For the Love of it all: Scandal rumors can’t diminish tennis fans’ ardour

Love was in the air for Serbian Novak Djokovic and Angelique Kerber of Germany as they advanced over their opponents, winning the first Grand Slam events of the 2016 tennis season at Melbourne Park in Australia. In the Land Down Under, gender-neutral paychecks netted the winners a cool $2.73 million. A purse that size makes more than a fashion statement; it banks the unmistakable look of success. The cachet of carrying that kind of cold hard cash around looks great every day, everywhere, and is always in style.

As Djokovic and Kerber were awarded their prize money, they personified what's best in the sport. Observing tradition, winners politely thanked the sponsors, the fans and fellow tournament competitors. Sweat wiped away, the victorious ones glowed, taking in the adoration of their peers and club level players who wish as much for their grace as their pace. Playing tough on urban courts, playing prissy on private courts, wherever in the world one plays, it takes more than spin to win. It also takes drive.