It Could Be a Model of Things to Come

You had to wonder whether they were in last-minute hair and makeup sessions before going out on the tennis court, getting that right shade of blush and subduing a strand of frizzy hair.

This is not about Anna Kournikova preparing for an exhibition. It has to do with a controversial decision to use female models, instead of the usual ball boys and girls, at this week’s tennis tournament in Madrid.

The models even had a coach, and he noted to Spanish reporters that some of the male players at the ATP event were likely to be distracted by “such beautiful girls.”

So, what’s next? Will we see Chippendales retrieving balls and fetching towels for Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova at Staples Center?

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Trivia time: Who ended Monica Seles’ 33-match unbeaten streak at the Australian Open?

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Holiday rewind: Lindsay Davenport, though ailing because of flu, fielded questions Monday about regaining the No. 1 ranking and her plans to play the Australian Open in January. Davenport, who had been toying with thoughts of retirement, said she had her 2005 schedule planned at least through Indian Wells in March.

One query stopped her short. She was asked what she wanted for Christmas. Then again, it is only October.

Davenport recalled getting plenty of tennis-related stuff as a child.

“I remember getting tennis outfits under the tree, and my mom and dad would sign the card from Chris Evert or Tracy Austin,” she said, laughing.

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Car talk: There are routine cars, special cars and then there’s Shaquille O’Neal’s fleet.

He spoke to Celebrity Car magazine about his vehicles, mentioning the time he took the top off a Ferrari coupe, so he could fit in it.

He also talked about his priciest toy, a blue Rolls-Royce.

“This is not my everyday car,” O’Neal said. “It’s my most expensive car, and I’m the only person silly enough to put 24-inch Superman wheels on a $300,000 Phantom.”

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Wes is more: “Late Night with Roy Williams” takes preparation, and apparently sophomore point guard Wes Miller worked hard and actually watched tape to get ready for one of last week’s “midnight madness” basketball skits at North Carolina.

Tape of Williams, that is.

Miller, by all accounts, nailed his impression of the coach and impressed the man himself with his effort.

“Wes is really good,” Williams told reporters. “He even had the walk down when my back’s hurting sometimes. He’s really good. I knew what was coming when the coat started coming off, though.”

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Trivia answer: Martina Hingis of Switzerland in 1999. Seles had won the tournament in 1991, 1992, 1993 and 1996.

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And finally: Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) pulled no punches when he spoke to the Arizona Republic newspaper about the NFL’s refusal to allow Denver Bronco Jake Plummer’s tribute -- a helmet decal -- to the late Pat Tillman: “I cannot fathom why Mr. [Paul] Tagliabue would want to set precedent on this.

“They’re idiots.”