Homorazzi Ranks Their Top 5 Male Tennis Players
I fondly remember numerous times during the Summers of my youth spent playing tennis on Sundays with my parents and then spending weekdays hitting the courts with my friends from noon ’til the sun went down. What will likely surprise many of you, is that I use to be a hardcore sports fanatic. I use to follow the NFL, NBA and tennis Grand Slams religiously. Nowadays, tennis is the only one I check in on a weekly basis for the latest news and scores. During the Australian Open, I even change my sleeping pattern so that I can watch the games live during the 1AM-5AM telecast. Yesterday, the Wimbledon championships started and inspired me to rank my favourite male tennis players currently on the ATP tour. The Wimbledon Championships held at the All England Club have always had a special place in my heart. I love the fact that everyone looks so crisp and regal wearing their tennis whites. The championships usually take place during my birthday which allows me to catch a lot of the action since I usually take my birthday off and the subsequent days after it.
Here are my top five male tennis players currently playing on the ATP Tour
5. David Nalbandian
This Argentine first caught my attention during the 2002 Wimbledon Championships. During this fortnight, Nalbandian made it all the way to the finals only to lose to Lleyton Hewitt in straight sets. I think it was his underdog status throughout the tournament that endeared him to me. Ever since then, I’ve always rooted for him during the grand slams. Unfortunately, since his miracle run in 2002, he’s only made the semi-finals a few times and is still without a Grand Slam title. Due to an injury that required hip surgery in early 2009, Nalbandian has been sidelined for three to four months. Here’s hoping he has a speedy recovery!
4. Fernando Verdasco
Hailing from Madrid, Spain, this lefty currently ranks 8th in the world and is seeded 7th in this year’s Wimbledon Championships. He just recently entered my radar during the 2009 Austrialian Championships. During his semi-final match against eventual winner Nafael Nadal, I was hoping so much that he would defeat Nadal so that Roger Federer would have an easier road to win the tournament. But, as I cheered him on, I began to notice how attractive he was. So, for his good looks he makes it on my fave list. Apparently, I’m not the only one who finds him alluring, he’s bedded Spanish models and current “IT” girl on the WTA Tour, Ana Ivanovic.
3. Rafael Nadal
Initially, I didn’t like Rafa due to the fact that he was a major obstacle for Roger Federer. But, as the years have gone on, and the rivalry between him and Federer intensified, my respect for this Spaniard has grown tremendously. I love the fact how these two individuals consistently push each other to new levels. Their Wimbledon match during last years final has been regarded by many as the best FINAL ever. Due to a persistent knee injury, Nadal was forced to withdraw from this year’s Wimbledon Championships and became only the third man in history not able to defend his title. I never thought I’d say this but I hope he recovers quickly so that we are entertained soon by Nadal and Federer’s epic matches.
2. Marat Safin
This Russian stud has two Grand Slam wins under his belt (2000 US Open and 2005 Australian Open). With his great natural talent, he should definitely have more Grand Slam titles. Unfortunately for him, injuries and a quick temper have hindered his chances. Though he hates playing on the grass, he’s the first Russian to reach the semi-finals at the All England Club. Seeded 14th at this year’s championships, the Russian has a relatively easy draw for the first week and has a good chance of making the second week where he can potentially face hard-hitters Andy Murray and Andy Roddick who play their best game on the grass. There have been rumblings from him that he is retiring at the end of this year but I’m hoping he stays on. Though sometimes cantankerous, he’s also one of the most likeable players on the tour and a definite fan favourite.
1. Roger Federer
Admittedly, I have a huge hard-on for Roger. Federer can do no wrong in my eyes. Sure, he has his haters and detractors who say he’s boring and uncharismatic but there is no denying that this man is probably the best tennis player EVER- especially now that he’s finally won the French Open which completes a career Grand Slam. With Rafael Nadal out of this year’s Wimbledon, Roger is clearly the one to beat for the tournament. If Roger should win, he will overtake Pete Sampras as the all-time leader of most Grand Slam wins. I’ve never been a fan of Sampras (I always was on Team Agassi) and will be celebrating big time when Roger breaks Sampras record of 14 Grand Slam Titles. Come on, Roger… gun down “Pistol Pete”.
If you’ve never played tennis before, I highly suggesting picking up a racket and start playing today. It’s a lot of fun and a great way to get in your cardio workout. As of late, I’ve made a commitment to myself to play tennis more often this summer. Prior to dating Brian, I used to play 3-4 times a week and hopefully I am able to quickly pick up my game level to where I used to be at a few years ago [Editor's Note: Is it just me or does it sound like it's Brian's fault he doesn't play tennis anymore? Haha].
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Written by: Homorazzi.com Cast Member: Donovan
Homorazzi.com – a site where homos judge everything- showcases their unique stories to the OUTtv community. With their varied backgrounds, opinions, and lifestyles, Homorazzi.com brings an original, uncensored perspective of the world that surrounds them to online viewers. Co-founded by Donovan and Patrick, the two give you a glimpse into their lives and their friends one day at a time.
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Ed Meiller Says:
July 5th, 2009 at 8:31 amVisit Ed Meiller
Pete Sampras is no longer playing, but is the best looking tennis player ever.