TennisIDENTITY

Serena Swings From Artsy to Classic for a Win at the Australian.

 Today Serena took the Australian singles trophy and with it the number one spot on the WTA tour. Her winning dress is the classically styled light photo blue Nike Dri-FIT Women's Day Dress with accents of liquid lime, $90 USD. It is from the OZ Open Collection. She  wore the same dress in white for doubles with Venus, with equally winning results. The dress offers a fitted, every-body flattering cut with sleek lines and softly structured skirt. The wider straps provide nice up-top coverage for the more well endowed woman. It comes in charcoal and vivid pink as well.

Serena wore a promotional version of the dress early on in the tournament (see image below). The print was designed in collaboration with 1/1 studio in Los Angeles, a design company that fuses art and fashion into one of a kind apparel.

To create the print Serena was given a questionnaire and punch card which was connected to software.  The software then interpreted and responded to Serena’s choice of answers and generated designs. The design on the dress is a still of a design which was created and instigated from her input. The dress is made in a Nike performance fabrication that was then digitally printed with classic charcoal and enhanced with the electric neo turquoise. Very cool but one of a kind so no go for us on that one. Find the Day Dress at Nike or Tennis-Warehouse.

Top image: Lucas Dawson/Getty Images. Bottom image: Torsten Blackwood/AFP/Getty Images

 

Fernando Verdasco's Run at the Australian Ends With An Epic Match. His Look and Fitness Program.

 

It was the longest match in Australian Open history and although the win went to Nadal, Fernando Verdasco took his buddy to task today. Pictured above Fernando wears the white version of the olive green and yellow ClimaCool Crew that was his uniform through to the semis, $45. His shorts? adidas men's Edge white 10" Bermudas, $50.

Check out this  footage from adidas' Player Development Program, the company's initiative to enable young athletes to perform at the top of their potential. The program is clearly working for Fernando. Fitness guys, fitness...gotta fit it in.

Get Fernando's look at: adidas Tennis or Tennis-Warehouse.

In Color and Step With Rafael Nadal. More on the Man's Gear.

Rafa's Australian kit apparently has two footwear options, the Air Max Breathe Cage II that I mentioned here on January 27 and the Nike Air Max Court Ballistic pictured left, $120.00 USD -- they run a bit large so go down a half-size when ordering. The shoe includes LunarLite and DragOn X technologies which make the shoes light and durable.

These beauties, of course, go perfectly with the full -on charcoal, neon turquoise and volt color combo Rafa is wearing but would also look really hot with a dark shirt and pair of long white shorts (try the Nadal long check tennis shorts, $55.00); just in case you are hesitant to recreate Nadal's on-court look in its entirety but simply must have a piece of the action.

Check 'em out online at Nike or Tennis-Warehouse.

Synchronized Tennis Anyone? Plus, the 411 on eleVen by Venus Williams.

 

Cool shot ehh? Venus has worn two different styles so far at the Australian. Both are from her signature eleVen line, a fitted lemon yellow dress with hot pink shorties (pictured here) and a more classic white style with yellow trim. Where to buy?  Unfortunately Venus' very affordably priced eleVen tennis line is not immediately available now that Steve and Barry's (the exclusive retailer of the line) has gone under. There are rumblings, however, of a new retailer. I've been told an announcement is forthcoming soon. We'll let you know when and where.

  Images: Ron Angle

Rafael Nadal Dominates in Vibrant Style at the Aussie Open.

I was waiting to see if he'd switch back but no, the sleeves and striking new look are working just fine. Pictured here at the Australian Open Rafa wears the Nike Crew Reinvent Open tee in classic charcoal and neo turquoise, $55 USD. The shirt is made of super soft Dri-FIT fabric in a medium tight stretch fit. The shorts? Nadal Woven Long Checked Short, a surf-inspired dark short with transparent gloss check print -- look really close and you'll see what I'm talking about. The shorts sit stylishly just above the knee and feature side pockets, a Velcro closure and Dri-FIT inserts for a comfortable feel when it's hot.

Nadal's choice of shoe? The Nike Air Max Breathe Cage II which offers durability and support for the man's pounding game. The Nike DraGon cage, the shoe’s definitive characteristic, provides protection against abrasion and support during lateral movements.The shoe offers superior cushioning  and  HeatBlock, which stops court surface heat migration--a nice bonus in 120 degree heat.  There are a ton more great features. Believe me this is one shoe designed for big game in high heat, $115. Complete  the look with Nike Pro Wristbands and bandana in Volt. 

I have to say, Rafa is one fashion forward dude.  According to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, right now "... fashion designers [are encouraging] hopeful attitudes with lively colors, while sophisticated, grounded hues address the need for stability in times of economic uncertainty." Is this not Nadal's look? I do feel better watching the guy play... for lots of reasons.

Buy at Nike or Tennis-Warehouse. The shorts are only at Nike retail stores at the moment, but keep checking back online.

Image: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Chat With A Champion and Register to Win His Racquet. Rafael Nadal To Host Live Online Event.

 On February 5 Team Babolat star Rafael Nadal will host an online chat with fans. Rafa will hand-pick and answer pre-registered questions on February 5 between 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm EST live from Manacor, Spain.

Fans who register a question will be entered to win a Babolat AeroPro Drive racquet signed by the champion and receive an exclusive "making of" video as a gift.

Register at Chat-Rafa.

Fila and James Blake to Collaborate on New Men's Tennis Collection

James Blake has just entered a collaboration agreement with Fila and is planning a new co-branded apparel and footwear collection for men. The collection will incorporate the heritage of the Fila brand with a contemporary twist inspired by Blake's signature style. I wonder if there will be any sleeveless styles?The collection will include tennis, golf, fitness and lifestyle apparel and will debut just prior the 2009 U.S. Open.

Pictured here James has covered his lovely biceps (gone like Rafa's) in favor of Fila's Winter Baseline Solid Polo. He also wears the Winter Baseline Short and Fila Alfa shoe.

Hopefully he'll do a special tee for the J-Block. Count me in.

Get the look at Fila or Tennis-Warehouse.

PS -- Check out James' personal post on his new line at Yardbarker.com.

Janko Tipsarevic Owns His Attention Grabbing Style.

Janko Tipsarevic has a style all his own. Pictured here at the Australian he wears Fila's 09 mens collection, a group of which, through bold color graphics, adds a little radical to classic tennis style. The shirt is the Collezione body mapped short sleeve crew, $56 USD, with curved hem and dropped tail. Body mapping allows a mix of breathable mesh fabrications without seams which of course means comfort.

Jankos shorts are the black Essenza Hard Court 9" made of lightweight, baggy fitting poly twill, $40. They've got an elastic waist and pockets with mesh and terry lining. Go to Fila or Tennis-Warehouse to buy.

Janko's eyewear? One of the small handful of pros who wear eyeglasses on court, his are custom Flak Jacket orange and white frames with prescription transition lenses by Oakley. They start at $465 (price with prescription) -- much cheaper as non prescription sunglasses. Other Oakley wearing tour players include: Arnaud Clement and Kirsten Flipkens.

Editor's note: 2011 Janko/eyewear info here

Jelena Jankovic and ANTA. Thinking Green With a New Sports Apparel Line.

 

Jelena Jankovic, currently the world's number one on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, has inked a landmark deal in women's tennis with leading Chinese sports brand ANTA. She stepped out at the Australian Open freshly dressed in ANTA's  patina green shift accented with yellow. It's a sleekly simple design in colors signifying spring's revitalizing effect. They could also symbolize Jelena's strengthened physique and very nice deal -- but that's reading way in.

Where to buy? The good news is that Jelena is going to have her own line (see the shoes below) with a full range of sport products under the JJ name reflecting the fashion sense of the tennis star/designer. The bad news, well, only bad for some of us, Jelena's Australian Open dress is only available in ANTA retail stores in China, Singapore, Vietnam, the Phillipines and Serbia.  The new JJ line will first roll out in Mainland China and pending success, on to the retail shops outside China. Congratulations Jelena.

 

Jelena's signature adorns the back of her new JJ footwear line.

Top image: Sony Ericsson WTA Tour/Getty Images. Bottom image: ANTA

Best Dressed at the Australian Open 2009 -- Tennis Australia's Vote is in

Tennis Australia has just posted its votes for the best dressed players at this year's event. Check out the slide show HERE. I agree completely (although the image of Ivanovic could be more flattering) but think that Rafa and RF should also be included. What do you think?

We've covered many of these looks here at Tennisidentity.com. Type the player's name in our site search bar for more details on their on-court attire.

Andy Roddick Breaks Out A Fresh Shirt From Lacoste.

 

Andy Roddick hit the Australian Open, down fifteen pounds and wearing LACOSTE's new spring 09 line. Lookin' good. Pictured here is the superdry johnny collar color-blocked polo in eclipse blue and white, $95 USD. The shorts are the diamante drawstring short, $85, and the signature trucker cap, $55.00. The shirt and shorts are 100% Superdry polyester. The cap is 60/40 cotton/poly.

The shirt comes in a reversed white on black version as well (see below).

 

Learn more or buy at LACOSTE. The shirts will be up on the site February 1.

Images: Ron Angle

Shahar Peer Keeps Cool in Reebok's Latest On-Court Designs

 

Shahar Peer wears Spring 09 Tennis from Reebok. Totally technical and well thought out, these are pieces designed to play in when its hot. The Trinergy High Impact Bra top ($50 USD) is a fitted, long length, high performance bra for intense workouts. The high neckline provides coverage and the deep scoop back cools. There is an adjustable detail across the back for custom fit and support. Shelf bra and loose bodice below means this will not cling to a tummy. With the top Peer has paired the OTM Tennis Skirt ($40). It is a semi-fitted skirt with a different but complimenting light graphic print and features an internal compression short. Anti-bacteria, anti-odor, UV protection are built into the Play Dry fabrication of both pieces. Nice cool look and feel for a very hot court down-under.

Find a retailer at Reebok or get Peer's look soon at Tennis-Warehouse.

Image: Sony Ericsson WTA/Getty Images

Wilson Launches New Visible FX Technology. Enter to Win a FX Racquet of Your Choice.

 

Wilson has just introduced its 2009 [K] Factor line of racquet frames incorporating cool, new generation technology, called FX. FX means [K] Factors multiplied. The new line utilizes a Quad Shaft construction in the throat area of the racquet, four shafts vs. the traditional two, translating to more stability so better control over your shots. Four key technologies are also incorporated, [K]arophite Black, [K]onnector, [K]ontour Yoke and [K]ompact center which contribute to improved feel, strength and stability. The racquets all offer a bigger than traditional sweet spot.

Seven new models get the new technology: [K] One.FX, [K] Three.FX, [K] Four.FX, [K] Zen Team.FX, [K]obra Team.FX (pictured), [K] Pro Team. FX and K Tour Team.FX. The [K}obra Tour and [K]obra Team FX are player's frames.The others fall into the game improvement category with varying head sizes and weights. The throat of these racquets is very unique looking with a vertical hole in each side allowing for the four shafts. Learn and see more at Wilson or test drive at Tennis-Warehouse. No Wilson sponsored tour pros are currently using these models just yet. List prices range between $180 - $300 USD.

Enter to win a free FX racquet of your choice by going to Wilson/FX, watching the quick video and then registering at the end where prompted. You must watch the video to enter. They are giving away one racquet a month. Good luck.

Fila's 2009 Spring Line Debuts at the Australian. Ladies First.

   

 Agnes Szavay and Anna Chakvetadze are both wearing the Fila spring 2009 Baseline group at the Australian Open. The line is fresh and flirty, in colors fit for bright sun. The Baseline group comes in patina green, black (see on Anna practicing below), white and waterfall. The look is youthfully elegant with its simple lines and accents of a sea inspired print on the skirt, top and jacket collar. Love the pop of the dark jacket against the bright skirt above.

The line runs $48 USD for the skirt, $45 for the top and $68 jacket. There is also a dress, and multiple versions of the top for those looking for more or less coverage in different areas.

Buy at Fila or Tennis-Warehouse.

Now In Flight. Novak Djokovic Launches Signature adidas "Falcon" Line.

  Novak Djokovic today unveiled his signature Falcon line for adidas while playing tennis against an airborne opponent on an aerial court in Melbourne's State Theatre (see image below).  Afterwards he was greeted by a live falcon.

Djokovic will wear his complete new range for the first time at the Australian Open beginning this week. Each piece is adorned with the falcon logo. "I chose the falcon as my signature...as I believe my style of play is just like a falcon hunting. I live for great matchups against strong opponents and this is now reflected in my apparel and footwear on court," he said. 

The Falcon footwear range, the CC Genius, will be available in five colors, one for each of the four Grand Slams and one for the year ending Masters Series Cup. The shoe is priced at $130 USD. The clothing line will have special colors for Melbourne and New York. The white top with olive green stripes ($45) and matching shorts ($50) pictured above will be his day look in Australia. For night, he will wear all black featuring silver stripes to match his specially designed silver CC Genius Falcon shoes.

The apparel line incorporates key adidas technologies, ForMotion and ClimaCool. The CC Genius Falcon shoe offers new SPEEDCUT technology (to give more forefoot support), superior cushioning and ClimaCool aeration. Get Novak's new look at adidas Tennis or Tennis-Warehouse.

 

Images courtesy of adidas.

Elena Dementieva Heads to the Australian Open With a Perfect Record and Big Passion.

 You go girl!  Elena Dementieva heads into the Australian Open having won two for two this year. Pictured left she wears her winning combination from both Auckland and Sydney, January 2009.

The dress and matching visor are from Yonex and are part of the company's new spring collection. We've been told it won't be available until April, so we'll have to just watch the line in action a bit longer. Seems the fiery red dress has channeled some burning passion for the Russian.

Elena's 2008 Yonex dresses are still available at Tennis-Warehouse: Melbourne, Paris and New York. Her stick is the Yonex RDS 001 Midplus.

Image courtesy Sony Ericsson WTA/Getty Images.

Anna Chakvetadze To Carry Wilson and Wear Fila in Australia and Beyond.

Twenty-one year old Anna Chakvetadze, ranked 18 on the Sony Ericsson WTA tour at the end of 2008, has just signed a long term agreement with Wilson. Anna will debut her Wilson [K] Blade Team Racquet and Eco Pro Tour Super Six bag at the Australian Open.

The Russian beauty has also recently signed an apparel endorsement agreement with Fila and will step out in Melbourne wearing the new Fila Spring 2009 Baseline Apparel Collection. More to come on that line which I got to preview in November...

Look for Anna's gear soon at Wilson, Fila and Tennis-Warehouse.

Image courtesy of Wilson.

Davis Cup Tie Expected to Feature Three of the Top 10 Players in the World. U.S. vs. Switzerland, March 6-8 in Birmingham, Alabama.

 

Watch live Davis Cup action in Birmingham, Alabama March 6-8 at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Arena. This is the 2009 Davis Cup first round tie between the U.S.and Switzerland. The names? You know 'em all. Andy Roddick, James Blake and Bob and Mike Bryan are expected to play for the USA. Roger Federer and Stanislas Wawrinka are slated for Switzerland's roster among others TBA. Davis Cup (founded in 1900) is the world's largest annual international team competition.

Tickets go on sale Friday, January 16, 2009 at 12 PM CST. They are sold as a three day series and range from $60 to $500. Learn more at USTA or buy tickets at Ticketmaster. You can also call: 888-484-8782.

Image courtesy USTA.

TennisTV.com Offers Fans NEW Online Site to Watch Tennis Live. Run by the WTA and ATP, It's the Real Deal.

 

Tennis fans, live broadcast quality tennis is now available online and worldwide anywhere you have access to the internet. Will we ever be productive at the office again? TennisTV.com is an all new broadband TV console. It is the brand spanking new streaming website of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour and ATP. Starting Wednesday, January 14, TennisTV.com will offer access to top level tennis from both tours, covering 41 events in 2009 (700+ matches). The site kicks-off (or more aptly put, serves first) with the Medibank Sydney International tournament this week and continues throughout the year through the Sony Ericsson Championships in Doha and the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London.

Free in-depth highlights will be available on the site but if you want to watch the matches in their entirety you will need to pony up a bit and subscribe.  A combined tour pass for the entire year is $129.95 USD. A men's tour pass is $84.95, a women's is $69.95. You can also buy access to a single tournament to try it out. Go to TennisTV.com to learn more or subscribe.

Grip Gripe? Try Something New.

As with racquets and gear, everyone likes something a little different. There are around nineteen retailers selling overgrips, each one offering multiple choices so no excuses, there is something out there for you. The point is to make your racquet feel fresh and familiar every time you step out to play. Sweaty hands? Go with something absorbent like Tournagrip. Dry hands? Go tacky. Gamma offers Smart Grip. Want a little something extra to hold onto? Try something with treads. Wilson sells the new Pro Overgrip Perforated. 

Overgrips do wear out. When yours doesn't feel right anymore, unwrap and pop on a fresh one. Some rec players really let theirs get dirty before they make a change. Puhleeze...at under $4 for a pack of 3, that's cheap refreshment for anyone's game.

We've had a few inquiries about the grip Caroline Wozniacki is currently using in New Zealand. It's the yellow Babolat VS Original, the thinnest overgrip on the market today. With a smooth uninhibiting surface and a .4 mm thickness, this is the choice of many pros who require total feel and control over their racquet -- nothing extra.  Kind of a "nothing comes between between me and my Calvins" thing. The yellow version Caroline is using looks snap with the bright yellow tops adidas has her in this season. Tennistas, look around, overgrips come in a multitude of colors; just another way to look put together on court.

PS The Babolat VS three pack comes in a little case you can toss in your racquet bag, keeping the fresh overgrips together and clean. Nice extra.

Find a retailer at Babolat, Gamma or Wilson or find them all at Tennis-Warehouse.

Michaella Krajicek, Beautiful in Boysenberry

Michaella Krajicek, of the Netherlands, caught our eye wearing K-Swiss down-under at the ASB classic in Auckland recently. Purple and black together, unpredictably lovely.

This little combo pairs the K-Swiss Women's Winter Sport top in boysenberry, $39.99 USD (also in tidal wave blue) and the super flattering K-Swiss Women's Winter Pleated Skort in black, $39.99 (this skirt also comes in white and tidal wave blue) The pleats on this skort are centered front and back so you get the tailored effect without adding bulk at the hips. UltraCel fabric ensures you stay cool and dry while you play. The visor pulls it all together. The hair...that's a bit harder. 

Get Michaella's look now at K-Swiss or Tennis-Warehouse. Both items have been out for a few weeks now so good luck.

Image: Getty Images

HEAD Signs Novak Djokovic. New Racquet Technology Coming in April.

 Novak Djokovic has signed with HEAD and is playing with the company's newest, not-yet-released technology in Brisbane this week. "This gives me an exciting opportunity to play with a racquet that has the technology with the right feel to compliment my aggressive style of play," says Djokovic.

We mere mortals must wait until April for a chance to check it out. We'll keep you posted.

Image: Courtesy of HEAD

Prince Unveils its EXO3 Racquet Line for 2009.

 

Prince has announced EXO³ its 2009 high performance racquet line. EXO³ features a patented Energy Bridge^TM which suspends the string bed, expands the sweet spot (83%bigger than usual) and delivers a 26% increase in spin(ability), a 50% reduction in frame vibration and 25% more control. These are not a cosmetic upgrade from last year's O series.

The hot looking line-up includes four models and six frames: EXO³ Silver 118, EXO³ Red 105,  EXO³ Graphite 100, EXO³ Graphite 93, EXO³ Rebel 95 and EXO³ Rebel Team 95.

Two of the line come with calfskin leather grips for a little new school meets old school attitude, a nice touch.

The racquets range in price from $180 USD for the Rebel Team 95 to $300 for the Silver 118. Check out the new site Prince has set up dedicated to the EXO³ line. You'll find everything you need to know about the line there -- in particular, how to match one of these racquets with your game.

Find a retailer at PrinceTennis or demo and shop at Tennis-Warehouse. The racquets begin hitting US stores January 15.

Gael Monfils uses the EXO³ Rebel 95. Our team loves it too.

Image courtesy of Prince Tennis.

 

 

New Year, New Look for Rafa?

Rafa has changed his on-court look for the new year! Well, at least in Abu Dhabi. Nadal hit the Capitala World Tennis Championship courts wearing a short sleeve polo. Yes, the guy is playing wearing sleeves. Is he testing the change prior to the Australian, or just showing us he's not as predictable or superstitious as we tennis writers have suggested?

Pictured here he's wearing the new Nike Dri Fit Bold Stripe Men's Tennis Polo, $60.00 USD in tour yellow, white, concord and chlorine blue. The shorts are Nike Dri-Fit Woven Long Mens Tennis Shorts, $55 in white. All are available at Nike. Image: Karim Sahib/AFP/Getty Images

Australian Open 2009. Set your DVRs now for all the action.

  The dry season is over with the 2009 Australian Open running January 19 - February 1. US residents can watch it on TV by checking the schedule posted at USTA.com. ESPN2 has got it covered.

Live online coverage of the action is available to some countries at Australian Open TV. The US is unfortunately not a beneficiary of this service.

Visit the Australian Open's official site for all the psych-up and current info.