What Andy Roddick has gotten himself into...

[GrandeDavid]

http://espn-att.starwave.com/i/magazine/new/041014_sharapova.jpg

http://www.desktopexchange.com/gallery/albums/Maria-Sharapova-wallpaper/Maria_Sharapova_2.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~ravenhawks/images/sharapova2.jpg

[GrandeDavid]

Roddick-Sharapova rumors swirl Down Under

There's a buzz coming out of the Australian Open that two of tennis' superstars, who also happen to be two of the sport's top head-turners, might be a couple.


The Melbourne Herald-Sun newspaper reported that Maria Sharapova, 18, has been spending a lot of time with Andy Roddick, 23, suggesting there might be a budding romance between the two.

The Herald-Sun reported Sharapova left the IMG player party early Sunday night to go watch Roddick play poker in a casino's exclusive gambling rooms.

Sharapova also saw him play cards on Saturday and Wednesday nights, leading to more speculation that the couple is more than just friends.

On the court, Roddick, a winner of 20 tournaments in his career, including the 2003 U.S. Open, had little trouble in his first match Monday. Roddick, the second seed, rolled past Switzerland's Michael Lammer 6-4, 6-2, 6-2.

Sharapova, who is seeded fourth and battling a shoulder injury, opened with an easy win over Sandra Kloesel of Germany.

Sharapova, who won her first Grand Slam title at age 17 in 2004 and rose to No. 1 in the rankings for two short periods last year, traveled to Melbourne unsure if she'd be fit enough to play in the season's first major.

After months of pain, the Russian star said doctors had identified that her problem stemmed from a dislocated rib, not a pectoral muscle problem.


http://msn.foxsports.com/id/5256326_36_1.jpg
Andy Roddick and Maria Sharapova seen together at an ESPY pre-party last July. (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

"It's not 100 percent. I wouldn't say it's at the top level. But at least I know the cause of the problem," Sharapova said last Thursday. "The good thing is, the doctors have told me it can't get any worse.

"As long as I know I can't hurt it any more, I'm going to have to suck it up and do the best I can."

Sharapova became the darling of the WTA Tour after her breakthrough win at Wimbledon, as much for her model looks as for her tennis.

Sharapova was the only woman to make the semifinals at three of the four majors last season and went down to the eventual champion at all four Grand Slam events. But she wants to go one better at least once in 2006.

Asked who the favorite should be this week, Sharapova said she didn't want to give her rivals a boost by nominating anyone.

"If you want my confidence to be up, I have to say myself," she said.

Roddick said he had more motivation than most to perform at Melbourne Park, after a shocking first-round exit at the U.S. Open on his 23rd birthday last Aug. 30.

"The U.S. Open was probably the biggest disappointment I've ever had in tennis and that put a bit of a sour note on the year," he said. "That was a downer, but it was a big learning experience - maybe that loss was actually a little bit of a blessing in disguise."

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

He and Sharapova are an item?

Good for Andy. She's way hotter than Anna K, and she actually has game, too.

[GrandeDavid]

Yeah, A-Rod is definitely all over that bootay. Hopefully it'll have the Tin Cup effect and get him back on his game and he'll make a run for the Australian Open Finals.

[lilmads]

She's way prettier than Mandy Moore, his ex...
I would like them tog...
They should play doubles :)

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Yeah, A-Rod is definitely all over that bootay. Hopefully it'll have the Tin Cup effect and get him back on his game and he'll make a run for the Australian Open Finals.Roddick is already #2 in the rankings behind Federer, and I don't think he'll be able to surpass Federer, he is simply not good enough. SO the Tincup effect doesn't apply http://spurstalk.com/forums/images/smilies/smilol.gif He's already at the top of his game.

[GrandeDavid]

ManuMania, well considering that Roddick got ousted in the first round of the U.S. Open in September, I'd say he has a ways to go become a stud in grand slams. You are right about superhuman Roger Federer. He's in a world of his own.

[NZHayden]

its all lies, shes with me

[Trainwreck2100]

I'd get myself into that 3 times a day for 20 days, but not while driving cause that causes accidents.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Roddick is already #2 in the rankings behind Federer, and I don't think he'll be able to surpass Federer, he is simply not good enough. SO the Tincup effect doesn't apply He's already at the top of his game.

Don't kid yourself, nothing gets the confidence going better than going home to a fine piece of ass every night.

[T-Pain]

maria sharapova is the hottest female athlete

[blackbucket]

She is highly overrated. I'll take Mandy Moore any day.

[samikeyp]

What Andy Roddick has gotten himself into...

hopefully her pants. :eyebrows

[Kdfelicity]

This pairing couldn't have been any better. They're both hot...

[cecil collins]

She is highly overrated. I'll take Mandy Moore any day.
Mandy Moore is far better looking. Andy likes the tall girls, that's for sure.

[samikeyp]

Mandy Moore is nice too. :)

[GrandeDavid]

I'd have to go with Mandy Moore as far as heat goes, but hooking up with Sharapova would be a phat PR move for both parties, not to mention the ATP. :lol

[JoeChalupa]

I think both Mandy Moore and Anna are hotter than Shar"ugh"pova.

But that's just me. Both sexier for sure.

But I'd go stroke for stroke with Mari"ugh" too.

[JoeChalupa]

And I think Federer is too tough for Andy to beat.