Game Set and Match At Wimbledon 2009?
With Wimbledon fortnight fast approaching we take a look at the highs and lows of 10 famous tennis couples.
Jimmy Connors and Chris Evert
Jimmy Connors and Chris Evert became engaged in 1973. Both claimed Wimbledon crowns and were finalists in the mixed doubles at the 1974 US Open. They shared the Wimbledon Championship dance together with the media headlining the event as the 'Love Match'. The couple however split shortly before they were due to tie the knot.
John Lloyd and Chris Evert
John Lloyd was a quiet Brit, and Chris Evert a glamours tennis play. It would seem oppositescan attract as the two were married in April 1979. John Lloyd took over from Chris's father as coach. There relationship lasted for 8 years, but finally ended in divorce.
Bjorn Borg and Mariana Simonescu
Bjorn Borg, the five times Wimbledon Champion was once married to his childhood sweetheart Mariana Simonescu. But the relationship ended in divorce.
Lleyton Hewitt and Kim Clijsters
This tennis pairing had often been compared with Jason and Kylie. The couple meet at the Austrian Open in 2000 and there relationship blossomed from there. The former No.1's got engaged whilst on a romantic boat trip around Sydney Harbour in 2003, but less than a year later the engagement was called off for 'private reasons'.
Jamie Murray and Jelena Jankovic
Jamie Murray and Jelena Jankovic are mixed doubles partners. They insist there relationship is strictly professional, however there on-court chemistry and open displays of affection may lead people to conclude otherwise. They also heightened speculation as Jankovic was rumoured to have said she would 'kiss him all over if they won Wimbledon. They did go on to win the mixed doubles title and Jamie did receive kisses on court, if he did receive any off court the are still not saying.
Anna Kournikova and Mark Philippoussis
Mark Philippoussis also known as the 'Scud' because of his powerful serve was rumoured to have been dated Anna Kournivoka for a short time. Although the two have always maintained that they are just good friends.
Martina Hingis and Radek Slepanek
The former No.1, Martina Hingis was engaged to ATP Tour player Radek Slepanek in 2006. Although the engagement lasted less than a year as Hingis was believed to have called it off.
Andy Roddick and Maria Sharapova
Tennis stars Andy Roddick and Maria Sharapova meet at the Australian Open in 2006, and were rumoured to have been dating for over a year, although the two have not confirmed this.
Roger Federer and Mirka Vavrinec
Roger Federer the current world No.2 recently married his long term fiancée Mirka Vavrinec, a former tour player. The happy couple are expecting there first child this summer.
Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf
The former king and queen of tennis Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf found true love when they meet each other. Steffi retired from tennis whilst still ranked No.3 in the world. They married in Las Vagas in October 2001, with only there mothers as witnesses. Steffi gave birth to there son Jaden Gil four days later. The couple also have a daughter, Jaz Elle who was born in October 2003.
It would seem the stars of tennis are no different from everyone else. Some have found their soul mate while others are still searching for the perfect match.
