Sunday Morning Herald

January 19, 2001

It was Kenny Rogers who sang in 'Coward of the Country' that there was someone for everyone.

From memory Kenny was referring to Tommy and Becky, Tommy cutting up rough after the Galin boys had forced themselves on Becky.

It got me thinking as to match-making couples from their respective biographies in the ATP and WTA media guides.

Working on the theory that opposites attract, I've chosen Mark Philippoussis to date United States doubles player, Nicole Arendt.

Here's how they match up. Arendt is 31 (probably a bit long in the tooth for Mark), stands 178cms and is a left hander.

Philippoussis is 24, a strapping 193cms and uses his right hand.

Arendt who is a very fine doubles player, has only ever reached No. 49 in the world in singles, whereas Philippoussis has hit No. 8.

Arendt once reached the fourth round of the French Open, whereas Philippoussis has been to the fourth round or beyond 10 times in grand slams.

Arendt enjoys visiting museums, particularly anything to do with Rodin and the impressionist era.

Philippoussis enjoys watching videos and playing video games and wakeboarding in Miami with his friend Julio Iglesias Jr.

Arendt likes to collect Swarovski silver animal crystals and loves the poetry of Edgar Allen Poe, having memorised 'Annabel Lee'

Philippoussis loves to collect fast and expensive cars, but he does have an Alexander the Great tattoo on his right arm.

Arendt has never been named in the Sexiest woman alive contests, but Philippoussis cracked it in the men's version in 2000."

What do you think?