-Sun has sparked speculation as to whether tennis may have a spicy new romance brewing, one which could supersede the likes of those in Hollywood. Honestly, I would rather look at Maria and Andy before Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.
And the speculation may be legit. Logically speaking, if a chick watched you play poker for several hours twice in a week you could only assume one of two things: she wants all the money you just won (assuming you won), this girl wants you (assuming you lose), or both (reality check: if you won, she still really just wants your money).
Of course with Sharapova one could likely eliminate the first or third since she may be worth more financially than Roddick, and aesthetically and athletically-speaking, she is worth a whole lot more.
Now, publicly the tennis officials are staying quiet about this alleged relationship, but deep down you know the WTA is praying that love is in the air down under.
An affair between the tour’s American rock star and Russia’s ice princess can do nothing but benefit the game from a publicity standpoint. Roddick appears to be Federer’s only competition in the men’s circuit, although it is not yet an Agassi/Sampras rivalry since Andy hasn’t actually beaten Roger when it mattered.
And Sharapova is no Anna Kournikova. She has the looks for sure, but unlike her predecessor, she’s got game. Since her win at Wimbledon in 2004, she has become the fourth ranked player in the world.
From my corner, I hope the young couple ends up together and dominates the headlines and especially the photographs. A marriage could be good for the game of tennis too. After all, some extraordinary tennis duo is going to have to procreate if anyone is going to have a chance against Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf’s kid.
Editor’s Note: The views in this article are those of the individual writer and do not represent those of The Polytechnic or the sports department.
