Tennis: If Mixed Singles Were Possible

I have always wondered, why there isn't a concept called as "mixed singles" when mixed doubles can exist and thrive to a certain extent; or was it there, before it got scrapped?

In any case, if there would have been such a thing, which of our favourites from the men's and the women's draw, we would have wanted to see standing opposite to the net facing each other.

Thinking thus, I compiled a list of 10 such "mixed singles" matches which I hope will be interesting and worth reading.

1. Martina Hingis vs. Roger Federer: These two Swiss players are one of their kind. They were the team that represented Switzerland which won the Hopman Cup in 2001.

Both these players have common ground, in the fact that they won all except one Grand Slam. Thus, they could have played in any of the three venues to an exciting finish. Irrespective of the result, it would been an intriguing affair.

2. Steffi Graf vs. Andre Agassi: The husband-wife pair have not played in any Grand Slam mixed doubles, to my knowledge. It should have been fun though, if they could have collaborated for the same.

But it could be more fun, if they would face each other across the net. Flamboyant Agassi and the shy Graf; it would have attracted crowds by the dozen to watch their favourites pitted against.

3. Dinara Safina vs. Marat Safin: The brother-sister duo participated and represented their country in the prestigious Hopman Cup. But if there could be someway in they could be squaring off against, it would be better than that.

Safina has always maintained that her brother is her idol. A match between these two would be like Venus Williams and Serena Williams in the women's tour; only difference would be that it would be a mixed sibling affair.

4. Martina Navratilova vs. Bjorn Borg: Navratilova shared an amazing rivalry with Chris Evert. Is it possible that if by any chance, she had a rival in Borg, it could have  developed to one of the most intense ones?

And even though Borg had actually retired by the time Navratilova had reached her peak, nobody would have said no to a match between them and the fans would have loved it.

5. Justine Henin vs. Roger Federer: Brilliant Justine vs. Sublime Federer. These two are accomplished names who have in a way revolutionised tennis.

In spite of the fact that Henin has called it a day, if there could be some way in which a game between these two greats can be arranged; it would be an eye-catching event.

6. Ana Ivanovic vs. Novak Djokovic: This is purely for the benefit of the Serbian crowd who are madly passionate about their three tennis stars.

Both Ivanovic and Djokovic are talented players who each have a Grand Slam to their credit and staring at each other from either end of the court should be a perspective worth looking out for.

7. Serena Williams vs. Rafael Nadal: Grit is what these two have in common and loads of it. They never give up, till the last point of the game.

And this is what will make their game more spicy. As of now, neither of them have a weakness in playing surfaces and the match, if held, will never be an one-sided affair.

8. Maria Sharapova vs. Andy Murray: Sharapova, a prodigy in herself and Murray who has made inroads into the top bracket tempestuously.

A three-time Grand Slam winner vs. a potential Grand Slam winner, theirs would be an intriguing game and a one worth watching.

9. Venus Williams vs Lleyton Hewitt: Two former World No. 1's, making a comeback after injuries.

Hewitt has always been one of the hard working players on tour and the same can be said about the elder Williams. A set off between the duo, both in their prime is worth wishing.

10. Elena Dementieva vs. David Nalbandian: Dementieva and Nalbandian win tournaments consistently but have always faltered at the Slam level. They have talent and heaps of it, but it never helps them at the Slams.

A battle of the racquets between them could be a cuisine of a totally different flavour and a unique one at that.