ATP players as Winter Olympians
Tennis players are some of the most versatile athletes in the world. It's hard not to wonder how their strength, agility, focus and flexibility would translate to other sporting endeavors. So with the Winter Olympics in full swing, we couldn't help but let our imagination run wild and match players with select events in Sochi. Here are our picks for ATP players as Winter Olympians. (Click here for WTA players as Winter Olympians.)
Moguls: Roger Federer
Moguls would be perfect for Federer to show off his artistic flair and penchant for the precise. His easy footwork and reflexes would shine, too.
Figure Skating: Novak Djokovic
Djokovic grew up in a ski resort, but he is a born entertainer whose long, flexible body is built for figure skating spins. And while we're at it, can we pair him with Jelena Jankovic for the ice dancing competition? The showmanship and drama would be off the charts.
Curling: Andy Murray
Murray would be right at home in this sport that was developed in his native Scotland. Plus, his impassioned shouting would be a skill rather than a detriment.
Short Track Speed Skating: Rafael Nadal
His leg strength would allow him explode around the turns and his aggressive, tenacious style would make any other skater think twice before trying to dive inside for the pass.
Snowboarding: Gael Monfils
Whether it's halfpipe or slopestyle, I'd love to see Monfils pop in his headphones and show off his "steez."
Ice Hockey: Stanislas Wawrinka
If he can snap a slap shot like he powers through his one-handed backhand, Wawrinka would be an ace sniper for Team Switzerland. Big and strong, he'd hammer you into the boards and then regale you with Samuel Beckett quotes as he headed to the penalty box.
Alpine Skiing: David Ferrer
Strong, focused and relentless. I feel sorry for the hill when the dogged Ferrer gets ready to attack.
Two-Man Bobsled: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Dustin Brown
Tsonga is tennis' Herschel Walker, perfectly built as a pusher who can provide a powerful start. As for Brown, who now plays for Germany after representing Jamaica for years (yes, we're overlooking the fact that Tsonga is from France), he's the best of both bobsled worlds: German precision with Jamaican passion. Feel the rhythm! Feel the rhyme! Get on up! It's bobsled time!
Two-Man Luge: Bob and Mike Bryan
OK, yes. This one is a little obvious. But until figure skating gets progressive and allows for same-sex pairs -- can't you imagine a long program ending in the brothers' patented flying chest pump? -- the Bryans' twin telepathy would be best applied in luge.
Composite photos by SI.com's David Kaye
