2011: The year of the sports power couple
A. Isaac 
Love was in the air this year for some of the most renowned athletes in the world. Take a look at these seven power couples who were struck by cupid’s arrow in 2011.
7 Caroline Wozniacki and Rory McIlroy
Despite Caroline Wozniacki’s repeated struggles in Grand Slam tournaments, she still finished the year atop the WTA rankings. Her boyfriend, Rory McIlroy, won the U.S. Open and for a large chunk of the year, was undeniably the best golfer on the planet. Their secret romance was discovered over the summer by none other than a tennis blogger in London. They have since annoyed the world with their repeated lovey-dovey Tweets and nicknames like Wozilroy.
6 Ana Ivanovic and Adam Scott
The on-again, off-again romance of Serbian hottie Ana Ivanovic and Adam Scott is back on after the two showed up together at the Presidents Cup gala in November. Hopefully, the relationship helps Ivanovic’s game as she’s been very pedestrian the last few years. Scott on the other hand has been on fire since the addition of controversial caddie Stevie Williams and a rather long, girly putter (cheater).
5 Natalie Gulbis and Dustin Johnson
Dustin Johnson has been known to make several foibles on the golf course (see 2010 U.S. Open) but landing LPGA hottie Natalie Gulbis seems to have been a hole-in-one. After several close calls in majors, Johnson finds himself ranked #7 in the world. Gulbis struggled in her return from a back injury but remains one of the most popular players on the LPGA tour.
4 Alex Ovechkin and Maria Kirilenko
Maria Kirilenko may not be as well known as that other Russian tennis player named Maria, however, she has bragging rights in the boyfriend department. After dating her doubles partner for years, Maria moved on to bigger and better things with hockey superstar Alex Ovechkin. Ovie was so thrilled when he scored Maria, that he tweeted a picture of the two and called her, “his queen.” Way to jump the gun their buddy.
3 Alex Morgan and Servando Carrasco
Let’s be honest here, nobody knows who Servando Carrasco is. Even the most ardent of MLS supporters would have trouble picking the Seattle Sounders midfielder out of a lineup. That being said, he’s dating perhaps the most popular female athlete of 2011 in USWNT rising star Alex Morgan, who burst onto the scene during this past summer’s World Cup.
2 Andrew Luck and Nicole Pechanec
He may have not won the Heisman this year but Andrew Luck remains atop most experts’ draft board as the #1 pick in 2012. Unfortunately, it’s very possible he’ll have to replace a legend in Indianapolis. Some very big shoes to fill to say the least. But for someone who dealt with the pressure of the “Suck for Luck”
campaign, we think he’ll be fine. He can always lean on his girlfriend, gymnast Nicole Pechanec, for support. Judging from the pictures, she seems to have a strong “base”.
1 David Nelson and Kelsi Reich
Normally, we’d frown about the use of a cheerleader in a list for sports power couples. That being said, Bills wide receiver David Nelson and Cowboys cheerleader Kelsi Reich produced a moment for the ages during a touchdown celebration earlier this year. The two also held their heads high despite some absolutely disgusting comments about their interracial relationship. For that, they deserve both our attention and our praise.
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