From Wimbledon with love

* Love can bloom on a tennis court, even when opponents are on opposing sides of the net. In 1924, Kitty McKane, a young English player, who had won the women's singles, teamed with J.B. Gilbert to triumph in the mixed doubles at Wimbledon. Their beaten opponents in the final were Leslie Godfree and Mrs. Shepherd Baron.

Two years later, it was a different story. Kitty, now known as Mrs. Godfree, after her marriage to her former opponent, won both the singles and the mixed doubles with her husband. Kitty Godfree was also one of Britain's top badminton players during the 1920s.

* Love can also wilt on a tennis court. In 1974, Chris Evert and Jimmy Connors were dubbed the "Love Match" couple when they both won the Wimbledon singles crowns and announced plans to marry.

It was a different story a year later after they had separated. Evert, dubbed the Ice Maiden for her cool demeanor, was leading 3-0 in the final set of her semifinal against Billie Jean King. During the changeover, Connors made a very grand entrance into the Friend's Box, the seating area for players and family members, accompanied by former Miss World Gloria Wallace.

Evert did not win another game. Not surprisingly, the tabloids chanted "The Ice Maiden Melts" in their editions the next day.

Compiled by Russell Barlow, ATP Tour World Doubles Championship Consultant.