By Erik Gudris

(July 23, 2012) -- Ever since it was announced last year that mixed doubles would be part of the Olympic tennis competition for the first time since 1924, rumors have swirled about who would team up with who starting with the completely off-base notion that Martina Hingis, now retired, would partner with fellow Swiss legend Roger Federer.

But while we know who will be competing in the singles and men's and women's doubles events at the Games, the actual mixed doubles pairings won't be announced until the draw is released later this week. And that gives us just enough time to ponder on some potential "dream teams" that could well aim for a medal this month.

Andy Roddick/Serena Williams - U.S.A.

This pairing of American superstars was long considered a sure thing since both are good friends from their junior days. With their huge serves and intense will to win, Roddick & Williams would appear to be a lock for some sort of medal. Aside from their games, it might be worth the ticket just to watch their interactions with each other on court. But with Williams hinting lately she might just focus on singles and doubles with her sister Venus, it would appear that this dream team will be just that -- a dream.

Venus Williams/Bob or Mike Bryan - U.S.A.

While her little sister Serena may be the favorite to win Olympic gold in singles, Venus Williams might have a better shot at another Olympic medal in doubles. And that's why she just might tap either Bob or Mike Bryan on the shoulder to play in mixed. With two Grand Slam mixed doubles titles on her resume and tons of experience playing mixed for World Team Tennis, Venus with either Bryan would be a formidable team in an event that could be filled mainly with singles players teaming up for the first time.

Novak Djokovic and Ana Ivanovic - Serbia

These two Serbian stars paired up at the Hopman Cup event last year so it's possible they could sync up again for the Olympics. Both have known each other for a long time and their easy chemistry together could make them if not a potential medal threat than at least fun to watch especially if Djokovic decides to get up to his joker antics on court.

Sam Stosur and Bernard Tomic - Australia

A pairing of polar opposites both in personalities and playing styles would make a Stosur/Tomic team if nothing else intriguing to watch. Stosur, the queen of the kick serve, is a former WTA doubles No. 1 with two major mixed doubles titles to her credit. Tomic, with his funky array of spins, could keep his opponents guessing all match. Don't be surprised if this "Oz" couple shows up in the draw.

Tomas Berdych and Petra Kvitova - Czech Republic

A former Wimbledon champion plus a former Wimbledon finalist could equal a future mixed doubles medal team. Plus with Tomas being sometimes called "the birdman" and Petra sounding like an angry bird when she yells out "Podj!', doesn't this feel like a perfect match?

Fabio Fognini and Francesca Schiavone - Italy

Ok, this seems like a long shot but a pairing of the always gutty and expression-filled Schiavone with the talented yet sometimes rakish Fognini could be one of the most entertaining teams anywhere in the Games. If they won a medal, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Fran shave off Fognini’s goatee right there on Centre Court.

(Photo Credit: AFP/Patrick Kovarik)