There have been lots of instances of touring pros moving in on Hollywood. Can you guess who has the most appearances? There are some usual suspects, but you may be surprised. Take the pop quiz below!



By Liza Horan

New York—Americans have watched Wimbledon on NBC for 38 years. Roger Federer hopes to have relative domination of the event, too. In his quest for a fifth consecutive victory, NBC will track his play and that of the men he forced into "runner-up" position: Rafael Nadal (2006), Andy Roddick, (2004, 2005), and Mark Philippoussis (2003).

Federer's already through to the fourth round, thanks to a walkover brought on by Tommy Haas' abdominal injury, but Nadal and Roddick will compete with the weather to have a chance to play on Tuesday. Their scheduled broadcast times could be filled with banter between commentators John McEnroe, Mary Carillo, and Ted Robinson or match re-runs.

On the other hand, NBC will carry Philippoussis' play rain or shine.

That's because he's on location in sunny Los Angeles, surrounding by the 20-something "Kittens" and 40-something "Cougars" that are playing another game altogether on Age of Love.

Yes, the Scud has turned Stud. The young man whose serve could send shivers to a professional athlete hopes to send lips a-quiver as the bachelor-in-demand. It's a test to see if the dashing lad's heart goes gaga for youth or can be won by an elder seductress.

Philippoussis, age 30, isn't done with tennis, but some dabbling in modeling combined with his knee injury formed the perfect window to try his chances at reality TV. The show seeks to end his days of bachelorhood. Will he swing high or low?

Since he turned pro in 1994, the Aussie's powerful serve made him a force, particularly at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, where his best showing was finalist to Patrick Rafter in 1998. Injuries have plagued his career, but last year Philippoussis won the Campbell's Hall of Fame Championships in Newport, R.I., the week after Wimbledon. Defending that title, via wildcard entry, will be his return to competition following injury.

Aussie radio personality "The Coach" (Melbourne's Gold104 station), weighs in: "Everyone thinks he's a big goose back in Australia. It's the last grasp at fame and fortune, isn't it? He's blown a lot of his money. Some of the older women are really cute, though, aren't they?" says Coach, who has been covering pro tennis for years with his memorable, if snarky, angle.      "You're asking someone who absolutely hates reality shows. Why would I want to watch ordinary people on TV? I see them every day!"

Philippoussis is not the only tennis star reaching beyond the white lines for the glamour of the entertainment industries; professional sports fit that category, too. Crossover is common these days, and Hollywood seems like a venus fly-trap for some ego-, thrill- or cash-seeking center-courters, or just those who want to give it a go. McEnroe and Billie Jean King recently played parts on CSI and Law & Order, respectively, and Serena Williams— most visible—is on America's Next Top Model tomorrow, July 3, as herself.

Williams has spent some time learning the craft, as has former French Open doubles champion Murphy Jensen—whose tennis-entertainment show Open Access on the Tennis Channel remains a must-see, can't-miss indulgence—is "seriously studying acting."

THE POINT: Every time a tennis player makes the boob tube in a feature-type context, it's a win for the sport. Yes, even regardless of how well the pro player pulls it off. Each appearance becomes evidence of the sport's crossover appeal and solidifies its place in pop culture.

Tennis Goes Pop! QUIZ
Rank these players according to how many appearances they've made on TV shows and in films.*

*according to IMDB; includes voice-overs for such shows as The Simpsons. Scroll down for answers.

Mark Philippoussis
John McEnroe
Billie Jean King
Serena Williams
Murphy Jensen
Boris Becker
Jennifer Capriati
Chris Evert
Venus Williams
Maria Sharapova
Monica Seles
Steffi Graf
Andre Agassi
Pete Sampras
Anna Kournikova
Martina Hingis
Roger Federer

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ANSWERS: Click player name to view credits.


Most appearances: John McEnroe: 65 appearances as himself; 7 as actor.
Followed by...
Serena Williams: 42 as self; 8 as actor
Boris Becker: 34 as self; 2 as actor
Martina Navratilova: 26 as self; 1 as actor
Venus Williams: 26 as self. Andre Agassi: 24 as self.
TIE: Billie Jean King: 20 as self; 1 as actor (April '07 Law & Order, not listed on imdb); and Tracy Austin: 21 as self.
Anna Kournikova: 18 as self; 1 as actor (doesn't include Enrique Iglesias' music video for "Escape")
Maria Sharapova: 17 as self.
TIE: Chris Evert: 12 as self; 1 as actor; and Roger Federer: 13 as self.
Steffi Graf: 12 as self.
Pete Sampras: 9 as self.
Murphy Jensen: 4 as self; 3 as actor.
Jennifer Capriati: 6 as self.
Martina Hingis: 4 as self.
Monica Seles: 3 as self.
Mark Philippoussis: 1 as self.