Elite tennis players have used a variety of stroke mechanics and tactics to succeed. Therefore, different physiques have been seen frequenting the winner’s circle in tennis. Boris Becker, Gustavo Kuerten, Jimmy Connors and Andre Agassi did not have similar body types, but each won a lot of big matches.

RANKING LANDMARK: This week Rafael Nadal ends Roger Federer’s 4-1/2 year reign atop the ATP Rankings. Serb Ana Ivanovic also re-takes No. 1 away from countrywoman Jelena Jankovic. Jankovic could have retained the top spot by reaching the semis at the Beijing Olympics, and Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova could have attained the top spot for the first time by reaching the semis in Beijing.

Why, oh why is there zero interest in following the best tennis players in the world as they battle for gold? Is it because they play one another all the time anyway? Yeah, that’s part of it, I’m sure. Is it because the sport is dominated by athletes with powerful forehands and punchless personalities? Yes, I think that has something to do with it as well.

“I hate not playing and I hate withdrawing from tournaments,” said Roddick, chomping at the bit to take the court and gain some momentum entering Flushing Meadows. “It’s the most hollow feeling every when you have to walk off because you’re hurt and you know people have come to watch you play.”