[i] This is a new idea on the Rennae Reporter. We will have a series of profiles of the fans. Who are the weird, crazy people that like Rennae?

[ii] You can still read old profiles, before you leave:

Get to know: Mel

Nickname:

Lots! Mel (obviously); Elly; Legend (not my idea!); Courtesy of Mark: Chief, Big Man, Old Bean; Courtesy of my 2yr old neighbour: Elwy, Miswah; my work name is Squirt (very original); my sister calls me Fuck Up - and believe it or not she really does mean it affectionately. Also my new nickname is Lucan - I think it's because I bugger off and don't contact anyone for ages.

Favourite drink:

If it has a percentage it's pretty much a hit with me ;-) No, I'm a big beer drinker, I love Champagne and I have a weakness for Bailey's. I'm famous for drinking "Cuba Libre" - I think that's probably my main tipple.

Favourite Food:

DUCK! I don't care how you cook it, just gimme duck! I love Italian, Spanish and Chinese Food.especially the DUCK!!!

Favourite Film:

I don't have 1 favourite - I'm a film-freak. Basically, everything Julia Roberts has ever been in, the same goes for Sandra Bullock and Sharon Stone. G.I. Jane was totally underrated - superlatively good film, Cruel Intentions, American Pie 1 & 2 but I prefer 2.to name but a few! List is endless. Ooooh! And A League of Their Own and The Long Kiss Goodnight.

Happiest moment in life:

Reading this question and realising I've had too many to mention.

Saddest moment in life:

Not going there

5 ideal dinner guests and why:

I want more than 5! Well, my numero uno, without question, is Sheryl Crow. There aren't enough words to describe my complete awe and admiration for this woman - I mean - WOW! She has such amazing depth and range.she completely fascinates me. Nobody can write a song the way Sheryl Crow does - there is not one wasted word - every line and every note is deliberate and perfect. She's not the reason I started to play music but she's a good deal of the reason I continue to write and play music.

2. Number two would be Alanis Morissette who has also been inspiring and she has an intriguing mind.

3. Courtney Love because she, again, has a brilliant mind (anybody seeing a trend here?!). The general consensus is that she's crazy but I just have so much admiration for her it's untrue and lyrically she's brilliant. "Love hangs herself with the bed sheets in her cell" - genius!

4. I'd have to go Madonna. Wouldn't everybody want to go to dinner with the Queen of the Universe?

5. just to lighten things up and for shits and giggles, Alyson Hannigan. While all the geniuses were busy.being geniuses we could compare tattoos and talk Buffy or something.I dunno! Do I have to have a reason?

If a couple of people were to crash this party for 6.I wouldn't mind Sharon Stone dropping by since I've never met anybody who is OFFICIALLY a full on, proper, real-life genius. She graduated High School when she was 14 or something stupid and got her Masters while she was still a teen. or stupid young anyway. And if Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora were to pop in with their guitars and show me a thing or 2 I'm sure the girls and I could make room! And perhaps Jon and Richie could pick up Joni Mitchell and Carole King on the way. ;-)

Country you'd most like to visit?

Australia to visit the Stace.

When was the last time you cried and why?

This is really pathetic and I'm almost ashamed to admit it, but I was watching Buffy the other day and there was this totally touching moment that brought a big ole' tear to my eye and a big lump in throat. I'm not a crier.especially when it comes to TV and movies - just one of those things I guess. But not much makes me cry.

Best friend and why?

My Mum. She knows more about me than I know about myself and loves me completely unconditionally. She's very cool too - my friends come over to see her, not me! Other than my Mum I couldn't single out 1 person. There are a few people I have a special connection with and I know that wherever they are and whatever they're doing if I need them they'll drop everything to be with me, and I'd do the same for them. They know who they are.

Best Wimbledon group moment?

I think my favourite moment was during my first trip, it was the first time I'd met with Bea and Sian and I hadn't known Caz or Stacey all that long but we all just seemed to gel like a little family. We were all sat around a little disposable barbeque, in the middle of the street, in the middle of the night singing! I was playing my guitar and we all sang. We did Joan Osbourne's "One of Us" and Alanis's "Ironic" because they were the only 2 songs everybody knew the words to but it was really beautiful and I remember it fondly.

Mel, what were your feelings when Rennae refused to play ball in the match against Conchita/Mary at Wimbledon?

I just thought it was funny! Those of you who know me know that I don't really take much notice of stuff like that; it had nothing to do with me - Rennae had her reasons and that's good enough. I was there to watch great players play great tennis and that's what I got. I was entertained. It didn't bother me; it just meant that I was guaranteed to see Rennae and Lisa play again the next day. Mary didn't seem to care - big smiles from her and Conchita even managed a grin so I don't see it as any biggy.

Mel tell us your favourite joke:?

A nun walks onto a bus which is empty except for the driver. The nun says to the driver "I'm going to die soon, but I want three wishes fulfilled before I do. Firstly, I want to have sex, but I must die a virgin, so sex has to be anal. Secondly, I cannot commit adultery, so the bloke must be single. And finally, the bloke has to be a stranger to me and must not tell anyone else". The nun then asks the bus driver if he thinks he's up to fulfilling the wishes. The bus driver agrees and takes the nun upstairs, promptly fulfilling the first wish. But afterwards he feels very gulity and says to the nun "I'm afraid I have lied to you, I am in fact married with 3 children". The nun replies "That's ok, I've lied too. My name is Keith and I'm off to a fancy dress party".

Who is your favourite bunch of people to go to tourneys with and why?

I have met so many VERY cool people through this tennis malarkey; the usual suspects are Bea, Caz, Sian and the Stace - I love 'em all to pieces. There's a really great guy in Eastbourne too called Marcus - he's a legend. Then there's the Spanish contingent (aside from Bea!); Paola, Sonia, Sylvia, Juan, Charo, Graci, Marivi and Isabel - those guys are soooo much fun! Any combination of those people - preferably ALL of them! ˇFiesta!

What do you think of the Rennae Reporter web site and how often do you visit?

I think it's potentially THE best web sites around. It has theperfect combination of humor and solid information, it's a very friendly place to be (unless you're Conchita Martinez or Martina Hingis ;-)) and the fact that Rennae is actively involved with the site speaks volumes. I'm there a fair few times a week to check up on things.

What is your favourite ever tennis moment involving Rennae?

Easy. When they won the Aussie Open. Next!

Is Rennae as good as Pam Shriver?

Sian - tell me you don't REALLY expect me to answer that!

If you could have one wish deciding an outcome of a tennis tournament, what would it be?

Arantxa would win it. She'd be playing like she was 17 all over again and she would beat the shit out of everyone she faced. Then, she and Jana Novotna would reform their doubles partnership, get to the final where they meet Rennae and Lisa and the whole thing would get rained off and they would share the title. .And then I would win the lotto. and get a starring role on Buffy The Vampire Slayer. and a big fat recording contract ;-)

Mel, why do you like Rennae so much?

She has that X-factor; that spunk. It's attitude, charisma, talent, tenacity and 'guts' in equal parts. Rennae's just got it. And she's a very nice person to-boot!

We all know what a sex magnet you are, you are beating Rennae hands down in our recent poll, so how does it feel knowing you are the Rennae Reporter pin up girl?

I really can't help the fact I am wonderful. It's the way I am. I'm a fox and I'm God's gift between the sheets. I'm not called the "Legend" for nothing.

ASV and Rennae are playing at the same time during a tournament, who would you choose to watch and why?

Okay, which wise-arse came up with this one? You're not funny and you're not clever whoever you are!!! (actually it was me (Karen) Mel, I wanted to see what sort of loyalties you had towards Rennae........wasn't trying to be funny mate.......your choice of films and the last time you cried is amusement enough!!) It would be Arantxa. I saw her play when I was 6 years old and she was just awe-inspiring. I've been a huge fan for almost 14 years which is (do the math!) the better portion of my life! I'm a HUGE Rennae fan and have so much respect for her but 14 years is a long time - every time I've had to dig my heels in Arantxa has been a source of inspiration. That was very mean of you to make me choose (It was mean of you to call me (Karen) a wise-arse Mel!).