When You’re Good to Martina…
You may have heard that Martina Navratilova came in second on the British reality show “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!” but what you may not have heard is that she caught the acting bug. (Possibly through one of these critters?)
In an interview with The Times of London, Navratilova talks about auditioning for the role of Mama Morton in the West End’s production of Chicago. I know what you’re thinking: Isn’t that the role that earned Queen Latifah an Oscar nomination in the movie version of the musical? Wait…can Martina sing? Here’s what she says: “I have no idea whether my vocal cords can handle it, or whether I'd be able to cope with the lifestyle. I'd do it if it was a two- to three-week run.” The latest word is that the role is hers if she wants it, but she's too busy to take it on.
You Say Paddle, I Say Platform…
In case you missed it, The New York Times ran an article in December about the different variations of tennis, like platform tennis, which is played on the East Coast during the winter months. The black-and-white photo of the players wearing v-neck sweaters and ties made me laugh.
Tennis Hits SoHo…
You tennis fashionistas out there might be interested to know that two tennis legends with clothing labels have recently ventured into the American market, opening stores—where else?—in New York’s trendy SoHo neighborhood. Bjorn Borg, the brand that made underwear fun to wear in Sweden, has opened its first U.S. store on Crosby Street. Fred Perry is set to make its move across the pond any day now, with a store on Wooster Street. I happened to walk by the almost-finished storefront recently, and there was a poster of a model that resembles Jamie Murray, Andy’s older doubles-loving brother. The Murrays have proudly sweated in Fred Perry clothing for years, so it’s possible it’s Jamie. Or maybe it’s their skinnier non-athletic cousin? What do you think?
Also, the rumor that Andy was ditching Fred Perry is simply not true.
Tennis Stars at Night…
Is space becoming tennis’ version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame? First, Rafael Nadal got an asteroid named in his honor after he beat Roger Federer in the final at Wimbledon last year. Now Jelena Jankovic has a star. According to her website, the star is named JJ and “shines in SC2 Hercules constellation of North polar region.” In other Jankovic news, she switched management agencies, from Octagon to IMG. She is also is joining IMG Models. All you models-of-the-moment better watch out!
His Voice Is Now In San Francisco…
Ted Robinson, who spent 22 years as tennis commentator for USA Network during its broadcasts of the U.S. Open, is going to be the taking over as the San Franscisco 49ers radio announcer starting next season. He will continue his mike duties for NBC’s French Open and Wimbledon coverage.
Think She Cares?
Thedailybeast.com (former Vanity Fair editrix Tina Brown’s current affairs site) released its “Top Ten Thinking Man’s Sex Symbols for 2008.” Who tops the list? Tina Fey? No. Sarah Silverman? Uh-uh. It’s ANA IVANOVIC! Yep, the defending French Open champion is No. 1. The writer of the piece, former TENNIS Magazine contributor Touré, says Ivanovic “is blowing men away with a butterscotch-colored face that’s all smooth slopes and haunting eyes. Ivanovic is the most beautiful female professional athlete of all time.” Sorry, Touré, but the only eyes she’s haunting are those of hunky Fernando Verdasco.
This Week’s Becker Item
It seems like there isn’t a week that goes by without Boris Becker being in the news. Either he’s getting engaged or he’s playing poker or he’s a guest in some TV booth droning on about men’s tennis. This week, he’s back with a former flame, Lilly Kerssenberg.
And finally…
Perhaps the reason Novak Djokovic lost his first match of 2009 to Ernests Gulbis in Brisbane is because he was practicing his stroke on the links instead of on a court.