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GU2O for hydration and stamina in the heat of battle

We've been drinking Gatorade for a while now, often cutting it with water, because it feels a little heavy, especially in the heat. We saw this sports drink mix at a bike shop and decided to give it a try. GU2O is "engineered" for cyclists and other endurance athletes. How about three long sets in 90 degree heat?

Here's what's in it: Sodium (to replace what you sweat out), Potassium (to help regulate your body's electrical system), and Carbs (for sustained energy, "to stave off a bonk"). The flavoring, and it is VERY light, is an all natural blend of ingredients. Each serving delivers 140 very calculated calories. Mix the powder with water and you've got your hydration set. Flavors include: orange, raspberry, tango mango and lemon lime. Raspberry was a favorite.  Suggested retail for the individual packets is $1.10 USD and for the larger container $17.00. Find a retailer near you at www.gusports.com

Gift ideas for fun, tennis loving moms

With tennis loving mothers in mind, we offer two unique gift ideas. For those who love to accessorize, Angela Moore offers a collection of unique, quality tennis themed jewelry. The hand painted, lightweight stretch bracelet pictured left is $50 USD. The line also offers matching earrings and necklaces that range in price from $25 to $95. Go to www.angelamoore.com.

For the "Court Queen" who's take is a little fresh, try something fun from Tennis tease. There are comfy, nicely cut t-shirts ($29.95 USD), cami-tanks and light cotton stretch warm up jackets ($39.95) with all sorts of sassy tennis sayings sure to get a laugh. Each item comes packaged in a tennis ball can themed container. Go to www.tennistease.com to order

Spring 08 adidas by Stella McCartney; it's all out now

Pieces from the Spring 08 adidas by Stella McCartney collection have been trickling in over the past couple of months but some of our fav pieces, like this awesome little dress, $140.00 USD, are now in.

Check out details from our February Stella McCartney post by clicking here:  Stella Feb 08 Post. No need to repeat ourselves; simply said it is uniquely awesome.

Buy it at: www.shopadidas.com or www.tennis-warehouse.com.

Shahar's Style from Reebok

Shahar Peer has been wearing Reebok's newest look for tennis. Made just for Shahar in geranium, the open, deep v-neck, frames her face and creates a slimming visual line for an athletic upper body. A bright white visor and wrist bands pop alongside the plunging pinstripes. The UV protective skort offers built in compression shorts and the  6 1/2" side slits keep movement unrestricted. This skirt is really nice if that's all you are looking for.

The Reebok t-back tank has a suggested retail of $40 USD and the UV Playdry skirt, $35. The look will be also be available in white, black, navy, spa blue turquoise and strawberry ice pink. The navy will likely be ultra smart looking (ALWAYS love navy). Look for the top in early May. The skirt is already out in a few colors. Try www.tennis-warehouse.com or look for the pieces at specialty tennis retailers.

Enter to Win this Sterling Silver Bracelet from Ace Collections

This bracelet was created by Mark Raynes Roberts, designer of the iconic crystal Rogers Cup trophies. His tennis themed jewelry has been presented to tennis stars including Ana Ivanovic, Maria Sharapova and Martina Navratilova.

You can check out the complete line of jewelry, by going to www.ace-collections.com or ENTER TO WIN one (a $160 value) by signing up for Tennisidentity.com's monthly email newsletter; see "Get Email Updates" this page. Included is the red bling bag, perfect for keeping delicate valuables in place in your racquet bag while you play. The winner will be drawn by an independent party and announced during the 2008 U.S. Open finals weekend. No purchase necessary. Good luck!

OTZ -- A different kind of shock absorber

A vibration dampener by design reduces the  vibrations generated by hitting. Most dampeners simply absorb the vibration; this one, made by OTZ,  is designed to absorb and then carry energy away from the strings and frame. A test run proved it does the job.

Modeled after the standard office supply rubber bands pros have used over the years, this band is made of a special compound that works even harder for you. If you suffer from tennis elbow, this might help to reduce what that pained elbow absorbs every time you hit. We liked that once tied on the colorful OTZ is secure and won't fly off mid point. The OTZ comes in a variety of fun colors. Tri-packs run $4.95 USD and two-packs, $3.95. Order yours at otzsports.com

WTA 2008 Family Circle Cup --Watch it From Home

Set your tivo or dvr; better yet watch it live.  Check out some of the women's action from Charleston, South Carolina from the comfort of your couch. Go to www.familycirclecup.com to see the complete television schedule.

For the reluctantly sun-averse. Here's an option.

For women who need to be wary of sun exposure, here's a great option. Play it safe with LeJay's Eclipse line.

Lightweight and unrestricting, this line offers 50+ UV protection, fast moisture wicking and anti-bacterial properties to keep the fabric smelling fresh wash after wash. The line comes in sunshine (long sleeve tee pictured here, $58 USD), bluebell, white and black (XS-XL) and hosts ventilated side panels that help body heat escape easily.

Lejay's Eclipse collection also offers a classy looking warm up with zip-up hooded jacket ($80) and matching pant ($78). Leggings, a short sleeve tee ($56) and a zip front mock are also available. These are great to have in your bag if you are getting fried midday, or if you simply must keep your skin out of the sun but want to enjoy playing outside.

Lejay's Eclipse is available at select tennis retailers. Go to www.lejay.com to find a retailer near you.

A Technical Tennis Sock That Makes a Difference

We didn't know that socks really mattered until we started trying specialty styles. We will not be going back for another low priced six-pack at T.J. Maxx. With the kind of comfort and snug fit offered by companies like Eurosock, you will forget your feet, even in a super long match. Pictured here are two of four styles, the Slam Cool for men (also in white) and Court Cool for women (also sold with accents of blue or pink) Both have a suggested retail price of $9.00 a pair. The padding system is set in just the right places to provide protection against hard stops and starts, and "expansion joints" in the seams make the socks stretch and move without any bulk or wrinkling. This means no blisters. Eurosocks are a bit thinner than other technically savvy styles we've tried so if you wear a very snug sneaker, these might work well for you. The moisture management provided by the Coolmax content lives up to its billing. Find retailers and learn more at www.eurosock.com. You can also find some of the styles at www.tenniswarehouse.com.

Match Time Retro Style

Remember the rooster? Le Coq Sportif brings back the look of 1980's tennis with a line of  Yannick Noah era men's shirts. Made of 100 percent cotton these well made shirts fit like the loose, knit polos they are complete with traditional collar, side slits and a two button placket. Look for other styles in color blocked prints and Garcia-esque tie-die. The 1993 Roland Garros, 1982 Porquerolles, 1986 Roll Polo and Tie-Die editions all run $59.99 USD.

These shirts will appeal to the guy who likes to look a little retro and not super styled, retro-chic. The designs and colors go against 2008's current stream of bright accents, sleek designs and uber-performance tennis fabrics, but they are selling fast so there you have it; it's a look and style a lot of guys love. Look for them at www.tennis-warehouse.com. If you understand French you can also explore www.lecoqsportif.com.

Train Like the Pros with this Tennis Ball Caddy

When you want to drill specific shots or practice that serve over and over again, what's more aggravating than having just a few balls?

Bring along a bagful (150 should do it) with a collapsible ball caddy that holds balls at waist level. This lightweight travel cart opens and folds super quick (seconds) and doesn't take up tons of room in your car like many other ball carriers.

The Gamma Ballhopper EZ Travel cart 150 retails for  $119.95 USD. That's just a few dollars more than one, one-hour private in some parts of the country. Go to www.atssports.com to learn more or to buy. You can get the matching ball bag for $23.95. Happy drilling to you.

Davydenko Praises New Racquet in Post-Match Interview

• According to today's post-match interview, Nikolay Davydenko attributes some of his success in reaching the 2008 Sony Ericsson finals to his new racquet, the Prince Ozone Pro Tour. It is the same cosmetic used prior to Miami but this version has an 18 x 20 string pattern as opposed to the Ozone Tour's 16 x 18.
• Davydenko indicated that he had felt much more control over the ball with the denser string pattern offered by the new version of the Tour.

This racquet is recommended for 4.5+ level players and is currently retailing around $179.99 USD. Find a retailer or learn more at www.princetennis.com. You can also see reviews and demo the racquet by going to www.tennis-warehouse.com. Make sure you type in Prince Ozone Pro Tour. Image provided

Aerotech for Men -- Same Fabric, Lots of Juice

We couldn't leave out the men. Prince's Aerotech line has been recently seen on the likes of Albert Montanes pictured here in the Aerotech Trend Crew 2 ($45) and Trend Short ($40) and Vincent Spadea.

Dry-breathable fabrics, anti-bacterial properties and UV protection make this line one of the most technical, tennis-savvy fabrics on the market today.

Go to www.princetennis.com to find a retailer or go to www.tennis-warehouse.com.

Check out our women's Aerotech post, also April 4. Image Provided.

Smart Tennis Whites Served with a Citrus Twist

Twenty-seven world class athletes, both WTA and ATP, are now wearing Prince's new Aerotech collection. This line, now available at retail, offers an advanced fabric and construction system that has spot-on ventilation/cooling zones, antibacterial properties and UV protection. The whites are fabulously bright and the citrus accents in the Gold and Silver Groups add tangy bling. Oh yeah, it's comfortable too.

Pictured here is Vania White wearing the Aerotech trend racer tank ($40 USD) and trend skirt ($45).

Visit www.princetennis.com to find a tennis retailer that carries the line, or go to www.tennis-warehouse.com. Check out our men's Aerotech post, also April 4.

Image provided.