TENNIS TAKES ON THE TREVI FOUNTAIN BY CRAIG CIGNARELLI

Written by: on 12th May 2015
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TENNIS TAKES ON THE TREVI FOUNTAIN BY CRAIG CIGNARELLI  |

There is a famous legend, which states, “If you toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, you will return to Rome sometime in the future.” It’s one of those marketing myths that results in two million Euros per annum being thrown into the spinning waters. At present though, the Trevi is being repaired and the fountain is completely dry with an exoskeleton of rebar and hardware around it. I am now standing here, staring at blocked images of the Trevi’s marble men and the sculpted horses, listening to throngs of camera-clicking tourists talk about the dry fountain and their hopes for a return to Rome. As with all ATP events, tennis players often make their way to the city’s attractions, and today is no exception. Some of the top players have notable eccentricities when sightseeing. To wit:

 

Novak has made his way to the fountain’s side and is telling everyone he will prove that he can walk on the water.

 

Roger is here now, handing out euros to hundreds of kids so they can toss them into the fountain. It is rumored he is considering a deal to purchase the fountain so he can donate the water to those in need.

 

Andy Murray just strolled in and yelled “Why are all the statues male?”

 

There’s a rumor of a stealth pickpocket skittering in and out of the crowds and stealing coins to throw into the fountain. They say he has long brown hair, is always moving, and has been working for almost eight hours. We can only assume David Ferrer is here.

 

Rafa touches his nose, ear, and opposite ear before tossing his coin in the Trevi Fountain. With six Italian titles, it appears the legend about returning to Rome may be true.

 

Grigor also just arrived, and every woman with a cell phone is grabbing him for a dual-selfie. Grigor seems to have very little interest in getting to the fountain.

 

Milos just asked whether they need a stand-in for one of the statues, because he’d like to make a few more bucks.

 

Tomas Berdych just made a joke: “Forget the coins, I’ll just give them a Czech.” No one laughed.

 

Stan Wawrinka went against the tradition of tossing the coin over the right shoulder and tossed his coin using a backhand flip. There is a statue of Ocean in the center of the fountain. The coin landed precisely in Ocean’s eye socket and it now sparkles with brilliance at certain moments of the day.

 

With brilliant, self-deprecating humor, Kei Nishikori quietly asked, “Can I throw a little Yen into the mix of Euros?”

 

This afternoon, the players return to Foro Italico for their next rounds. Whether or not the Trevi will bring them good luck remains to be seen.

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