THE EARLY MORNINGS, sweat-inducing exercise, back-breaking commitment – nobody knows a sports-person’s troubles. Maybe that is why so many of them chose to couple up.

Peter Crouch may have delivered the best ever self-deprecating jibe when he admitted his footballing career saved him from a life of virginity but there was a glimmer of truth in his words.

Sometimes, however, sports stars grow weary of partnerships with supermodels, actors and ordinary folk; choosing to look closer to home, or the nearest sporting arena.

St. Valentine’s Day has thankfully fallen on a Tuesday this year and the sporting calendar is uncluttered.

Sports couples the world over may get the best seats in the finest restaurants but few would envy a romantic meal of boiled vegetables, protein-high finger food and isotonic drinks.

The union Rory McIlroy and Caroline Wozniacki has bred a catchy Wozzilroy moniker for the pair and they regularly tweet words of support and cheerleading from afar.

The prize for most gratingly perfect athletic duo surely must go to Australian golfer Adam Scott and his tennis playing girlfriend Ana Ivanovic.

A no-holes-barred doubles match must surely be in the offing this year before the last summer sun has set – with golf clubs substituted for tennis rackets – it is what pay-per-view was invited for.