So many of today's top tennis players are movie star handsome and have charisma to spare. From the world's top two players, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal (pictured, right) to the recently retired Andre Agassi who was always fun to watch in practice because he prefered not to wear a shirt. But those three men, along with the incredibly sexy Marat Safin (pictured holding the 2000 U.S. Open trophy w/Pete Sampras looking on) and young
American hearthrobs James Blake and Andy Roddick are all straight. Or so it seems. The truth is, no male pro tennis player in the modern era has ever come out of the closet, unlike some of their female counterparts including reigning Wimbledon and Australian Open champion Amelie Mauresmo and, of course, Martina Navratilova. I examine the situation in an article published today on the terrific site AfterElton.com. I think it's well worth a look!
My thanks to AfterElton editor Michael Jensen who suggested I do the article during our drinks in Miami back in September after he became aware of my absolute passion for the game of tennis. Also thanks to Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova, Renee Stubbs and retired out baseball pro Billy Bean for weighing in on the topic for the piece.