Anna Chakvetadze and racecar driver Memo Gidley played tennis on Treasure Island

Anna Chakvetadze and San Francisco Bay Area racecar driver Memo Gidley squared off in a unique game of tennis on Monday, with the Bay Bridge and San Francisco skyline serving as a stunning backdrop.

The athletes played a friendly game on Treasure Island, which connects San Francisco with the East Bay, on a temporary court built just a brief stroll from the Bay Bridge.

They were in town to promote upcoming sporting events - Chakvetadze is the defending champion of this week's Bank of the West Classic at Stanford University, while Gidley will be at Infineon Raceway to compete in the Armed Forces 250 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 event on Saturday, Aug. 23.

Gidley, who enjoys playing tennis for fitness, showed excellent form in the 15-minute game against Chakvetadze, even charging the net to display his strong volley game.

"He really surprised me. I was surprised that he was so good," said Chakvetadze, who is currently No. 8 in the world and is from Moscow. "I actually love sports cars. I have a Porsche, and I love to drive fast, as well."

Added Gidley: "This was a lot of fun. She certainly knows her way around the court, but I'm pretty sure I could teach her a thing or two on the race track."


(source Infineon Raceway)