TennisIDENTITY

Novak Djokovic's 2013 French Open apparel available at UNIQLO.

Today, UNIQLO announced the launch of new tennis apparel modeled after Novak Djokovic's kit in Paris. 

The Japan based brand has sponsored Djokovic since May 2012. The new line will have the look and feel of the line that our #1 will wear but it will not be the exact same. I assume that this is for pricing reasons (see below, the prices are awesome).

“We are very excited to launch the tennis apparel based on the performance wear Novak Djokovic wears. We know from last year’s US Open model just how popular this collection is, and we are happy to provide it once more to our customers and tennis fans alike.” said Larry Meyer, UNIQLO USA COO.

The collection will feature polo shirts, pants, shorts, socks, t shirts, and tracksuits for men and boys. Price range: $50-60 USD. 

The French Open collection will be available at all UNIQLO stores and uniqlo.com on May 27. 

P.S. -- UNIQLO, put a cut-out of Novak in his gear in one of your photo booths and watch the fans play :)

Watch: HEAD + (RED) fight AIDS. Can YOU recall what's in the new bag?

 

HEAD players Maria Sharapova, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Tomas Berdych, Marin Cilic, Gilles Simon and Sloane Stephens pack their favorite things into one special tennis bag in this lol video that showcases HEAD's new (HEAD)^RED tennis bag.

The tennis brand is teaming up with (RED) on this one and 40% of profits from the sale of each bag will go to the Global Fund to fight AIDS. That's a feel good bag.

“We are extremely proud to join a family of leading global brands supporting (RED) in the fight for an AIDS free generation”, said HEAD CEO Johan Eliasch. “I would like to thank our players for their support and invite tennis fans and players around the world to join HEAD and (RED) in this worthy and important cause.”

Watch for the bag on all HEAD sponsored players at the French Open. Win the signed bag in the video by heading over to facebook.com/HEADtennis.

The monstercombi and backpack style special editions will be available in select stores at the end of May 2013.

adidas by Stella McCartney @ Roland Garros: Caroline Wozniacki.

Caroline Wozniacki will wear new adidas by Stella McCartney Barricade at the French Open. Pictured are her summer dress and coordinating Barricade shoes.

This line is still working a shelf bra so BYOB. The shortie is included though (bonus), $120.

Love the bright white, fresh blue and running yellow combo, especially with the JUST LAUNCHED super sunny Barricades by Stella, $125.

Laura Robson and Maria Kirilenko will also wear the new kicks + separates from the Stella Barricade line.

Find it at adidas.com, Tennis Warehouse and adidas tennis retailers worldwide.

The shoe is not available until June 1.

Nike @ Roland Garros. Maria Sharapova's tennis fashion for Paris 2013.

 

Just a quick look here at Maria Sharapova's tennis dress for the Paris Open courts. It's called the Nike Women's Summer Premier Maria dress. All performance, molded cups in the built-in bra and no-sew seams make for a statement look that really moves without chafing anywhere. $110 USD.

The only colorway is this one, canyon purple with pure violet side panels and volt straps. Thin straps tend to cut in and bother my shoulders but haven't tried this one myself. Knowing Nike, they've worked this out.

Find it at nike.com, Tennis-Warehouse and Nike tennis retailers worldwide.

Lunch with John McEnroe.

John McEnroe took today's lunch hour to discuss the French Open before taking to the Tennis Channel booth there May 27. 

Winning predictions? Serena and Rafa take it if they stay healthy and don't get caught off-guard.

On clay play. "...the most difficult aspect is the footing, the inability to make that quick first step that you're able to do on a surface where you can stop and start on a dime.  You can't do that on clay."

Tennis players under-appreciated for their talents? "In the other major sports, like basketball, I always make the comparison that the game would be far different if they were to play on clay, as well.  They would be unable to make the type of quick moves that you see them do so easily on a wood surface...

...I think in some way tennis players are under-appreciated because they play on three different surfaces which can be rather difficult."

On break-out teens? "It does seem because of the physicality of the game, it's difficult to see those 18, 19, 20‑year‑olds be able to jump and win majors....

...I'm clearly hopeful that someone comes along that will shake things up, particularly if he's American and sort of brings some juice back to what's going on in America, bring some more interest.  Obviously right now you're just talking about sort of the other four guys, who if anyone can possibly win a major."

On changes since he played Paris? "In my day they were watering the courts virtually after every set, and they don't do that now.  May go through a whole match or two or three sets.  Generally the rallies are shorter, more similar to what you see at other surfaces." 

McEnroe as well as fellow lead analyst Martina Navratilova and others will opin over matches during Tennis Channel's 200 + hours of French Open coverage. Can't wait!

Fila fashion @ Roland Garros 2013: Janko Tipsarevic + Andreas Seppi

Here's what Fila has planned for Janko Tipsarevic and Andreas Seppi at Roland Garros 2013. 

Tipsarevic will wear the Tour short sleeve crew in two ebony/lemon combinations with the Tour piped short. Seppi will wear the Tour piped polo (only polo above) and Tour short sleeve crew in white.

The group as a whole is a youthful, body conscious collection with a modern color palette. The contrast piping and taping was inspired by the movement of the body during play. Fila’s design team highlighted areas of the body which correspond to movement on court. Strategically placed jacquard mesh panels insure good ventilation.

The Tour collection retails from $45 to $55.

Find it at Fila.com, Tennis-Warehouse and Fila tennis retailers worldwide.

Fila fashion @ Roland Garros 2013: Goerges, Jankovic and Petrova

TennisIDENTITY's preview of Roland Garros 2013 tennis fashion starts here with the looks Fila is serving up for Jelena Jankovic, Nadia Petrova and Julia Goerges. Pinkophiles will lean to their beloved bright but I for one am happy to see navy, a color that looks great on everyone.

 Fila's Summer 2013 Baseline collection is highlighted by artistic laser cut mesh that adds movement and a subtle 3D effect when laid over a good dose of shocking pink. 

The Baseline Dress (3) is Jelena Jankovic's choice for Paris and features a cute athletic cut racer-back silhouette, with a slim fit though the torso and drop waist peplum-inspired skirt. Julia Goerges and Nadia Petrova will wear the baseline fashion skort (2) and racerback tank (1) in pink (Julia) or navy (Nadia).

The collection includes a navy hooded jacket (4) and warm up pant (5) combination in stretch jersey.  Laser mesh on the hood adds a whimsical twist to a classic sihouette. White versions of some of the pieces and a cap sleeve top and cami tank complete the group. 

The collection retails from $52 - $76 and is available at Fila.com, Tennis-Warehouse and Fila tennis retailers worldwide.

Philipp Kohlschreiber works new Wilson in Rome.

 

© Getty Images

Philipp Kohlschreiber is wearing new summer collection Wilson in Rome. An orange based version of this look is planned for Roland Garros but I do LOVE this ace of a flint grey and lime combo. 

The so-called "Well-Equipped Crew" and short are made of ultra light, liquid stretch fabric and zoned mesh which work to keep you well cooled. I'd like this top with white or black shorts even better. The polo, left is a more conservative option.

Find it at Wilson.com, Tennis-Warehouse and Wilson tennis retailers worldwide.

Hello Kitty court.

Hello, Kitty. This little face might be on just about everything now. Too cute. Not for all but I do know I'm going to be seeing these on the tennis courts and not just on kids.

Uber cutsey visors with bows and junior sized (19"- 26" range) tennis racquets and bag complete the new group.

Find the goods at Tennis-Warehouse. 

Has Simone Bolelli gone goth?

Nah...Simone Bolelli has moved to Hydrogen, an edgy street fashion brand now hitting the tennis courts.

The new performance collection features shirts, shorts, cap, warm up and accessories and is branded with the co's trademark skull.

Perhaps the skull can rep a dangerous game but stripes of red and green and a cheery yellow ball on select pieces nod to the brand's Italian heritage and the designer's love for our game.

I do love this jacket.

Find it at HydrogenJeans.com.