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Vania King, Looking Good in Cotton Candy

Vania King's little tennis dress has caught our eye twice now, first at the Sony Ericsson and now at Roland Garros. Love it! The mod orange, pink, white and yellow print looked stunning against the richly colored clay in Paris. The dress is the Ruffled Camisole Dress from Lejay's Cotton Candy collection, a twenty-four piece group of coordinating tanks, tops, skirts and shorties.

There is also a warm-up jacket to toss on. All pieces are poly/spandex blend and breathe like most athletic fabrics these days. The dress is $66 and runs xs-xl. You will need a pair of shorties. The matching bike shorts are $28. Go to Lejay to shop or find a retailer near you.

What a perfect little dress for a hot day!

Fila's Summer Baseline Group, Pretty - Powerful

As seen recently at Roland Garros on Svetlana Kusnetsova and Agnes Szavay, this collection from Fila is part of a very sharp looking new 2008 Summer Baseline Group. The base color, choose white (shown here, $44.99) or navy, features a simple circle graphic that spreads from the waist up and across the front and back. The print is mimicked on the skort and dress as well. The lightweight dress (a very reasonable $ 57.99) is beautifully slimming in navy with a deep v-neck, light shirring and criss-cross white straps. If you like more coverage the sleeveless top is $39.99. The skort is $ 36.99.

Find this collection now at Tennis-Warehouse.

Sharapova's Nike Paris Dress

In theme with the 80th anniversary of Roland Garros, this little number reflects a hint of flapper style with an athletic twist; the mesh upper body and top-to-bottom Dri-Fit fabric will keep you moving comfortably, cool and dry in battle. The princess seams and pleat detailing are decidedly feminine.

This is the Nike Women's Summer Paris Dress in dark obsidian navy with chalk accents, $100.00 USD. It has a built in bra. You will need to buy shorties. Get yours now at Tennis-Warehouse or Nike.

"A History - A Story of Roland Garros," May 29 on Tennis Channel

If you love tennis history, check this out. Celebrating the 80th year of Stade Roland Garros, home of the French Open, The Tennis Channel will debut A History - A Story of Roland Garros, for the first time in the U.S., on Thursday, May 29, 5:30 PM EST (2:30 PM PT).

This hour-long documentary captures everything that has made this grand-slam tournament special, from its storied debut in 1928 through eight decades of tennis greats on the auburn tinged clay. Take a break from 2008 action and see just how far we have come with this great game.

Special US Open Promo for American Express Card Holders

Tennis fans, if you carry American Express this is a good promo to know about. Am Ex members can purchase individual seats to the US Open before tickets go on sale to the entire tennis loving public, June 9. Even better, card members will receive one ticket FREE for every ticket purchased during the promotion's time period, 9 am EST, June 2 through 11 pm EST, June 7. Nice deal.

If you went to the Open last year you may remember these little hand-helds (pictured above) that allowed card carriers to see action from the outer courts, instant replays, draws and player bios while on the grounds. Let's hope they do that again. Very cool. For more information on this promotion, call 1-866-OPEN TIX or go to US Open.

Roland Garros 2008 Coverage on TV

Watch the French Open beginning today on television. There is quite a bit of coverage this year so if you don't get The Tennis Channel, not to worry, you'll catch a lot of it. If you do get it, you are all set.

Here's a link to the complete television schedule as compiled by the USTA: Roland Garros TV Schedule. The tennis season is heating up; enjoy!

Roland Garros Apparel by adidas for Men

We've already talked a bit about this new line of Roland Garros apparel by adidas. Read our women's post here. For men, the line is equally lightweight, technical and nicely understated in celebrating Roland Garros 2008.

The adidas Roland Garros 2008 crew pictured here on Fernando Gonzalez is $32.99. The shorts in the line are also $32.99.

The men's pieces are offered in aqua, navy and white. View and buy the whole collection, including warm-up jacket and the new Feather III men's tennis shoe exclusively at Tennis-Warehouse.

Roland Garros Apparel by adidas for Women

Just in time for the French Open comes the new Roland Garros line from adidas. This collection offers a few different pieces for women, a very cute side pleated skirt (pictured here on Anna Chakvetadze, $36.99) and a lightweight top and dress both with a dropped waist, a bit reminiscent of 1920's era style. Of course ClimaCool technology is built in as these are all made by adidas. The Roland Carros insignia and tonal adidas stripes are all there but nicely understated. 

The theme colors in this collection are lucid red, white and pink. Prices range from $25.99 for the t-shirt pictured here to $54.99 for the dress. Jacket and capri are $54.99 and $46.99 respectively.

The adidas Roland Garros 2008 line is available exclusively at Tennis-Warehouse. Check it all out there.

Countrywide Classic -- August 4 -10 in Los Angeles

The Countrywide Classic is celebrating its 82nd year. This ATP tournament, one of the 2008 Olympus US Open Series tournaments, is held in the LA Tennis Center at UCLA and is considered one of Southern California's premiere sporting events. This year it runs August 4 - 10. For those who want to take in a little of what the region has to offer in addition to tennis, the Classic is located just a few miles from the Sunset Strip and a short drive to Santa Monica Beach, Pier and Promenade.

Individual tickets go on sale to the general public June 30. Call the UCLA Ticket office between 10 and 4 pacific time after June 30 or buy online through ticketmaster. Box and package seats can be purchased now by calling 310-824-1010, ext. 251. The tournament offers a discounted rate at the InterContinental Hotel in Century City. To receive the special hotel rate you must call (ext. 250) or email Julie Watt at jaggerwatt@hotmail.com. Visit Countrywide Classic for more information.

Great Mid-Weight Men's Tennis Warm Up From Fila

This is a quality mid-weight warm up for the guy who likes a clean cut, tailored look.  The pieces are sold as separates but together make a sharp, very comfortable combination. Both jacket and pant are part of Fila's Essenza Collection. The pieces are soundless, a strange descriptor for sure, but they don't "swish" when you move which is nice.

The Essenza Jacket offers a pull zip with elasticized cuffs/hem and zip pockets. It comes in classy black, navy and white with a suggested retail of $65 USD. The Essenza Pant ($50) has an elasticized waist and drawstring pull. Deep, ample pockets will hold balls comfortably during your warm-up. The 9.5 inch leg zips offer plenty of room to slide these on or off over your sneakers. The fabrication, (very soft, 100% polyester) holds its shape nicely, looking good even after being jammed into a tennis bag. Purchase at Fila or Tennis-Warehouse.

Indianapolis Tennis Championships, July 12-20, 2008

The Indianapolis Tennis Championships presented by Lilly is a world-class ATP Tour tennis event held annually in Indianapolis; it is the first in the 2008 Olympus US Open Series of tournaments. The event, which traces its roots back to 1920 has hosted such tennis notables as Pete Sampras, Arthur Ashe, Jimmy Connors, Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick. 

The 2008 event will be held July 12-20 at the Indianapolis Tennis Center on the campus of Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. Daily tickets are now on sale. To buy call 1-800-622-LOVE or go to ticketmaster. For more information go to tennisindy.

New from Lejay -- Classy Tennis Whites and Bold Contrasts

Lejay's newest collection, just out this month, offers two unique looks, both with an underlying textural dot theme. Both of the above styles are from Lejay's Domino Effect group. The hot pink and white look, right comes in many different pieces (11 different versions of the top!) so there are multiple silhouettes for the variety of ages and body types on the court today. This would be a great team choice for that reason. Players love hot pink's energy; the vibrant color is flattering for just about everyone's complexion. The v-neck tank above runs $44 USD and the two-tone skort, $52.

The Tennis Whites subgroup is a classy option for tennis whites only clubs, or for those who love the cooler effect of white in the sun. The outfit above, left is lightweight, fitted and flattering. The top is long enough not to pop up during reaches and the spandex touched fabric, hosts a delicate white jacquard and tie front top that adds a hint of sailor-style flair. The tie-front tank runs $42, and the drop-waisted swing skirt (so flattering!) $42. You will need to shorties to wear underneath this skirt.  LeJay's printed and plain style shorties sell for $28. Buy at Tennis-Warehouse or go to Lejay to find a retailer near you.

On Court Sunscreen Tips.

Sunblock is an essential in every player's racquet bag. Amy Trytek, Tennis Coach at Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida recommends putting your choice of sunscreen on prior to coming out to play, and covering everywhere skin is exposed, except the forehead.  She suggests then wearing a hat or visor to cover the unprotected territory. This simple but very smart trick will insure that block will not drip into and burn your eyes no matter how much you sweat.

Even with a high SPF it's a good idea to reapply if you are out for a long period of time. Sweating and toweling off will remove most of what your good intentions laid earlier. Here at Tennisidentity we've tried quite a few brands. Neutrogena's New Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock (SPF 70 and 85, $9.99 3 oz.) doesn't leave your hands slippery and feels very lightweight, not like a mask. The formula contains micronized silica powder which absorbs excess oils that can make you feel and look greasy. Neutrogena also offers a great spray formulation in Neutrogena's Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock (SPF 30, 45 and 70, $10.49 5 oz.). The spray is refreshing on a hot day and works well for getting at hard to reach but easy to burn spots like your upper back and shoulders. It's actually a pleasure to apply.

SPF level is a matter of preference, but everything we read says protect yourself from the sun, so with the higher SPF's we feel better. Neutrogena products are non-comedogenic, waterproof and sweat proof (be safe and reapply anyway) and available at most food and drug merchandisers.

Western and Southern Financial Group Masters and Women's Open, July 25-August 3 (men's) and August 9-17 (women's)

This summer join some of the game's best just outside Cincinnati, Ohio. This down-to-earth but big event is celebrating its 110th year; L. Jon Wertheim of Tennis Magazine wrote (8/06) "Venture to this unlikely tournament in the guts of Middle America and you'll find an unsurpassed tour spot." It's popular with players and attendees alike. The cash draws the flash; the prize money is big enough to pull the likes of Nadal, Roddick, Jankovic, Williams and Federer, all have played here in the past.

The men's event, the Masters (July 25- August 3), is one of nine elite ATP Masters Series Tournaments on the ATP circuit. The Women's Open (August 9-17) is a Tier III event on the WTA tour and the only WTA tour event held in the midwest.

Go to cincytennis.com to learn more, buy tickets or find accommodations.

"American Doubles" by Marcia Frost -- Behind the Scenes of this Time Honored Tennis Game

Just released, American Doubles, by Marcia Frost offers a revealing glimpse of the American doubles scene, the individual personalities, alliances, successes and struggles. Frost, a long-time and well respected tennis journalist, tells the story of just how strong doubles is in the United States. The Bryan brothers grace the front cover, a smart choice as the pair is surely responsible for the recent resurgence of media interest in the doubles game. They are still just about the only doubles duo receiving any significant network television air-time; hopefully this will change, as it's great to watch and most adult players do play doubles.

The book contains stories of how players have conceded a chance at singles stardom to preserve ties with a doubles partner, why sibling pairings are tough to beat, and how Americans thrive in a team environment. Both former and current players are discussed. Frost notes that doubles is now being emphasized in junior training, showing kids how to move beyond baseliner singles to a game with more aggressive style and net play. Newly instituted combined USTA singles and doubles rankings will certainly also encourage more juniors to pick it up.

This is a motivating, interesting read. Buy it at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble and other fine bookshops. Suggested retail: $26.95 USD.

Hall of Fame Champions Cup August 13-17 in Newport, Rhode Island

  Here's another summer 2008 tournament in beautiful Newport, Rhode Island. If you can't make it in July check out this event, August 13-17 featuring eight tennis greats. Hall of Famers and former world number one champions John McEnroe, Jim Courier and Mats Wilander have already committed to playing. This is tournament four of eight in the 2008 Outback Champions Series. To be eligible to compete in the series players must have either: reached a Grand Slam single final; been ranked in the top five in the world; or played singles on a championships Davis Cup team.

Tickets go on sale today and are available through www.tennisfame.com or by calling 866-914-FAME. Accommodations in this historical town can be found through the Newport Chamber of Commerce.

"Unstrung" Exposes What it Takes to Make the Big Leagues

Okay this is not live tennis but just in case you missed it, here's another chance to see "Unstrung," a two-hour tennis documentary that exposes the surprising dramas of the amateur tennis world as seven junior competitors head for the National Championship. This film illustrates the tremendous pressure, sweat, and tears that can separate contenders from champions. Donald Young, Sam Querry and Clancy Shields (pictured left) are all featured.  Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Jim Courier, John McEnroe, Andy Roddick and Nick Bollettieri all add perspective to this inspiring flick. Unstrung will air on ESPN2 at 5 PM EST on Sunday, May 25. Mark your calendar and watch what it takes to hang with the best!

Lotto's Spanish Ambassador

David Ferrer did his sponsor proud with his April win in Valencia. Color was everywhere looking pretty spectacular atop the rich clay surface. Here, left he wears the Lotto Men's Kontact Crew ($36.99 USD) and Kontact Short ($29.99). Below, he wears the short sleeved Lotto Men's Effect Crew ($42.99) a shirt we have been seeing more of, most recently facing Nadal at the Open Seat -- a color coordinated couple of guys in their teal headbands and tops. The Effect style also comes in a sleeveless version that runs $36.99.

Lotto's tennis wear features the lastest in fast drying fabric combined with strategically placed ventilation panels both in front (on the Effect style) and back (on the Kontact Style). Very cool for lots of reasons.

For general Lotto information go to lottosport. Ferrer's style is available in the US at Tennis-Warehouse.

A USTA Membership Offers Plenty of Opportunities to Play

Those of you who are not already members, think about joining the USTA. Aside from the great discounts and early-bird sales on USTA sponsored tournaments, you will find people in your area, at your level who are just as passionate about tennis to play with. If your tennis club offers a league, jump in and your match play will be all set. If you'd rather go it alone, look through the USTA tournaments listed in your area. It doesn't matter if you are just beginning or if you haven't played in a while. There are great opportunities at every level.

Check it out. Go to usta.com and click on "Tennis Link Membership" in the upper right hand corner. Click on "Tournaments" and you will be taken to the "Tournament Finder" page where you can look for tournaments in your area. There are hundreds nationally, each one is listed by level so no fear Mr. Former  College Player, you will not be playing Joe Beginner. Click on your region, adult, singles, etc. You may need to self rank, and the site gives you an opportunity to do so. The following link offers a little ranking tutorial. Get yourself an USTA number and start signing up. You'll have some great matches to look forward to. A little healthy competition is great for everyone's game. A one-year individual USTA membership is $40 USD, for a family it's $65.

Fitness Performance Essentials For Your Core Game

Just out this spring, a new line of core basics from Reebok. These are great workout essentials offering Play Dry moisture wicking and mesh ventilation in a variety of styles and colors. We love the athletic styling and fit. These pieces are current without being fussy. High school, college and adult players who don't "dress" for their game will enjoy the pure functionality and comfort of these pieces. For women, the Performance Essentials Tank ($35 USD), short ($35), short sleeve jacket ($45), stretch short sleeve compression crew ($20) and mesh skirt ($40) are all great tennis choices from this new collection.

These fitness performance essentials are cross-over type clothing and can be worn just as easily for yoga, running or biking, a court-wear trend that Steve Federico at Biscayne Tennis biscaynetennis.com in North Miami Beach, Florida tells us he is seeing a lot of.

Reebok's new active lifestyle collection is available only at Dick's Sporting Goods. Shop online at DicksSportingGoods.com or visit the site for a store near you.

Please see our men's post on this collection as well: men's post

Reebok's New Training Essentials -- Great for the Court

Reebok's new modern active lifestyle collection (discussed in more detail here: women's post) combines technical innovation with athletic design to deliver enhanced performance to athletes working on fitness.

This line offers cross-over pieces that work well for a run, bike, weight room and court. The Pieced Tech Run Crew retails for $30 USD ($28 in its sleeveless version shown here). The Cross Training Shorts ($28) offer ball pockets and ample ventilation. You will need compression shorts underneath ($25). The color choices are all classic.

This collection from Reebok is only available at Dick's Sporting Goods. Shop or find a store near you at DicksSportingGoods.com.

Gamma's Tackiest -- aptly named, a Smart Grip

Look for this hand print on the Gamma Smart Grip Overgrip package. If you like tacky grips you'll love this one. The "DermaGrip" surface offers your hand great traction and control. The material stretches thin as you wrap it over your existing racquet grip so there is no wrinkly build up.

According to the guys at Gamma there is no hard and fast rule about replacing overgrips. Simply put, when it's not working for you anymore, replace it. The tack does last a while on this one. Definitely not a one and done.

This overgrip comes in a package of three. It retails for $3.50 and comes in black, blue and white.There are a lot of recreational players out there with incredibly dirty looking overgrips. At this price (about $1.16 per), were not sure why more don't change it up more frequently. Look for Gamma overgrips at Tennis-Warehouse.com or find a retailer at gammasports.com.

Destination New Haven -- Pilot Pen Tickets on Sale

The last stop before the "Greatest Road Trip in Sports" hits the Big Apple is New Haven, Connecticut.  The Pilot Pen is a New England favorite for tennis fans, a fun, easy-going tournament with big name talent. Advance ticket packages for the event that runs August 15-23, 2008 are now on sale. USTA members can purchase single and box seat tickets. June 1 individual seats open up to everyone. Go to pilotpentennis.com for more information. You can also email mfraenza@pilotpentennis.com with any ticket questions. How's that for service? Find area accomodations at www.newhavenhotels.com.