TennisIDENTITY

Ana Ivanovic and Andrea Petkovic showcase select new adidas in Australia.

adidas has put out seven new womens tennis collections this season (go tennis!). We took a look at Stella on Caroline Wozniacki earlier this week. Below are two more, adizero and barricade, on Ana Ivanovic and Andrea Petkovic. 

Ivanovic wears, adizero collection, the fashion forward, more femininely styled of the two groups. The colors here, ultra bright and core energy are my favorites on this tennis dress (there are two others). The color blocked details carve out a female silhouette beautifully. A ruched, ruffled hemline adds to the pretty, $80. The all-performance dress has a t-back and comes with matching bra and shorties. Ivanovic's shoes? The adizero Tempaia, $125.

The barricade collection, above on Petkovic,  is also designed to be figure flattering, but has a more athletic cut and attitude, appealing to women who prefer a not-so-girly, more sporty look with good up-top coverage.

Petkovic will be wearing the adipower barricade capsleeve, $50 and skort, $45 in core energy and ultra green. Her shoes are the adipower barricade 7.0, $130.

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

Andy Murray, Fernando Verdasco + Jo Wilfried Tsonga tango in new adidas tennis.

These are the adidas looks that Andy Murray, Fernando Verdasco and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga will be sporting in Australia 2012. The color and graphics scream energy, a real visual pick-me-up for northerners this time of year. Are you game? 

 Interestingly the color Tangerine Tango was picked as the 2012 color of the year by the color gods at Pantone and adidas's designers have hit the sweet spot dead on.

Murray is wearing the barricade collection spring barricade crew tee, $45 and short, $55 made to move with climacool ventilation and Formotion design. Shoes are Barridade 7.0, $140. He wore them  at the '11  finals in England. 

Fernando Verdasco is wearing adizero, the spring adizero crew tee, $60 and Bermudas, $50. More climacool and formation here. His shoes are the lightweight adizero feather, $125 in can't take your eyes off 'em electricity (yellow), high energy (orange) and white.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is in the adizero Theme Polo, $60 (also comes as a tee) and Bermudas. He wears the same shoes as Verdasco. His look uses the orange but in a far more subtle way.

Hot stuff, loose fitting and not too pretty. Mix it up boys and go with what makes your game tick.

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

 

 

Caroline Wozniacki's Australian Open 2012 Tennis Fashion. New from adidas by Stella McCartney

WTA world number one Caroline Wozniacki (of Denmark) will hit the 2012 Australian Open in this new adidas by Stella McCartney tennis dress.

Check out the deep the mesh insert that runs down the middle of the chest and across the back and bodice; it's certainly one very selectively revealing and ventilated garment. A beautiful floral print runs through moisture wicking performance material where the dress is solid. The color? Tomato red and it's pretty without being brash (for the right complexion).

Curving seams emphasize the feminine shape although not in an overly clingy way. Shirred detail keeps it from lying totally flush in front. The flounce skirt adds fun movement to what would have been a much more provocative look had it had a straight skirt. The dress retails for $120 USD. A sports bra is a necessity. Stella wants you to buy hers with matching shorties,each around $50 and I think you really have to to make this look work properly.

Wozniacki's shoes are the new adidas Sebellica (also by Stella) and retail for $200.

Yes, it's a pricey tennis ensemble but I like it a lot better than last year's dress which had neckline no one seemed to love. Even Caroline didn't wear it as it went to market. This one looks really comfortable though, pretty and cool. She is going to look great.

Take a look at the dress in white on right, a much better color for me personally; I get a little red faced in the heat, tomato red to be exact, lol. No need to reinforce that so I'll be picking up the white one (which BTW I predict will be Caroline's Wimbledon frock).

Find it: shopadidas.com, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers worldwide.

Murray vs. Lama. Bajan Road Tennis with David Haye and Example.

Starting to feel like an Andy Murray fan site these days but here goes:

 

The Road Tennis Association of Barbados recently flew to London, to teach Murray how to play the street game.  ‘Road Tennis’ is a cross between table, paddle and tradional tennis, with players chalking out their own courts.

Murray had never played the game before, and was given one hour to  to master the ins and outs before facing Barbados' road tennis legend Lama. The result? Check it out. Pretty darn good I'd say.

Along for the fun are retired pro boxer David Haye ("I look good while I'm beatin ya don't I?" Hah! Love it.) and rapper Example.

Looks like adidas may be getting into Road Tennis kits. Those will definitely be the priciest part of this game ;)

 

Andy Murray and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga change it up for London.

Andy Murray will have a new look when he steps on court at the O2 in London Sunday. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga too.

The polo shirt print (left) looks to be a modern twist on a Scottish plaid but is far more suitable than something buttoned-up traditional. I like Andy on the wilder side. 

The colors are high-energy orange, prime blue and collegiate navy. The shirt also comes in white and as a crew (below). The polo is $50 USD, the crew $45. The coordinating knit shorts are $45. I wouldn't mind either of these shirts with white or black shorts however.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is expected to wear the new crew (right). Watch for it on the Frenchman in blue or white. I'm predicting blue since he loves color. 

Andy's shoes? They are the just-out adidas barricade 7.0. He's the only one in them at the moment.

Check out the barricade 7.0 promo here on TennisIDENTITY. You could win a pair for your game.

 Find the new adidas performance line only at tennis retailers like Tennis-Warehouse beginning in December.

 

7's up for Andy Murray. Win a pair of adidas barricade 7s for YOUR game.

adidas has just announced the new barricade 7.0 tennis shoe. Pictured is the model Andy Murray will wear in London at the ATP Masters Finals.

Win a pair for your game by leaving a note for Andy below or by retweeting this post on Twitter.* *

The 11 year old barricade line continues to evolve. The new shoe is 1.06 oz. lighter than the last and more flexible. A forefoot "claw" provides maximum control and stability; SPINTWEB and adiPRENE reduces impact, absorbs shock and improves comfort and flexibility.

More construction dets here:

 

The women's version is a more elegant version of the men's 7.0. Super sleek, softer forefoot flex and lighter. Check out Andrea Petkovic in the shoes below. Great colors!!!

 

adidas reports that more than ever before, they collaborated with elite players in the development of the 7.0, from the initial briefing to the final sample. “Over a period of more than 18 months we tested the shoe with more than 30 professional and semi-professional players. Our product testing department spent roughly 2,500 hours with athletes to make sure the shoe is the best barricade ever,” says Graham Williamson, adidas vice president of business unit tennis. “When we showed the final samples to our players they were reluctant to give them back and wanted to play in them immediately.”

The 7.0 (men's $140 USD, women's $130) will be available soon (November) at adidas or tennis retailers worldwide including Tennis-Warehouse.

**Contest rules:  Enter to win a pair of Andy Murray's new 7.0 adidas tennis shoes by leaving a note for Andy Murray below or retweeting this post on Twitter with @TennisIdentity included. Last entry will be accepted November 30, 2011 at midnight EST. One entry per email address/twitter handle. Winner will be chosen by random draw on December 1 and posted after the winner has responded. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to notification before another winner is drawn. If you use Twitter to enter you must follow @TennisIdentity in order to be eligible. Email addresses will ONLY be used to contact you if selected.

New for fall/winter tennis, a skort and legging in one.

A few years back, a small tennis apparel company that is no longer, hit upon the idea of a "skegging," a skort and legging in one. It was popular and is again now. Fueled by the growth of the look for yoga, the big guns in the tennis biz are taking notice.

What woman doesn't love the comfort and flexibility, not to mention warmth, of a legging come cooler temps? But on court with a close fitting top? Not a recommended look. Cover the top of the legging with an attached skirt however, and now you're talking.

For warmth or to cover their thighs, rear-end or knees, these skort/leggings are big on rec courts.

Pictured top left is Fila's version with full length leggings, $65 USD. All performance stretch fabric with an upside down ball pocket on each hip (no bulk added without the ball). Fila also offers item this as a capri which hits just below the knee, $60. With a low wide waist band and slit skirt, this is a slimming look. A great alternative to wearing sweats.

I haven't seen this one in person but Nike offers a similar design as a capri as well (see image right, $65), as does adidas (see left), who makes the combo in colors other than black, $30. 

Find them all at Fila, Nike, adidas, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers worldwide.

 

 

Andy Murray aligns with the Dragon in Asia.

Check out Andy Murray's new kicks. Just out, they're the adidas Barricade 6.0 Dragon Edition, a fierce warrior like change-up to the tennis shoes Murray has been wearing this year.

The new issue celebrates the Chinese Year of the Dragon (2012), a nod to the culture of the country hosting Andy in October. 

According to legend the Dragon symbolizes good fortune and power. A dragon personality is free spirited, driven and self-directed.

Murray looks to have been born during the year of the rabbit (1987) so some dragon karma might be a good thing for him.

The shoe's metallic finished outer is outfitted with dragonlike scales that help the shoe breath (looks a little like armour too). A tough looking exterior for a durable shoe.

A red on black dragon-inspired print covers the outside of the tongue and heel collar. A bright red dragon symbol adorns the heel and tongue.

Retail price is $120.00 USD. 

Find them only at specialty tennis retailers including Tennis-Warehouse.

 

 

 

Training to the beat of your own drum. adidas adds heart rate based coaching to miCoach. Why you need it.

adidas has announced a new heart rate monitor that works with the miCoach mobile app the company introduced last year.

The monitor snaps onto an adjustable absorbant stretch belt (pictured below) that you wear around your chest. A small, connect device plugs into your iPhone or iPod Touch.

Sync your phone to the monitor once you have it on and off you go. Your heart rate data is transferred to the screen (and to your ears if you choose) in real time as you work out, right alongside miles, time, calories burned etc. The device (and built in personal coach) is excellent for fitness training. 

But, why should a healthy athlete be concerned about heart rate?

According to Dr. Kimberly Parks, Cardiologist, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School:

"Monitoring your heart rate during exercise is important both for safety and to make sure you are achieving maximum effectiveness from your workout.  

It can be easy to get caught up in the positive response your brain has to exercise...[and] It is easy to under or over estimate how much you are exerting yourself. Monitoring your heart rate is important to ensure that you are achieving the desired intensity of your workout."  

Determining your desired heart rate: Subtract your age from the number 220. The result is your maximum predicted heart rate (MPHR).

"For endurance training, your target heart rate should be between 70-80% of your MPHR," says Dr. Parks. "For maximum aerobic benefit, you should aim to maintain your target heart rate for a minimum of 20-30 minutes. It's best to avoid exerting yourself at greater than 85% MPHR [during endurance training]..." 

Dr. Malissa Wood, Co-director of the MGH Heart Center, Corrigan Women's Heart Health Program and Cardiovascular Performance Program comments that "Individuals hoping to increase their fitness can push their heart rate to a slightly higher range (88-90% max of MPHR) for short intervals..The benefits derived from higher intensity short periods are clear. Typical types of short burst activity would include plyometrics (jump training), sprints or interval runs and running the baselines on a tennis court."

A few notes:

The miCoach heart rate monitor is a great tool for those who want to add running or cycling to their training-for-tennis regime and well as for those who already do these activities. The app will run an assessment program that it will use to base your future workouts on. You can also simply use the heart monitor for short interval training.

This is not a time to lie about your age. Yeah, we all wish we were younger but it's important that the heart monitor make its calculations based on your true age.

I did not find the belt uncomfortable at all but I do not run long distances where chafing could be a problem. adidas offers a couple of miCoach heart rate monitor compatible garments, a sports bra (pictured left) and close fitting shirt for men, for those who might be bothered by the belt. Try it without them first. 

You may want to wear an armband style iPhone case if you want to keep your hands free when using the system for high intensity training.

Pretty neat little tool that adds to an already solid fitness app. The adidas miCoachConnect and the Heart Rate Monitor bundle retails for $69.99 and will be available soon at adidas. The miCoach app is free and available for iPhone, BlackBerry and Android. The heart monitor, as noted above, is only available for iPhone and iPod touch.

As always, talk to your doctor before starting a new fitness regime.

Learn more at adidas.com/micoach . Their blog is a good resource for getting familiar with the app. Not available in all countries yet. 

Melanie Oudin and Jack Sock BELIEVE in Wild Cards and having fun.

Sometimes it's best not to plan ahead. No expectations. Melanie Oudin may have found her groove again, in doubles...mixed doubles. Wildcards, Oudin and Jack Sock (ATP tour newcomer), won the 2011 US Open Mixed Doubles Championship Friday. Their most impressive win en route? Over defending champs Liezel Huber and Bob Bryan (both #1 dubs WTA and ATP).

Hugs and smiles all around. American tennis ain't so bad. 

It's been a tough few years since Miss Oudin rose up out of the juniors and into the spotlight. Remember BELIEVE? Apparently Mel does once again and on the very same stage no less. Sock helped for sure.

Mixed doubles is a tough game at the recreational level where many men in particular struggle to temper their serves and strokes so as not to appear rudely aggressive. No worries at higher levels where everyone just blasts away at their very best. Sock and Oudin say they were just having fun.

Their looks? Oudin wore the new Wilson Fall Village tank and skort in union gold, white and pool blue; both pieces are $45 USD each. Fresh and pretty, the ruched bodice and flirty skirt adds femininity to the a comfy athletic cut. Sock wore all adizero adidas -- same look as Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

Find Oudin's look at Wilson, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers world wide.

Fernando Verdasco, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga + Andy Murray, the men of adidas US Open 2011

First up, Verdasco, god of wearing color well, gets graphic in a new adizero Feather tee in and feather Bermuda shorts (stripe detail in the fabric). See the shirt right for best red/infrared color.

The shoes (how about these babies?!) are adizero Feather as well, $120.00. Shirt $55, Shorts $50.

It's a pretty cool graphic if you study it. The designer took a color block, sliced and tilted it creating the illusion of adidas logo-size triangles dynamically falling from the solid. This shirt begs to move. 

Tsonga will wear the like adizero Feather polo with modern zip neck and collar, $60. White base and solid red (cripes, it looks purple here again but it's more burgundy red as below left). Same shorts and shoes as Verdasco. 

 

The adizero group does a great job keeping you cool and ventilated as you move and stretch. Take a look at the inset right for a close up of the vent on the blue version of the feather polo. There is similar ventilation built in the inseam of the shorts.

 Murray will wear all adidas Barricade; the group is by nature more traditional, the tamer of the two collections. It suits Andy's athletic scruffy look (although he's tidied up nicely for this shot).

This is going to look great against the blue and white that is Center Court at the Open (he's going to be there right?)

His top is the Barricade tee in red, $55, with a dash of intense green at the neck. The back has the funky looking panel of mesh we've started to see built into performance shirts. I'm getting used to the look of it. It really does help in the heat. Shorts are $45. Shoes, Barricade 6.0 $125.00. Andy's sig resides inside.

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

Ana Ivanovic. Tennis Fashion for the US Open 2011 from adidas.

As predicted this will be Ana Ivanovic's tennis dress for the US Open. It's the adidas adizero Feather dress, $70 USD in sharp red with turbo orange accents. The color is off in this image (too pink) so use the inset below for true color. The accompanying bra and shorties for this one come in turbo and white respectively.

This is the same dress Ana wore at Wimbledon in white and most recently at the Mercury Insurance Open in blue. Check those posts for all the dets. Suffice to say, great tennis dress.

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-C-E Keep it coming girl! Best of luck at the Open.

Find the dress at adidas and Tennis-Warehouse.

 

Not for baby. Ana Ivanovic and Ayumi Morita. Powerful pinks and blues.

Ana Ivanovic is in renewed form tearing through the rounds (so far) at the Mercury Insurance Open in Carlsbad, CA. Perhaps the addition of Coach Nigel Sears has helped. Here Ivanovic wears the intense blue version of her adizero collection Wimbledon dress ($70). Bold color does good things for Ana.

Other pieces I love in this vibrant adizero group are the Feather Skort (right, $48) and jacket ($65). Both are feminine and artsy in a sporty way. The jacket has great detail. Click the pic to expand it.

Ayumi Morita of Japan (above) wore more from the palette in her recent matchup against Ivanovic in Carlsbad.

This is a pink and blue cap sleeve tee ($48) that's definitely not for baby or any shrinking violet for that matter; Morita's outfit hails from the fall adidas barricade collection which has more of an athletic feel to it than the adizero collection. Here's a closer look at the top, inset left. Pretty intense. 

Find it at adidas and Tennis-Warehouse.

Round-Up: Headbands for tennis

There are two kinds of headbands for tennis, those designed to keep sweat out of your eyes and those that keep hair out of your face.

First, the sweat managers:

Nike's swoosh bandanas are 100% cotton (stays wet while sweating), $12. If you've got the face and hair, these look darn good (case in point on left). adidas, K-Swiss and Fila, also make a tie variety (all are poly blend).

Right, by adidas, are the more traditional cotton terry variety, 75% cotton with stretch, $5.99 for two. Let's just say it's a very functional style. I see a lot of these on men. Fila, Nike, K-Swiss and Lacoste also make them.

bondiband makes a thin sweat wicking headband in multiple colors and fun/motivational prints, $8.00. All are meant to be worn across the forehead or at the hairline (as pictured here). They are attractive and very quick-drying (so you are never wearing a soaking band). Look for the one with crossed tennis racquets in the sport section. They carry quite a few men's styles as well. 

Second, the hair managers:

Women who wear these do not feel comfortable with a headband across their forehead. Problem is, comfortable, functional, hair-taming bands are hard to find because most slip unless sitting at the hairline or forehead. Many wear hard u shaped plastic bands.

What you need to look for are headbands with strips of silicone gripper tape on the side against your hair. Yoga manufacturers like Lululemon sell these. Their Slipless Headband, $12, is pictured here. I've also seen silicone lined bands at Athleta. I am not finding them yet in branded tennis apparel.

Find adidas, Nike, Fila, K-Swiss and Lacoste headbands at Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers worldwide.

 

Andy Murray's Wimbledon whites by adidas.

So if you are a relaxed dresser on court, meaning you like the looser fit, more casual style classics, you will love Andy Murray's look at Wimbledon.

He's wearing top to bottom adidas Barricade: crew in white, $55 USD, shorts, $45 and shoes, the Barricade grass 6.0 ( special for grass* not available at retail). The 6.0's for hard courts are $125.00.

The shirt also comes as a polo but I really like this casual looking crew a lot. Accents of intense green and royal blue add modern pop. It comes in XS-XXL sizes which makes the big bears awfully happy.

You can't see but this top has excellent cooling qualities in its mesh construction. Bonded seams contribute to total comfort.

*For those that haven't seen grass court shoes, they have a dimpled bottom almost like a tiny nubbed golf shoe.They are just about impossible to find in the US. They trash grass courts which is one of the reasons they hand them out so selectively.

Here's Murray's full look. I like.

 

 

Find it at adidas , adidas Performance stores (LOVE the one in NYC), Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers worldwide beginning late July.

 

Ana Ivanovic's Wimbledon whites by adidas.

Ana Ivanovic won a spirit boosting - for her-  first round at Wimbledon  (6-0, 6-1) yesterday. Her tennis dress was the new and equally clean adiZero Feather dress.

Take a look at the inset shot above to see the pattern that runs through the lightweight fabric. It's a beautiful tonal graphic, soft and holistic, a little arts and crafts era , and very reflective of the person I talked with last summer before the Open.

The pleats in the front of the skirt add interest and release any tightness around the thighs while moving. The back is also motion friendly, designed with a unique t-back. I love the square neckline and sleek styling. 

adidas continues to offer its performance tennis dresses with sports bra and shorties included in the price, Total for all, $70.00 USD. I love this. Keep it up adidas! Makes getting dressed so simple and the outfits always look great.

Ivanovic's shoes are the adiZero Tempaia, $120.

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

Let's go girl!

 

Andy Murray Roland Garros Tennis Fashion 2011 by adidas

Andy Murray slides into Paris in a very beau blue from the new adidas Barricade Collection. Simple and straightforward, this is a common look in rec tennis, loose fitting shirt, baggier shorts -- tops and bottoms that don't totally match (like many outfits we're seeing this season do). The lightweight shirt in fresh blue is great looking on Murray and on the clay. A good color for most guys actually and this polo doesn't look too buttoned up. I like the accent of intense green on the snap placket that picks up the slice of green on the shorts. Subtle.

This group is all Barricade: Polo, $40 USD and woven shorts in white with dash of green on the leg, $45. A close-up of the shirt in black is right. The shirt also comes in a crew version and in a few different colors.

Murray's shoes, the Barricade 6.0 Andy Murray clay (colors match his Paris kit) will run you $125 and are specially designed for clay court play (click on the image to see a close up of the sole).

Find it at: adidas under tennis and Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers worldwide.

 

Ana Ivanovic adidas Tennis Fashion Roland Garros 2011.

It's just a quick color change for Ana Ivanovic at Roland Garros. Pictured is the pink remake of her Australian Open adiZero dress. It screams summer with its full dose of fresh pink juiced with vibrant orange and intense green.

REALLY nice price at $65 USD (considering that it includes dress, shorties and a bra).

Underthings are becoming a big part of the total look in women's tennis apparel; Stella McCartney designs full on-court looks working them in. I like that adidas is selling them here as part of a set not as pricey a la carte options that push the outfit ticket sky high.

Ivanovic's shoes are the adiZero feather, $120. Click on the smaller true to color images to get a closer look.

Find it all at: adidas under tennis, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers worldwide.

Jo Wilfried Tsonga. adidas Tennis Fashion Roland Garros 2011

Jo Wilfried Tsonga will wear new Roland Garros Collection adiAce adidas in Paris. Mais oui he is French so of course he gets the signature goods.

The zip-neck shirt has a low stand up collar and strong, upward moving graphics. All ClimaCool it appears to take influence from a fitted biker's jersey. It looks by-far the best worn unzipped. Use the image right for best color representation of what's available to us hackers of the world. 

Tsonga's Bermuda style shorts are adidas Roland Garros group elastic waist shorts and come in lead and white and run $45. His shoes are the adiZero Feather, $120.

I am a big fan of gray with brights and think this group is pretty sweet. Check out the polos as well. Any old white tennis shirt would be great with the shorts, a sharp alternative to white or black for those who don't do colored shorts.

Tsonga's tennis shoes are the adiZero feather but there's a nice pair of Roland Garros branded Response shoes out as well.

Keep your eye on Tsonga; I would love to see a good run in Paris. I am a big fan.

Find it at: adidas under tennis and Tennis-Warehouse (exclusive retailer-besides adidas- for the adidas Roland Garros line)

Fernando Verdasco. adidas Tennis Fashion Roland Garros 2011

Fernando Verdasco broke out his Roland Garros 2011 look in Rome.  X marks the spot where the Spaniard will play in Paris as well.

This version of the adidas adizero Spring crew is vibrant orange zest with an artsy off-center graphic. Kind of goes with the guy and his hair. Definitely more for the unconventional kind of guy

Verdasco has worn the crew in a few of its colorful incarnations: fresh pink and intense green. It also comes in black and white.

The shirt is all for-motion design -- love that buttery feel -- $55; shorts, the adizero Bermuda (light and loose with faux fly), $45; and shoes, adizero Feather $120. The shorts also come in intense green and white. Check out the black based shirt with white shorts.

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

Dunlop signs auspicious American Tim Smyczek.

Dunlop tennis has signed Tim Smycek, a hot-on-court Milwaukee native, to a racquet deal. His win last week against Donald Young in the 2011 USTA French Open Wild Card Playoffs earned him the coveted ticket to Roland Garros.

Smyczek is hitting with a Dunlop Biomimetic 300 Tour. 

"Tim is a great signing for Dunlop," said Kai Nitche, Vice President and General Manager of Dunlop Racket Sports. "He possesses the key characteristics we look for in our Tour Team members; he works extremely hard both on and off-court, he's dedicated, and he pulls through in clutch situations. It's been a pleasure to work with him thus far, and we wish him well as he continues his climb up the ATP World Tour rankings."

The 23 year old trains at the Saddlebrook Resort in Tampa and now makes his second appearance in a Grand Slam main draw; he won the USTA playoff last August to get into the US Open. This year he's continued his upward momentum by reaching the quarters in San Jose in February and the second round in Indian Wells after qualifying for the main draw. 

Smycek currently wears adidas apparel and footwear. Yeah, you're right, he's hot off court too ;)

Here's his website.

 

WANTED: Your game face. Wozniacki, Ivanovic, Murray + YOU in new "all adidas" campaign.

Adidas unveiled its all new "all adidas" globe-wide campaign this week with a commercial combining sports, music and fashion cultures with appearances by Derrick Rose, David Beckham, Lionel Messi, Katy Perry,  B.o.B. and more.

Tennis players Caroline Wozniacki, Ana Ivanovic and Andy Murray aren't featured in the first blast but will make appearances in upcoming print advertising. A winning Wozniacki is featured for a sec at 1:48 here as well.

YOU can be a part of it all by submitting a picture of your "game face" to facebook/adidas (you will need to be a fan).

What's a game face? Your expression at a pivotal moment during a match.

 If your pic is chosen, you will be a part of the next commercial which will air during the MTV movie awards on June 5. Cool. Deadline to enter is May 8, 2011.

 

Ana Ivanovic Australian Open Tennis Fashion 2011.

Ana Ivanovic's dress for the Australian Open is from the adidas adiZero spring range. Pretty ehh? It will be available as pictured here, in collegiate (royal) purple and intense green with a web-like design of pearl dots on lighter purple inset at the bodice.This detailing adds a bit of feminine magic to a very athletic, modern dress.

Features include a matching bra top and shorties, zip front that ends below the chest, a low waist that elongates the body and a double layered skirt. The fabric breathes and moves and the cut gives good coverage, although the skirt is short. This is the first time I have ever seen bra/shorties sold as part of a tennis dress (not a la carte extra). Smart and a good deal at $70 USD.

I like this tennis dress; it fits Australia and Ana's renewed vigor. Her most recent pink dress had more of a gown look to it. This one looks stronger. Channel it girl.

Ana's tennis shoes will be the adiZero Feather, light and stable in design, in white with collegiate purple, $110.

Find it all soon at Shop adidas, Tennis-Warehouse and other tennis retailers worldwide.

Andy Murray Australian Open Tennis Fashion 2011

Say goodbye to the argyle. adidas has unveiled plans for Andy Murray's tennis style in Australia and it's a strong step in a better direction in my humble opinion. Above is the SS11 Barricade tennis outfit, The style comes in two color ways, intense green and black, as above, and pure white with intense green detail (likely for day matches).

The apparel incorporates adidas' ForMotion technology that enhances freedom of movement by moving naturally with the body. Bonded seams and collar mean less skin friction and a more technical look. ClimaCool ensures breathability in high heat. The shorts pockets are lined with towel fabric to help keep hands dry. A special elastic tape keeps the waistband smooth.

Murray's footwear, the Barricade 6, reflects his new outfit. The 6 is the newest version of the continually reinvented, improved and very popular Barricade tennis shoe. This is a limited edition shoe that features Murray's signature on the insole. $115 USD.

Find it all soon at Shop adidas, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers worldwide.

Fernando Verdasco Australian Open Tennis Fashion 2011.

Fernando Verdasco will take a page from Nadal's technicolor style book at this year's Australian Open adding a blast of oh-so-trendy pink to his on-courtdrobe.*  Verdasco's look is from adidas' adizero collection which blends the performance and comfort adidas fans crave. 

The adizero line is made of super lightweight fabric designed to keep you from overheating (a must in the scorching Australian heat). A smooth waistband on the shorts provides better fit and feel. I never thought about it myself but a flat band would of course be more comfortable than a cinched drawstring -- unless of course you are working a bit of a joe.

Verdasco, will play in this fresh pink crew with a white based version as an alternative. The design is a sublimated off center brushstroke style x  accented with intense green, yellow and black. I'm thinking the pink is going to be a young-guns look only;  fits with Nando's fresh mohawk (not pictured) for sure. The polo style in the group offered in green, black and white is a good alternative for terminally pinkophobic men. Jo Wilfried Tsonga will wear the green polo version (not saying he doesn't like pink).

Verdasco's tennis shoes are the feather pink and black adizero Feather, lightweight, all-court in an athletic frame that offers good stability as well as heel cushioning.  “I need a shoe that can get me through matches that can sometimes last up to four hours," said Verdasco. "The longer I’m on court the lighter I need my shoe to be so I don’t get tired out...[T]he adizero Feather is the perfect solution.”

Find it all soon at Shop adidas, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers worldwide.

* Nadal wore pink in '09 at Roland Garros

Caroline Wozniacki Australian Open 2011 Tennis Fashion

adidas by Stella McCartney is outfitting Caroline Wozniacki once again and good news (a couple of quick vuvuzela blasts) our Dane will have something different to wear for every major tournament in 2011. No more same-old same-old for Miss #1.

First look we will see is the sporty Ballerina Dress, pictured left, worn over a set of designed-to-be-seen, seamless underwear (see inset pic ). The dress looks to the traditional ballet costume for inspiration. No tutu thankfully, just a layered pleated skirt in white. The infrared underwear peeking through thoroughly modernizes the look.

This dress, much to my chagrin, will not be available in the US. It is destined for the European market only. The undies are included in that news.

What the US market will see are the other pieces in Stella's Spring/Summer 2011 collection for tennis: a  ruffle tennis tank in blueprint (inset left), $115; a pleated skirt in white or blueprint, $85; tank in infrared or white, $75; and big grey tennis tennis bag, $225 (below pic).

 Wozniacki's footwear with dash of infrared on white, will also be available internationally. Called the eileithyia tennis sneaker, a pair will run you $130.

Green kudos: The adidas by Stella McCartney collection is part of the adidas Better Place Program. The materials used in this Sport Performance collection come from sustainable sources, are produced without dangerous chemicals and are manufactured under high workplace standards (including waste and energy management).

Available in January 2011 at Shop adidas, Tennis-Warehouse and select tennis retailers worldwide.

10 minutes with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. On Food, Fitness and Style.

First things I noticed about Jo-Wilfried Tsonga were his smile and his shoes, retro suede lace ups. The guy is a sharp dresser and quite charming to boot. Really nice guy.

Although recovering from a knee injury and not playing the Open, I caught up with Tsonga in New York:

How's the knee?

Getting better every day.

Where did you get those shoes?

adidas in France. I don't think they sell them here. You like them?

You're in great shape. What are you doing these days and what do you eat to stay trim and strong? (I'm always looking for tips..)

I eat pretty light, everything but not heavy or greasy: pasta, fish, no fried foods or cream sauces.

So no French foods?

laughs

Match day breakfast?

Cereal, eggs and grape juice

What do you do for fitness when you are healthy?

Run, lift weights..a little of everything. I work on fitness more than I hit balls.

What about massage? Is it important?

I see a physio after each practice and match. Massage and stretching are both important to my game. I believe you will be a better performer if you take care to recover after hard work.

What do you like to wear on court?

I love adidas and have been wearing it since I was a junior when I was buying my own clothes. Now they give me 2-3 shirts and 2-3 shorts for each tournament and I choose what I wear. It doesn't matter to me if something is close or loose fitting but I love bright flashy colors. They look good with my skin tone.

Tsonga looks to return to the ATP tour in Tokyo for the Rakuten Open next month.

Video: Be Faster with adidas miCoach and Andy Murray. Turn your smartphone into a personal fitness coach.

So you want to be faster on court? The answer is fitness training. The amount of off-court work ATP and WTA tennis players are doing has expanded dramatically; some players devote more time to fitness than actually hitting balls.

The problem? Maintaining a regime and paying for a personal coach. Most players of paying ability travel with fitness coaches who insure their athletes stay strong, fit and resilient to injury. Most of us can't afford this. adidas miCoach (pronounced My Coach) has a solution.

miCoach is a FREE downloadable app for iOSdevices (iPhones etc) and Blackberrys using GPS for real-time pace-based coaching. adidas says that Andy Murray uses miCoach to supplement his live personal training.

Pick one of the training programs geared for your sport (tennis in our case) and the app will offer you real-time audible coaching, keeping track of your activity and reporting back to miCoach online. Individual workouts are set based upon your weight, age, height and degree of fitness (be honest for safety's sake). You can track your workout online and map your progress and goals. The app doesn't yell at you to get up and going but it is motivating to see results if you stick to it.

Visit miCoach for more info and sign up. You can download the app right to your phone.

10 minutes with Ana Ivanovic. On Food, Fitness and Fashion for Tennis.

I had a chance to sit down with Ana Ivanovic at the adidas Barricade party. Honestly it was as comfortable as chatting with an old friend. As I'm always trying to grab some game plan from the pros we talked food, fitness and tennis fashion:

What do you eat to keep yourself in such great shape?
I try to eat VERY healthy - a lot of beef, chicken and seafood combined with veggies and rice. I'm not a big fan of pasta especially before a match. It makes me feel really full and slow so I avoid it.

What's your go-to match day breakfast?
An egg white omelet with turkey breast, toast and a cup of coffee. During a match day, bananas, power bars and power gels are helpful.

What kinds of drills do you do for fitness?
I do a lot of footwork drills, long distance running, interval training, but not a lot of weight lifting. I don't want to get bulky. My trainer mixes things up to keep it interesting for me and to keep my body from becoming too comfortable with any one exercise.

How important is massage to your fitness?
Very. I get massages every day during training and during tournaments. It's very important to release the stresses that build up with all the hard work.

What do you like to wear on court?
I like outfits that are close fitting up top and loose from the waist down.

Do you have a say in what adidas gives you to wear?
I don't come up with the designs but do offer suggestions that make the outfits more to my liking. I might ask for a neckline change from one season to the next for example.

Do you have a favorite tennis outfit from the past? 2008 first in blue and then in orange (a good winning year).

 


Thanks Ana and good luck at the Open!

For a look at what Ana is wearing this year click here.

Say Happy Birthday to the adidas Barricade and You Might Win A Pair! adidas A-Listers Celebrate in NYC.

The 10th anniversary of the Barricade hit the Big Apple. In town for the event last night were Justine Henin, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Ana Ivanovic and Andy Murray.

Soooo, make a wish and blow out the candles! Tell us what shoe you want. adidas is giving away a pair of men's Barricade 6.0's and women's adilibria's (pictured below and valued at $125 each) here on Tennisidentity.com.

All you need to do is leave a birthday/anniversary greeting below this post, the post on Facebook or RT on Twitter. Let us know whether you want the men's 6.0 or women's adilibria. The contest kicks off today and ends the final day of the US Open, Sunday September 12 at 6 pm, EST.*

*US addresses only please. Choice of shoe color is limited by availability in your size. Two entries pp possible using different vehicles (Here on the site, Facebook, Twitter).

Here, Anna watches Andy make off with the toe of the shoe.

Some video of the event is available here and here at DownTheLine.

Maria Kirilenko Wins the all Russian, all adidas Battle at Pilot Pen.

Maria Kirilenko took it to Dinara Safina today in finally sunny New Haven. The stands were packed for this match-up of adidas adorned Russian beauties (there was a noticeable number of young men in attendance for this one). It was tough to tell who would win early on. 

Maria has really turned the power on recently and is looking the part in the adidas Barricade line she is now wearing.

This is a great cut for her; very athletic but pretty, not girlie though. I love the flattering scoop neck and close fitting body. Nothing to get in the way here. The top is the Fall Barricade Cap-Sleeve Top in white with black and radiant red accents, $50. The skort is the Fall Barricade Skort in the same colors, $45.

Her visor is the women's grand slam visor, $15.00.

I need this outfit.

The group also comes in black, university blue and radiant red but I like the white the best.

Find it all at Tennis-Warehouse and select adidas retailers nationwide.

Kirilenko faces another fellow Russian, Nadia Petrova, Friday.

Melanie Oudin to Wear Her COURAGE on Her Feet At the US Open.

Melanie Oudin will wear the word COURAGE on her custom mi adidas footwear at the 2010 US Open (click on the image to blow it up). Her 2009 pair, imprinted BELIEVE, took her to the US Open quarterfinals.

“The reason I chose the word COURAGE is because in order to believe you have to have the courage to do so,” said Oudin.  “Courage to me means playing with no fear and going for it no matter what.  You can believe in yourself so much but unless you have the courage to go on the court and put yourself on the line every time you won't make it. You need courage and belief to make it to the top.”  Totally agree. You've obviously got a lot more than me my friend.

Make a pair of Barricade 6.0s like Oudin's (acid buzz, new navy, collegiate purple and black/white) or design your own at mi adidas, $150.00. Men you can go for your own design but this one's not bad for you either.

Remember with custom you can get a different size and width for each foot so make the most of the purchase if you need it. You can even choose sole density.

Andy Murray is first player in 15 years to win 2 consecutive titles in Canada. Last few days to register to win a hit with Murray in Miami.

Both the shirt and racquet are not new for Andy Murray but they helped him to a second con- secutive win Sunday in Toronto. On his way he defeated both world #1 Rafael Nadal and #3 Roger Federer. It was his first finals victory against Federer. 4th time's a charm in this case.

His weapon of choice is the HEAD Youtek Radical Pro,$210*

*that list price has come down - you can find it for $189 now

If you want to try and win a hit with the guy click on over to adidas and enter your name to win a day's training with Andy Murray in Miami. Contest ends 8/19/10.

Murray's shirt is the adidas Mens  Competition Traditional Polo $58 USD. It also comes in white with accents of signal blue. I prefer this one though, signal blue with acid buzz - love that name.

Here's what he had to say about his win and the upcoming US Open:

Toronto final Murray pleased to win title but still has US Open coming up

Ana Ivanovic's 2010 US Open Tennis Dress Revealed. C'mon girl! Let's Go.

AnaIvanovic.com recently announced Ivanovic's US Open 2010 tennis dress with a very meek looking shot of Ana attempting a fist (see below). Perhaps she had the flu during the shoot.

I prefer the shot at left from the just finished Bank of the West Classic which illustrates the fact that the woman still has some mojo. In it she wears the white version of the US Open dress -- the one she wore at Wimbledon.

Both are the Fall 2010 adidas adilibria dress, $70, which comes in the new radiant pink with ultra beauty and white and white with Ultra Beauty.

 Click on the inset shot for detail. This is a really flattering, lightweight dress with loads of cooling detail. The color is lovely.

The adilibria collection offers leggings to go with this dress, $30; nice on a cool fall morning but a look you have to be careful of if your legs are more amply proportioned. The coordinating jacket is $75.

I can barely stand putting up this shot of Ana in her newest frock but in the interest of giving you the whole picture, here you go:

Caroline Wozniacki's Got A New Dress For Fall 2010. It's About Time.

Caroline Wozniacki has a few new items to choose from. If I'm excited she must be ecstatic. I am hugely sick of my team uniform after two months and how long did she wear that last one? Let's talk fresh.

Pictured left and inset below is the new lingerie inspired climalite dress from adidas by Stella McCartney. This is the new version of the Tennis Performance Dress and it comes in white and dark slate for $120 USD.

The neon yellow you seen peeking through the dress left is the Tennis Performance Bra Top by adidas by Stella McCartney.  It has coordinating hot pants.Both pieces also come in white.

The dress is fully lined and solid in color with mesh at the top and a racer-back. I love the bandage like panel detail in front and back. It's a real svelte-making design.

The separates, top and skort, are the blouson like Tennis Performance Tank, $75 and Tennis Performance Skirt, $85.

The line offers a Core Woven Jacket, $175; and $130 Chalcedon Tennis Shoes

Find it all soon at Tennis-Warehouse as well. Gotta get me that white dress NOW.

For those Perennially Pink, Freshness for Your Tennis Game.

Pink, the color of cotton candy, peonies and bubble gum, in all variations is much loved in women's tennis apparel. With its feminine feel and ever flattering tone, built into performance wear it says girl power like nothing else. No matter what the street fashion barometer the color is on court in a wide variety of hues, as solid or accent, especially in team wear. Fall 2010 is no exception.

Bolle's high performance fall Pink Fusion line (above) is hitting stores now with this perennial favorite, a bold,energetic version contrasted with a very bright white.Take note: the high performance group is closer fitting than the company's more fashion oriented tennis line. I like the silhouette carving lines on the dress (racer back and built in bra) and the surprise pop of white in the pleats of the skort. Pretty. A fresh 22 possibilities in the group for getting your pink on.

adidas has a new Barricade 6.0 out  in a pink they call Beauty, $109.00. This shoe is said to run a bit big so order a half size down. Narrow feet do not do well in this shoe.

Also in hot pink is the Roxy Team Competition Dress, a slimming solid color line that forgives a less than perfect mid section with a hip sitting gathered waistline, $60. 

Grab the headband to go with it, $10.

adidas has pink in their adilibria fall collection as well. This one is called radiant pink -- see below right. The cap-sleeve top is feminine yet totally performance oriented. Look for it on Ana Ivanovic in the coming months.  

Nike has a big line of pink (Voltage Cherry) out as well for fall. Pictured left is the Women's Fall Accuracy Top with 3/4 sleeves, perfect for a chillier day.

Team the group with the new Nike Lunar Speed 2 , also in the cherry hue, $115. Narrow feet are happy in Nike.

Jerdog has a fun pink floral out as well if you like a print. At left is their Women's English Breeze Pleats Skort, $49. Pair it with the matching top or coordinating solid.

Think pink. You will not be alone.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga's Style for Paris 2010. Plus a look at adidas' special Roland Garros apparel.

Take a look at what Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has to say about Roland Garros and what he will be wearing on the red clay.

I particularly like the Competition Seamless Tee, $52 in core orange with accents of black. All clima-cool. Looks gorgeous against his skin tone (as he himself notes -- although he doesn't use that word). The white polo is the Roland Garros Traditional Polo, $50 in white. I actually like it better in the dark Legend Ink with orange stripes, pictured left, much cooler looking don't you think?

Tsonga has on solid black Competition shorts in the video but adidas has also introduced a line of Roland Garros logo'd shorts, $40. They go with the Roland Garros shirts they also have out. I like mixing it up rather than the unified look but that's me.

His shoes are the core orange and silver CC Feather IV, $110, complete with a Roland Garros logo on the heel.

Available online at adidas Tennis and Tennis-Warehouse.

adidas Celebrates the 10th Anniversary of its Iconic Barricade with the New 6.0.

Since the launch of the first adidas Barricade in 2000, adidas has sold over 3.5 million pairs. In honor of the shoe's 10th anniversary, adidas is launching the Barricade 6.0. "[It] is even lighter without compromising on stability, comfort and design," says Graham Williamson, adidas Vice President Business Unit Court Sports.

Billed as an all-court tennis shoe, the 6.0 features the Barricade unique "claws" technology for forefoot stability during extreme direction changes or lateral movements. You can see the claws on the outside upper of every Barricade ever made (see inset image of the V, right). On the 6.0 they are visually linked with the three stripes.  The shoe also features a Torsion system for optimal surface adaptation, adiPRENE+ for forefoot cushioning, and adiWEAR for durability. Quickie poll results on Tennisidentity's Facebook page concur, the Barricade is well loved.

The women’s model of the Barricade 6.0 (left in gray and white) is specifically developed for the different needs of female athletes. adidas adjusted the claw stability construction for more forefoot flexibility and shaved off weight without compromising on durability or stability.

Look for the 6.0 now on Justine Henin, Andy Murray, Ana Ivanovic and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. The blue Andy Murray limited edition 6.0  (pictured top right ) will pre-launch at select retailers from April 24. Only 6,000 pairs will be sold.

We tennis mortals will need to wait until July to buy the basic 6.0. First in the line will be a white and black version for men and white (top, left) and gray for women. The full 6.0 range will retail globally in July, $125 USD. More colors will roll out through fall/winter.

Find it soon at adidas Tennis Footwear and Apparel,  Tennis-Warehouse and your local tennis retailer.

On Acid Buzz and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. More spring/summer adidas for men.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is on a roll at the Australian. Next round he meets the big man on campus, RF. Keep it up dude.

Pictured here Tsonga wears his adidas' spring/summer 2010 kit: the Competition Seamless Tee in acid buzz, $52 (it also comes in teal and white) and Competition Bermuda Shorts in white, $45. Both are made with Climacool/Formotion. His shoes are the Barricade V, $110.  Size up on the shirt if you like a loose fit.

Tsonga's racquet at the AO? The Babolat Aeropro Drive. (not pictured here).

This is one of my men's style favs at the tourney. Clean and simple with just the right amount of jazz -- no fuss, made to move. Tsonga is working it nicely.

Find it at: adidas Tennis and Tennis-Warehouse.

Rad Plaid. Fernando Verdasco at the Australian Open. New spring summer adidas tennis.

Tennis traditionals, please weigh in below on Fernando Verdasco's newest shirt. It's the adidas Edge Theme Polo, $65, in white and signal green. He's also been wearing it in the reverse, black with signal green. I kind of prefer that combo myself. Plaid has been big in golf for a while and it's moved into tennis, in this case x 10. Tennis saw a fairly traditional take on the print in 2009. It looks to be sticking around for another year for those of you who like to stay au courant.  Rafa is currently wearing plaid shorts by Nike. K-Swiss and Fila have more rolling in too. Oh yeah, in case you don't like the buttoned up effect of a polo this shirt also comes as a crew. Take a look right. Nice ehh?

The now faux-hawkless Verdasco is also wearing the Mens Edge Bermuda Shorts, $55. They've got a signal green band at the top (also available in black with green), 9" inseam, $55. His tennis shoes are the adidas CC Genius II white/green buzz, $120.

Verdasco's racquet? Technibibre TFight 320 VO2 Max, $179.00.

Find Verdasco's look online at adidas Tennis and Tennis Warehouse.

Andy Murray Debuts 2010 Spring/Summer adidas Competition Line for Men at The Hopman Cup.

Andy Murray made his adidas debut today representing Great Britain at the Hopman Cup in Perth Australia. Looks good in the stripes; switch approved. Pictured above he wears the new adidas apparel Competition line and the Barricade V ($120 USD) in signal blue, white and acid buzz (a color that reminds me of Rafa's electrolime bandana last year)

The Competition Polo ($58) and Bermuda shorts ($45) feature state-of-the-art adidas trade-marked Climacool and Formotion technologies that help keep you cool and comfortable. The polo also comes in white with blue accents but I like the buzzed combo best.

Murray's stick? The HEAD YOUTEK Radical, msrp $210.

Check out some studio video footage of Andy HERE.

Find the looks soon at adidas and Tennis-Warehouse. Learn more about the racquet at HEAD.

adidas Offers Up the CYD Reflex. New Tennis Training Shoe for 2010.

As training for tennis grows in importance so does training apparel. According to Gil Reyes, conditioning coach of the adidas Player Development Program, "Tennis players spend 70% of their time training and preparing for their next tournament...wearing the right training footwear is vital for future on-court success." According to Reyes, the CYD Reflex shoes are designed to contribute to the development of strong legs that will get you in perfect position, keeping good balance point after point at any phase of the game. Dinara Safina reinforces the concept in the video above.

Normal running and gym shoes are not designed to withstand or support the sudden movements required in tennis training and so the CYD Reflex features Speedcut, an adidas technology designed to reduce the forefoot strain of extreme side-to-side movements so players can maintain speed and performance while reducing the risk of injury. The shoes are built with adiTUFF to withstand abrasion by tough-on-footwear hard courts. The Torsion® System stabilizing technology gives the overarching support of the CYD Reflex, providing the midfoot with enhanced control, support and fit to adapt to whatever surface you are training or hitting on. It's a little like a seat-belt for your foot.

The breathable new shoes, designed for running and drills will ultimately save your tennis shoes for game day and keep your body and feet much happier during training.

The CYD Reflex retails for $100 USD and comes in four different colors for both men and women. White with black stripes and acid buzz (pictured above) or teal trimming for men and white with orange or black stripes and magenta detailing for women. A line of training apparel will also compliment the shoe.

Shop adidas Tennis

Fernando Verdasco Dons New Shirt and Shoes to Channel Spanish National Football Team Passion at Davis Cup.

Fernando Verdasco is wearing the new adidas jersey of the Spanish National Football Team this weekend as Spain defends its Davis Cup title against the Czech Republic in Barcelona. Watch the gift opening video here on facebook. Welcome to the cult Nando. Verdasco is the only tennis player wearing the emotion laden football jersey at the event.

The soccer jersey trend has hit the big time although  adidas had to adapt the football jersey to comply with the International Tennis Federation regulations.

On Verdasco's feet are personalized mi adidas Barricade V shoes that also reflect the colors of his country. Rave red upper, neon yellow laces, three whte stripes and silver claws with Spanish flag and nickname "Tabasco" (yes, I agree he is hot) on the heel.

The shirt, the Men's Spain Home Jersey 2010, $70 USD is available at adidas in sport apparel, shirts. The shoes? You just have to create them ($140 ) at mi adidas. Now all you need is red clay.

New Racquets in Hand, Bryan Brothers Get 2009 #1 Doubles Ranking with ATP Finals Win.

Bob and Mike Bryan end 2009 ranked the number #1 doubles team in the world. Just this past Sunday they captured the needed ATP World Tour doubles title to secure their top status with a win against finalists, Max Mirnyi and Andy Ram.

A late-season racquet switch to the brand new Prince EXO³ Ignite Team 95 (pictured here in Bob's hands) proved to benefit their game in the year's final month.

"To come full circle, do it in the last tournament, last match with so much riding on this one is huge,"said Mike. "We are feeling really great at the moment and attribute a big part of our most recent success, and achieving this goal, to our switch to the Ignite...[it allows] us to retain our power on serves and ground strokes, but carve out mid-court angles and shots at net. It is a more all-court frame -- something that suits our game and was exactly what we were looking for."

The 12.2 oz. advanced level racquet has a SRP $210 USD. Find a retailer at Prince or test drive/buy at Tennis-Warehouse. Bob's adidas shirt? It's from the US Open. Learn more here. His overgrip? Tournagrip.

   

adidas Tennis Reveals Ana Ivanovic's "Green" 2010 adilibria Dress for the Australian and French Opens.

adidas has revealed  Ana Ivanovic's first looks for 2010. The 22 year old Serbian will step onto the Southern Hemisphere courts wearing a good-for-the-earth core yellow, dropped waist dress with black trim. This will be her outfit for the Australian Open. Watch her chat about the style above.

The dress is made of 100% recycled PES polyester and is part of adidas' sustainable Better Place range. ClimaCool moisture management is built into the back and neck area. The fabric is familiar, soft and luxurious adidas as we like. This particular dress is fitted at the waist, a lengthening cut with no fussy frills. The striking pinking shear edged accents add the only whimsy. The dress does not offer a built in bra. A separate bra top and boy short are available and complement the black accents in the dress.

Her shoes? Ana will wear the Barricade V shoe in phantom black and core yellow.

Ivanovic plans to wear the same dress in red with orange accents in Paris at the French Open. You will see it in the video.

In store soon, dress $75 USD, shoes $120. Shop adidas or Tennis-Warehouse.

Novak Djokovic wins the China Open. His Beijing gear and style.

Congratulations to Novak Djokovic who just claimed his third title of the year at the China Open in Beijing. Djokovic plays with the HEAD YOUTEK Speed Pro.

Pictured left, trophy overhead, he's sporting the adidas  competition warm up top, $85 USD. He mixed things up a bit and broke out the orange Fall Edge Djokovic Top, $65 in his final match against Marin Cilic. Great to see him win but I really prefer the darker (pure steel inset) shirt he wore at the U.S. Open. It's my personal fly favorite on N.D. at the moment. 

Orange or grey, you can combine either of the shirts with the adidas Fall Edge 10" short in pure steel and the CC Genius Novak shoe, $120, for some serious adi hotness.

Find Djokovic's gear at: Tennis-Warehouse and adidas Tennis . HEAD has more info on the racquet.

Shuai Peng Rises to the Occasion in China.

With the home crowd behind her every step of the way,  unseeded Shuai Peng has so far stopped the rise of both Jelena Jankovic AND Tokyo champion, Maria Sharapova at the China Open

Peng has been wearing the adidas fall adilibria tank in light purple with cobalt, $55 and the adilibria skort in cobalt with night purple, $50. The two pieces are loaded with un-fussy feminine detail but are still solidly athletic. The top is close fitting with built-in shelf bra and blousey overlayer of jersey. The skort has a delicately ribbed mesh overlay, lightweight and made of ClimaCool (as is the top). The outfit is part of the group that included Ana Ivanovic's recent dresses.

I saw (and coveted) these pieces in adidas' flagship in NYC earlier this year. The styling is a tad Stella but the color combo far more bright.

On Peng's feet, the coordinating adidas Barricade V white and purple (whimsical graphic on the shoe), $120.00. Her racquet is the HEAD MicroGEL Extreme with Teflon polymer.

Peng faces Nadia Petrova next.

Find her look at adidas Tennis or  Tennis-Warehouse.

Image: Feng Li/Getty Images -- Sony Ericsson WTA Tour.

Melanie Oudin On the Rise. Her Game and Gear.

 

17 year old Oudin's impressive run at the U.S. Open was fueled by a whole lotta desire, talent and composure. Her new career high? 44 in the world. Can't wait to see what this one does next.

Her gear? The Wilson [K]Blade Tour, $210 unstrung. Her string choice is Wilson's [K] Gut 17, $22 per package.  She's been using Wilson since age 12. Her apparel through the tourney, the light purple adidas Women's fall Competition Tank, $60 and the Competition skort in night purple, $50. The top has a spray of  a dark purple graphic on the left side. All ClimaCool athletic tennis simplicity.

Oudin's shoes? I heard the naysayers but they grew on you didn't they? You started to BELIEVE too. Fashion is all about wearing about makes you feel good.

Buy or learn more at Tennis-Warehouse, Wilson or adidas .

Sam Querrey and Melanie Oudin. Winning Feet of Color.

 

Americans Melanie Oudin and Sam Querrey will showcase their tennis AND artistic talents at the U.S. Open this year. Pictured top is Oudin's one-of-a-kind Barricade V design and bottom, Querrey's. Both players designed their new foot candy online at miadidas.

 

Oudins' shoe says "BELIEVE" on the heel, Querrey's "Sam Querrey." There are a myriad of possible color combinations on the miadidas site -- team players (with big wallets - they are $140 each) may want to design a custom team shoe. You can add a country flag to the tongue. So cool and really easy to do.

TMOa (the men of adidas) US Open 2009 -- Style Report

 Hel-lo New York, adidas is serving up a whole lotta handsome at the U.S. Open. Here's what Novak Djokovic, Fernando Verdasco and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga will be wearing.  Love the sophisticated color combos.

 Left, Djokovic wears the new for fall Men's Edge Tee, pure steel, with full mesh panels along the back and sides for optimal cooling and ventilation. You can see a glimpse of Djokovic's signature falcon on his left shoulder, $65. His shorts are the Men's Edge Bermuda, $55 and tennis shoes, the steel Climacool Genius, $150. Bye-bye tropical blue. This is Manhattan.

Verdasco will be wearing the Men's Edge zip front tee with clean front graphic and tonal burnout mesh along the back and underarms for ventilation, $55, He will also wear the Men's Edge Bermuda. His footwear? The Barricade V, $120.

Tsonga will be decked out in the black with lead Men's Competition Theme crew with comfy ForMotion technology. ForMotion uses seam placement for enhanced fit and performance in motion, $55.

Tsonga's shorts, the Bermudas again, and shoe, same as Verdasco, the Barricade V. Wonder if he'll do another custom miadidas to go with this look.

Learn more or buy at adidas and Tennis-Warehouse .