You read that correctly. Apparently, SONY Erikson advertising gurus felt placing translucent platforms in a swimming pool would invoke an aura of awesomeness that tennis stars alone can’t bring. So what better way to institute an essence of grandeur than to take two elite tennis players—Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams—and place them in a swimming pool with pubescent boys standing in the deep end of the pool waiting to, um, collect stray balls.

The water-covered court was constructed in the 110ft swimming pool set in the Gansevoort’s exclusive 22,000sqft rooftop retreat overlooking Miami’s South Beach. The court took seven days to build as a specialist underwater team constructed two invisible platforms at either end of the pool for the players to stand and play using a combination of bespoke acrylic sheets and supporting acrylic tubes that were bonded together.

And we thought clay was phenomenally tricky. The duo weighed in on their historic experience.

Defending Sony Ericsson Open Champion, Serena Williams, commented: ‘It was a once in a lifetime chance to play tennis on water and it was great to be involved in a true world first. Playing against Rafa was a new challenge, but I think the surface helped to level the playing field - particularly as he volunteered to play at the deep end!’

Rafael Nadal commented: “I love playing on ALL surfaces, but this was different and playing against Serena made it even more special. Playing a game on water was a first for me, and I also liked the setting here in Miami overlooking the ocean since I love the sea.”

Of course it was a first for you, buddy. It was a first, period. Yet, we’re holding out all of our excitement for a full tournament to be played on water: Roger Federer V Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams V Maria Sharapova. Just thinking about the latter and all the possible wet polos they’ll be changing out of makes us shudder lovely droplets of happiness. Sorry, truly, but we can’t help it.

Game, set, and splash [Daily AU, via Lion In Oil]
Images [Daily AU]