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The New Kinetic Fit System (KFS) From Reebok Offers Jelena Sleek, Sporty Style for her Big Game

As seen on Jelena Jankovic at Wimbledon, this is the Reebok KFS Dress 2, SRP $60. It's available in white with endurance blue (pictured here), endurance blue, soft black and sassy pink. Reebok's Kinetic Fit System technology allows freedom of movement but nicely fitted look. The bodice is made of a shinier Play Dry fabric than the skirt, which is more matte and opens to reveal the bright color underneath when the player moves.  There is a built in support bra. Even a fighting machine like Jankovic looks cool and collected in this little number.

Look for the KFS Dress 2 at tennis specialty retailers. Use the store locater at Reebok and call ahead to make sure it's in or buy online soon at Tennis-Warehouse.

World Team Tennis (WTT) Pro League. It's Coming Your Way.

After Wimbledon World Team Tennis takes the stage in pro tennis. Some of the game's best team up in eleven markets across the US to play singles, doubles and mixed doubles in an exciting and very unique format. The court colors themselves signify that things are a little different with WTT. Great tennis for sure but it's team play that moves quickly. This year the regular season runs July 3-23. Tickets are on sale now. Marquee players include Andy Roddick, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Lindsay Davenport, Bob and Mike Bryan, Martina Navratilova and Anna Kournikova. Learn more, find upcoming schedules and buy tickets at www.WTT.com. Event sponsor Advanta will give a junior racquet to all kids age 4-16 at each event as part of its "Ready, Set, Racquet" program. Teams include: Boston Lobsters, Delaware Smash, Kansas City Explorers, Newport Beach Breakers, New York Buzz, New York Sportimes, Philadelphia Freedoms, Sacramento Capitals, St. Louis Aces, Springfield Lasers and NEW THIS SEASON, the Washington Kastles (DC). Matches are played in each of the markets during the season. Enjoy.

Images Courtesy of Fred and Susan Mullane/Cameraworks USA

Venus' On-Court Style at Wimbledon, Now Available to the Recreational Player

Until now, the EleVen by Venus Williams styles that Venus wore to tournaments were not available to the public. With Wimbledon, this has changed. The style pictured left that she wore in the first round, will be available at Steve and Barry's stores in late July. The dress is made of performance fabric and hosts a shelf bra. You will need shorties. The price on this one has not been released yet, but based upon the pricing of the other items in the EleVen line, it will be very reasonable (Steve and Barry's offers what they call "astonishing" low prices on high quality).

We spotted Venus wearing another dress from the line, a very cute baby-doll style, while playing doubles with Serena (see insert pic). Nice clean lines. Nadia Petrova has been wearing EleVen too (a puff sleeve polo and skort). Sorry but but Petrova's outfit will not be available for purchase.

For those who want tennis style at a great price, look for a store near you at Steve and Barry's. EleVen by Venus Williams is not sold online.

On Deck, New Shirt and Jacket for Roddick

Here's what you'll see Andy Roddick wearing after he's done with the whites. Left, is the new LACOSTE Tennis track jacket in navy with ribbed collar and cuffs, 100% polyester with tipping, $175 USD. The super dry stripe polo with zip  is made of LACOSTE's super-dry pique and runs $95. The fabric effectively wicks moisture off the body and away so you stay dry and comfortable. Never sticky. This top offers a modern twist on a classic -- both pieces have an oversized croc...not TOO big to be obnoxious however. Very sharp style for the classics loving player. Find them online at Lacoste beginning July 1. If you are looking for the white shirt with blue shoulder piping that Roddick is wearing at Wimbledon, here's the link: Roddick's Wimbledon shirt. It's on sale for $65 USD.

adidas New Men's Competition Theme Polo with ForMotion Technology. Nice Shirt.

Hey you, adidas loving guys, this is a sharp new shirt. It's adidas' men's competition theme polo although some vendors are calling it a crew. The shirt offers ForMotion technology with strategic seam placement to insure the shirt stays put during play. ClimaCool fabric and mesh paneling just about everywhere important (back, shoulders, neck, sides, underarms...) provides some of the best ventilation we have seen. We love the zip front and navy and rave yellow color scheme pictured here best but you will see it at Wimbledon in white. It also comes with a rave blue and rave yellow base, XS-2XL, suggested retail $55 USD. Get yours at Tennis-Warehouse. They are calling it the adidas Men's Competition 7 Theme Crew.

The Nike Roger Federer Hat, a Great Choice for Fan and Function

Become one with the Federer entourage. Available in black, navy, and white. Not only is this the hat of choice for Roger Federer fans it is also a great performance cap, breathable, adjustable and lightweight with Dri-Fit fabrication. The RF is embroidered, not printed. Classy, just like Roger.

It's the Nike Roger Federer Hybrid hat and retails for $22.00 at Tennis-Warehouse.

Ana Ivanovic Shines with Sleek Simplicity at Wimbledon

Yes, a new dress for Ana; a nice change and she definitely deserves it. Her last dress took her to number one, but when you hit the top tier you can't keep wearing the same old duds. This is the adidas women's edge dress she is wearing at Wimbledon. It's a bright white scoop neck tank dress with piecework cut into the dropped waist and a scalloped petal pleated skirt. Very feminine, sleek and slimming with just a touch of mauve trim for color. ClimaCool fabric ensures that this dress is not just style. The dress has a suggested retail of $65 USD and runs sizes XS-XL. A medium impact bra is built in. You will need shorties.

Get yours July 1 at Tennis-Warehouse. Look for it at Adidas as well.

Watch Wimbledon on TV, June 23-July 6, 2008

Looking to watch Wimbledon from home? Go to Wimbledon on TV for a comprehensive look at the US television schedule.

For details on draws and results go to the official website at Wimbledon. There you can also subscribe to watch live and on-demand video from the Championships on your computer. An all-access pass is $24.99.

Image courtesy of AELTC.

QuickStart Tennis Grows an Early Love of the Game Fast. Get Your Kids Out There!

You love tennis. Wouldn't it be great if your kids loved it too? Tennis can be frustrating to learn. Kids want to rally and if they can't enthusiasm hits the road. QuickStart Tennis is a new program being introduced nationwide by the USTA for kids ages 4-10; think of it as the t-ball of tennis. QuickStart has morphed into names like pee-wee tennis or mini-tennis but essentially it involves a smaller net, court and over sized or low compression balls. The balls are easier to track and the rallies...well get out there and give it a try...the rallies these little players have are tremendous! Totally fun, easy and yes, addictive.

Ask your club or recreation department if they offer this program or go to Quick Start Tennis to find one near you. If you want to go it alone with your kids, it's a great driveway or hard-top game. You will need a mini collapsible net (in carrying case), sponge balls and racquets. Racquets start at 19" long for a child between 3 and 4 feet tall.  The taller the kid, the longer the racquet. You can order supplies on the QuickStart site or at Tennis-Warehouse. Look there for the Head Junior tennis Net for $39.99 USD, Gamma Revolution Foam Balls (a 12 pack is $29.99). Junior-sized racquets start at $16.95.  The QuickStart tennis site is loaded with more detailed information about this great new program. Have fun playing with your kids now because in a few years they WILL be beating you.

2008 US Open Theme Art Announced. Collectors, Artwork will be Available at the Open

The USTA recently unveiled the official 2008 US Open theme art. Pictured left, aptly capturing some of the NYC essence that is very much a part of the Open, it features a Broadway-esque marquee with the “It’s Showtime” tagline and the US Open’s iconic flaming ball. Watch for the design, by James M. Skiles of Phoenix Design Works in NYC, to be incorporated into all 2008 US Open promotional materials including tickets, the official tournament magazine and poster.

The tournament poster will be made available to tennis fans with a limited quantity online at USOpen.org prior to the Open and at kiosks within the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center during the tournament. If you have seen past-year prints, you know that these are nice quality, heavy paper -- definitely great frameable mementos from this Grand Slam event.

"I'm Tomorrow's Future" -- Support the Roger Federer Foundation with this Limited Edition T-shirt.

Stand out on or off court in support of Roger's charitable efforts. This limited edition 100% cotton Nike t-shirt is sold exclusively on Roger Federer's site. Proceeds go to the Roger Federer Foundation which supports children in South Africa and Ethiopia. Read more about the foundation here. The shirt, sold in red only, retails for $46 USD. It says I'm Tomorrow's Future on the front, roger federer foundation on the back and rogerfederer.com on the sleeve.

Get yours at Roger Federer Shop and help support some very needy children.

Image courtesy of Roger Federer Foundation

New Power Loaded Racquet Technology from HEAD

Want more power? HEAD Penn Racquet Sports just announced its latest technology, CrossBow, a power-loaded construction in five new racquets for beginners through advanced (level 4.0). CrossBow technology features an independently moving bridge suspended from the frame that adds pace to your game by helping the racquet to store energy in the stringbed like a bow being loaded. CrossBow lines include a built-in stabilizer to help eliminate racquet vibration and with 10 main strings through the bridge, a larger than standard sweetspot.

For men the line includes the CrossBow 10 and CrossBow 6 (orange above, msrp $250.00) and for women the Airflow 7 (black above, msrp $225.00 ) Airflow 5 and Airflow 3 (pink above, msrp $180.00). Learn more, find retailers and check out all the details on the new line at HEAD. They are coming in July 2 at Tennis-Warehouse.

New lilac and white from adidas; sporty or sweet, it's all cool for competition

Players who like/need to wear separates sometimes miss the slimming affect of a dress. This new set from adidas gives you size flexibility top to bottom and the visual line that a monochromatic color scheme offers. The newest tops and skort from adidas' edge line are now available. The edge tank (above) retails for a recommended $40 USD and the skort (below), $45. They come in solid mauve tint as pictured here or white with mauve tint accents; a good choice for an all-whites club. A medium impact bra is built into the tops. Our players who love strong athletic styling and a super close fit felt great in the tank. Those who like a more figure forgiving and more fashion unique style loved the polo (top right, $45). It has an elegance about it with the ruched mesh stretched over a lightweight base layer. This top is truly beautiful in white.

Like many tennis clothes, you don't see the impact of an outfit until you try it on. These look great. Both tops are performance products made with ClimaCool fabric and artistically built in ventilation panels. Find them now at Tennis-Warehouse. They have the group listed under women's adidas, summer/fall edge group.

A Knock Out in Ultra Mod Pink and Orange - Yeah Baby!

If you love vibrant color, read on. This two piece set done up in color blocked flame orange and bubble-gum candy pink is gorgeous. It's from LBH tennis' new ultra mod collection just hitting stores now. The strappy tank retails for $59 USD and the court skirt, $64. Both are constructed with the necessary undergarments so top and bottom are all you'll need. These pieces are part of a twelve piece group that includes a very cute dress and a variety of tops --sleeveless and long sleeve. Pleat lovers (we know you are out there), there is a pleated skirt in the group which coordinates with all of the ultra mod tops.

LBH's poly/spandex performance fabrics wick moisture and offer scotchguard protection that helps prevent staining. The fabric is high quality, soft and supple and the pieces are nicely constructed (no puckers anywhere). Sizes run true.

Shop for LBH tennis at Tennis-Warehouse or go to LBH tennis to view the line or find a retailer near you.

US Open 2008, August 25 - September 9; Tickets on Sale Now

We can feel the excitement already! Individual tickets are on sale NOW. Make sure you plan to spend at least a couple of days to take in all this tournament has to offer. The early days are honestly as much fun as the later ones as there is so much GREAT tennis going on on all of the courts surrounding Arthur Ashe Stadium. Call 1-866-OPEN-TIX or go to US Open to buy your day or night session seats. Prices range from $22 to $100 USD. Do yourself a favor and pledge to use public transportation; it is a breeze to figure out. Use this link getting to the US Open. for travel info.

For info on special rates and accommodations you can go to Visiting the US Open.

Are You on Roctane? Energy Gel for Fight Time

Just out this month, GU's Roctane ultra endurance energy gel, is being billed as the most advanced energy gel ever made. This particular formulation provides high concentrations of branched chain amino acids and other performance critical ingredients. Roctane is designed especially for serious endurance athletes like ironmen and triathletes. It might be a just a tad more than the recreational player needs but then again, you be the judge. It's available in Blueberry Pomegranate and Vanilla Orange and retails for $2.50 per packet.

We HAVE seen quite a few on-tour pros sneaking extra energy between games from little packets like these however. Djokovic recently grabbed one AFTER a win, presumably for recovery.  We suspect the players are using one of Gu's other products, Gu energy gel which supplies sustained energy through its maltodextrin based carbohydrate formula. We've tried it ourselves and love the quick lift and clarity it gives when that slow, heavy feeling begins to dog you. We like chocolate outrage and vanilla bean best; they taste like frosting -- seriously. There are six other flavors to choose from, $1.25 each. This stuff really works.

Go to GU to learn more, see ingredients and find out where to buy.

Grand Slam Time for Prince's Aerotech

Prince is making its presence known, appearing head to toe on twenty-eight Roland Garros players this year

Pictured here is Albert Montanes in the very comfortable, breathable Aerotech Comp ss crew 2, $40 USD. It comes in six colors; Montanes wears national blue. The shirt has mesh panels built into the underarms and down the back. The shorts are the Aerotech comp short 4, $35. Again, breathable with anti-static technology so they don't cling and rub.

Montanes sneakers are from the new Prince Men's O Series. His are the OC-1s, $110. Optimum cushioning and breathable synthetic leather make these super comfortable for dynamic players. Pictured below is the new OV-1 with a darker look; a trend we're seeing a lot of on the home courts.

Learn more or find a retailer near you at Prince Tennis. Tennis-Warehouse carries some of the Aerotech line.

Babolat Introduces New Racquets -- Watch for them on tour

Pictured top left is the newly released Aero Strike from Babolat. This is an extra-light version of Rafael Nadal's Aero Pro Drive. The Aero strike has been a big seller in Europe and is considered more forgiving and manuverable than the Aero Pro Drive. Up and coming juniors and intermediate players should consider this model. Suggested retail: $ 185.00 USD unstrung

On the right is the new Babolat Pure Storm Limited, a mid-sized racquet designed to meet the needs of experienced players with a wide, fast swing. Expert players will appreciate the accuracy, enhanced feel and stability of this stick. Suggested retail: $ 179.00 unstrung. Top ranked junior players, Ryan and Christian Harrison are currently playing with this model.

Below left, another new expert racquet, the Babolat Aero Storm 2008. Suggested retail: 185.00 unstrung. This is a new, lighter version of the Aero Storm 2007 model (which has now been renamed the Aero Storm Tour). The Aero Storm 2008 is Dinara Safina and Nadia Petrova's racquet.

Visit Babolat for more detailed information and a retailer listing. Tennis-Warehouse sells and offers demos of these and other Babolat racquets. All new models may not yet be in stock; keep checking. They are on their way!

Tursunov and Tipsarevic's Distinctive Style at Roland Garros

Making a departure from traditional style, Fila outfitted Dmitry Tursunov and Janko Tipsarevic in this performance crew neck ($48.00 USD). Its grey background with all-over yellow graphic adds even more personality to two very distinctive players. Beard, shirt, necklace, it's a hot combination on both guys.

Right now the shirt is only available at the Fila store on Madison Avenue in NYC (tel. 646-502-2100). It should be online shortly at Tennis-Warehouse and at Fila.

Images courtesy of Fila/Getty Images.

Tipsarevic's eyewear? Check out our February post, Tipsarevic rocks the court...