TENNIS.com - Backcourt - Backcourt Buzz: Is Ivanovic sexier than Sharapova?

By Sarah Thurmond

The latest off-court happenings in the world of tennis:

Maria Makes Over the New Lion
Full disclosure from a celeb gossip junkie: Typically on a Tuesday at 7 p.m., I’m catching up on the day’s entertainment news with Lara Spencer or Mario Lopez. But tonight, I’ll be foregoing Lara and MLo in favor of Rachel Nichols, sports reporter for ESPN’s investigative magazine show “E:60.” (I guess it’s supposed to be like “60 Minutes,” only hipper because it’s got that “E” and colon in the name.) The segment offers a behind-the-scenes peek at the makeover Maria Sharapova gave Matt Stafford, drafted No. 1 by the Detroit Lions this weekend, in advance of the QB’s recent ESPN The Magazine cover shoot. I can’t wait to see her secrets for applying eyeliner.

Robert Laberge/Getty Images
Believe it or not: For the first time in 11 years, you won't find Kournikova in FHM's "100 Sexiest Women in the World" list.

The Results Are In
FHM’s “100 Sexiest Women in the World 2009” list came out last week. And perennial hottie Anna Kournikova did NOT make it. It’s hard to believe that after 11 years, the voters decided she was no longer worthy. Just seven years ago, she was No. 1—on FHM’s list, that is (her career-high singles ranking was No. 8). Perhaps all that work she’s been doing for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, like taking kids to the New York Stock Exchange, isn’t sexy. But two tennis players did make the cut: Maria Sharapova and Ana Ivanovic. Like her professional ranking, Sharapova’s FHM ranking has slipped a little. Last year she was No. 30; this year, she came in at No. 45. But Ivanovic almost broke into the Top 10. She moved up 12 spots from her spot last year to No. 11. The No. 1 hottie? Cheryl Cole, apparently a member of British band Girls Aloud. Way to go, ladies. Way to go.

Heels-and-Mouth Disease
I have to give Serena Williams some major props for how well she handled the onslaught of ridiculous questioning by the NBC Today Show’s fourth-hour co-hosts, Kathy Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb. Williams appeared on the show a couple weeks ago to promote her new Signature Statement jewelry line for Home Shopping Network. Some typical questions/comments: “What’s it like to play your sister?” “How tall are you?” “Tell us about your earrings.” “Your teeth are so white.” Then Gifford asked who was ranked higher—Serena or Venus. At the time, Williams was ranked No. 1. I was hoping for a catty response like, “Well, given that I’m the No. 1 player in the world, and there’s not, like, a 'No. 1 to the infinite power' ranking, it would have to be me. Try doing some research next time, Kathie Lee!” Instead, Williams kept her cool and said, “Um, I am.” Then she gave a mini-clinic on serving in heels. Williams’ jewelry collection premieres on HSN this Thursday, but you can check out the pieces here. Head’s up: There’s a mysterious new Williams’ project in the works, Pyrogyrl. Can’t wait to find out more about this one.

The Amazing Lick Race
Serena and Venus Williams took part in the Oreo Double Stuf competition, called the “Lick Race,” last Friday in Florida with their commercial playmates, more-than-adept tennis players Peyton and Eli Manning. Here’s a nice little side story: Sports fan Anthony Kouba won a Chicago-area Oreo-licking contest and, therefore, the right to participate in the event. Kouba left his expectant wife behind in suburban Chicago and flew to West Palm Beach, where the competition was to be held. When Kouba checked in with his wife upon his arrival in Florida, she said, “Honey, the doctor says I’m going to give birth within 24 hours. Get back here now!” So Anthony’s brother Matt stepped in as a replacement and ended up on the winning team, coached by the Williams sisters. The team got $10,000, and Matt got to catch passes from the quarterback brothers and play tennis with the Williamses. Anthony made it home just in time to welcome his new daughter.

Thank You For Being a Golden Girl
The great stage and television star Bea Arthur died on Sunday at age 86. Arthur, of course, will be remembered for her role as Maude Findlay in “Maude” and Dorothy Zbornak on the “Golden Girls.” I did a little digging on YouTube and came across a classic G.G. episode from season four. In this episode, called “Til Death Do We Volley,” Dorothy’s best friend and practical joke rival from high school, Trudy, comes to town for their high school reunion. Trudy and Dorothy were on the tennis team together, so Dorothy challenges Trudy to a match. Trudy “dies” during the match (I said they were practical joke rivals) and Dorothy blames herself. This is Arthur at her comedic best. And I forgot how funny-looking 1980s sun visors were.

Sarah Thurmond is an associate editor at TENNIS.