Jo-Wilfried Tsonga fans, go wild (but a bit less than Tsonga above, lol) by going to miadidas.com and designing a pair of adizero tennis shoes for the Frenchman to wear on Kid's Day at Roland Garros.
Tweet your design with #miTsonga and your design is entered. The contest opens May 2. Tsonga will pick his fav. He's told me he likes bright flashy colors, so head in that direction.
PS -- Ana Ivanovic lovers, watch for her cameo above.
| | | |
| | |
Rounding out coverage of the remaining adidas styles hitting the Australian Open are two of my favorite players/personalities Ana Ivanovic and Jo Wilfried Tsonga.
Above, Ivanovic (who at the moment is on to round 3), wears the spring adizero dress in vivid yellow with tech grey, $85, and the adizero Tempai II, $120 (also worn by Angelique Kerber) .
Tsonga sports the adizero polo, $65 in white with vivid yellow and spring adizero short, $50 in tech grey. I love this particular shirt/short combo; you can see some of the other pieces in the new group on the adidas guys here.
Find the men's looks here and women's styles here. adidas.com and adidas sport shops also sell the complete lines.
| | | |
| | |
Must have been selfie Sunday. Andy Murray, Fernado Verdasco and Angelique Kerber had some fun with their Australian Open looks in adidas' dressing room recently:
Above: Murray wears adidas' semi fitted barricade crew, $58 and barricade 9.5" short, $45. His shoes are the barricade 7.0 in black and yellow, $125. Verdaso wears the men's spring adizero crew in vivid yellow, $60 and adizero short in tech grey, $50. His shoes are the adizero CC Feather II, $125. Kerber wears the spring adizero dress in vivid yellow with tech grey, $85. It comes with a bra and shorties (great deal). Her shoes are the adizero CC Tempaia II in white and yellow, $120.
Good looks, fun pics.
Find the men's looks here at Tennis-Warehouse and women's styles here at Tennis-Warehouse. adidas.com and adidas sport shops also sell it.
| | | |
| | |
Surprise, surprise, Maria Kirilenko is back wearing Stella McCartney. The announcement was made today at the adidas Stella McCartney barricade line launch in Melbourne.
Back in 2008 Kirilenko was the only WTA player wearing adidas by Stella. She was then moved to adidas' Barricade line. Have to say she looked snazz in both but her petite frame is perfect for the designer range.
Alas, adidas Barricade and adidas by Stella McCartney have merged and Maria is back. Lovely.
| | | |
| | |
Pictured is a sampling from the adidas by Stella McCartney Barricade tennis collection announced Monday. "Running yellow" is featured here but the items also come in solid white with touches of grey.
McCartney's newest performance fabrics are buttery soft, breathable and very thin, suitable for the heat coming their way in Australia. Gorgeous stitching, and not just one style, create pretty, body defining seams. Panels of mesh keep heat prone areas well ventilated and soft pleats add femininity to the tailoring. I love the backs of both the skirts and tops.
The tennis dress, $120, is a fit/go if you are in fab firm shape. The separates are more forgiving; buy a size up to achieve a smooth (less hugging) line against your body.
I'm going to go for the white cap sleeve top $60, long sleeve $70, skort $60, coordinating visor, $25, and adidas Barricade 7 shoes, $120.
Kudos to Ms. McCartney for bringing more WTA players into her house of tennis fashion and for building shorties into her tennis skirts and bra into the dress. Next wish, pretty please, modesty inserts for all built in bras.
Find the line at adidas.com, adidas sport performance stores, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis specialty retailers worldwide.
| | | |
| | |
adidas has just announced a new tennis fashion collection, adidas by Stella McCartney Barricade, a group that merges two formerly separate collections, adidas by Stella McCartney and adidas women's Barricade.
Pictured are Caroline Woziacki (above top) and Andrea Petkovic wearing the new line. Laura Robson will also wear the label. Comprised of structured dresses, separates and tennis shoes, the new adidas line comes in a palette of pastel yellow, blue and white with accents of silver and grey. The line is inspired by Stella's own RTW collection which uses feminine lines that flatter and enhance the female form.
I'm going to be checking out the styles in the next day or so and will report back on that fit/flatter. I'm particularly curious about that panel of color over the mid section on the dress (left). Love the looks of the warm up jacket and long sleeve though; these are absolute spring necessities and a nice way to arrive on court looking put together.
Find the line at adidas.com, adidas sport performance stores, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis specialty retailers worldwide.
VIDEO HERE. Stay tuned; more to come...
| | | |
| | |
Exo tournament winner, Nicolas Almagro, wore Reebok in the sunniest of yellows. The brand hasn't faded from the courts completely.
John Isner wore Lacoste's juicy-fruit stripes -- we saw this one at the US Open but this time on our tall friend. My wish to see Isner in something other than classic solids has come true. Keep it coming John.
Andy Murray wore adidas - I prefer a better dose of color on the Scot and for Florida. He looks best in dark colors.
Boys will be boyzzzz. Below, the Andys met up with the Miami Tennis Cup ball girls whose leggings, model looks and dancing drew quite a bit of attention off court. Tight white leggings with a short shirt? Hmmm. Not many women would buy into that but I'm sure that wasn't the point ;) The guys look pretty psyched ehh?! Kinda cute.
.
| | | |
| | |
The adidas kit, here on Laura Robson, has seen some good success in New York. Angelique Kerber wore the same look (albeit sleeveless) last night. Both players served BIG upsets. Kerber BTW accented her outfit with a different, but matching polish, on every finger. Details matter girls. Feel good, play well.
The tennis dress from the same fall adizero womens group is also making nice headway on Ana Ivanovic.
Is this new kit infused with some kind of mojo? These players are rising above. Yup, probably has more to do with the talent.
I have to be honest, although I prefer separates in more like color combinations for slimming reasons, this one is winning. I'm not going to argue.
Find it at adidas, Tennis-Warehouse and adidas tennis retailers worldwide.
| | | |
| | |
So the black dress is not the only look Caroline Wozniacki will wear at the US Open. Adidas has just revealed two additional outfits Caro plans to wear days in Flushing Meadows. The black one will be for evening.
Pictured are the adidas by Stella McCartney Performance Tank in cobalt and mystery, $70. A bra is built in but Caro is wearing a separate pink one under the grey top here.
The skirt is the Tennis Skort in either white/pop or white/cobalt, $100. Shorts are built into these babies.
Sporty looks. I think I'll these looks better styled with the top untucked and with a white top though.
Find it at adidas, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers selling the Stella line worldwide.
| | | |
| | |
This adidas performance crew also comes in white, core energy red and dark blue, $50 USD. The shorts are the adizero Bermuda, $43.
His shoes are the adizero Feather II, $130 light and super stable with SprintWeb designed for high-speed tennis. SprintFrame construction keeps light shoes from over pronation.
Looks like Nando's love for color is on-court only at the moment and really...black's not a bad thing either. Is anything on this guy?
Above Fernando hits the adidas store in NYC pre US Open.
Find it at adidas, Tennis-Warehouse and adidas tennis retailers worldwide.
| | | |
| | |
Caroline Wozniacki will wear this Stella McCartney Tennis Performance Dress at the U.S. Open. The new adidas dress features lingerie inspired seaming and transparent, breathable black mesh over rose-tan stretch jersey for what adidas calls a "glamorously fierce look" ($120 USD).
Caroline's shoes, also by Stella, will be the new Sebellica, $200. Black, lightweight adidas perfomance tennis shoes with white soles.
Black connotes a certain level of sophisticated toughness on court, is always in style and somewhat glamorous. No polarizing frills or cheery colors this time around.
"I have been very closely involved with Stella in designing my on-court looks and already know what I will be wearing in the year to come, said Caroline at a recent New Haven Open press meeting. "I really enjoys the process."
The turn to black and simple may reflect Caroline's more studied, calm approach to the game today. "There is no stress. I do what I like to do and I enjoy it." She admits to being super competitive and not just in tennis; perhaps the black dress will reinforce that visually because otherwise Caro exudes very sincere sunniness. A pleasure.
Wozniacki is going for a 5th straight title at the New Haven Open at Yale. Next stop, Flushing Meadows.
| | | |
| | |
Getting your head around London 2012 tennis fashion is a bit of a challenge with all of the various Olympic alliances out there.
adidas is the official sportswear partner of London 2012 and you will see lots of it during the games (they are partners with 11 different nations with 3,000 + athletes) BUT you will see other brands as well and often not the ones you are used to seeing on your fav players. Here's why.
Any player representing a National Olympic Committee (NOC) or Federation will wear their country's Olympic product in the brand name sponsoring that NOC or Federation. Pictured above, for example, Heather Watson of Great Britain hams it up in some of her Team GB kit by Stella McCartney for adidas. During the regular tennis season Watson is sponsored by K-Swiss.
Nike, as further example, represents the US Tennis Federation and so all Team USA athletes will wear Nike even if it is not their year-round sponsor. We saw a glimpse of John Isner in Nike on the cover of a recent Tennis Magazine. He usually wears Lacoste. Andy Roddick is the same.
It will be interesting to see what Team USA's Venus Williams will do. EleVen has released an image of a dress she is planning to wear. No swoosh in sight. Serena is all set.
Enjoy what, from some countries, may turn out to be some seriously unusual fashion. Can't wait. Post Olympics, they will be back in their regular sponsor's brand.
adidas notes that contracted athletes representing countries where adidas does not partner with the NOC or Federation have been given generic International Olympic Committee (IOC) compliant outfits that they can wear if deemed ok by that individual's team federation, so their may be some leniency built in.
Next up, a look at the actual Olympics goods. Torch please.
| | | |
| | |
Tennis shoes continue to slim down while maximizing speed in all directions, a must for our multi-directional game. The new adidas adizero Feather II and Tempaia II weigh in at lightweight 11.8 and 10 ounces respectively and wow, that color. Anyone developing a tennis shoe fetish? Happiness is my closet looking a little like Dylan's, NYC.
It's not just tennis btw. Take a look at this baseball pic.
The womens adizero Tempaia II comes in pink/white (as above) and white/pink, $125 USD. The mens adizero Feather II comes in blue/lime (above) and infrared/white, $130.
adidas sent me a pair to check out ♥ Snug fit, low-to-the ground shoe, true to size. The outsole, like the box suggests, seems just fine on any court surface, although I haven't given these babies a go on grass yet. Honestly, they would be fine for a light hit but any serious grass court player wears grass-specific shoes. Did I mention I like the color?
Available at adidas, Tennis-Warehouse and adidas retailers worldwide.
Follow TennisIDENTITY using any of the tools below!
| | | |
| | |
Most men could use some fresh white in their tennis wardrobe. Even pricey white threads look super ick when tired, stained or stretched out. Be strong and welcome a newcomer to your bag
Restocking in the whites category is easy with the variety of kits offered up around Wimbledon so take a look around for your personal style. Every brand has an identity and edge of its own.
These separates from adidas on Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Andy Murray, for example, are options for those loving a loose-fit, all business, athletic style. Nothing presumptuous about them.
Tsonga wears the adizero Theme Polo Wimbledon, $65 and adizero Bermuda, $50, His shoes are the adizero Feather II, $130. An infrared line of color is the only decoration here besides the three stripes.
Murray is wearing the adidas lawn adipower Barricade tee, $55, lawn Barricade Shorts, $45 and Barricade 7.0 tennis shoe, $140. Red camo-print accents on the chest pick up the tonal camo print woven into the back.
Find it at adidas, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers selling adidas worldwide.
| | | |
| | |
Adidas is keeping it simple for Ana Ivanovic at Wimbledon. Pictured here on the Wimbledon grass is the very pretty adizero Wimby or Lawn dress, $80 decorated only with asymmetrical back and shot of infrared that rolls from back to front. This tennis dress is made of very lightweight tricot that releases heat and sweat as you play. Bra and shorts are included in the price.
Ivanovic's shoes are the coordinating adizero Tempaia II, $125. This is a female foot specific shoe and is designed for multidirectional speed and movement. The shoe also comes in pink which is a no-no at the All-England Club but would look great with this dress.
Find it at adidas, Tennis -Warehouse and adidas retailers worldwide.
| | | |
| | |
We interrupt the French Open where Caroline Wozniacki is playing in the sunniest of yellows to let you know what the Dane will wear at Wimbledon 2012.
Wozniacki will step on the grass courts in the above white (of course) adidas by Stella McCartney tennis dress. She wore the same dress in tomato red in Australia. I love it in white, SO fresh and cool looking, $120. The silhouette is loaded with feminine detail like all-over engineered lace and a light floral accents. A Hot Pant and Performance bra are extra but essential to making this look work as they peek through, $50 each.
Wozniacki's shoes are the Sebellica Tennis shoe in white, metallic silver and lucid red, not new to the group. The Sebellica, at $200, is a for-Stella version of the Barricade VI. McCartney's off court pieces, the jacket, for example, are pulled from the brand's running group, finely constructed and lightweight, perfect for summer. New this year is ClimaCool technology built into these pieces. Other lust-worthy gear you will see on Wozniacki are from the adidas by Stella Studio group, designed for yoga.
Find it at adidas, Tennis-Warehouse and select tennis retailers worldwide.
| | | |
| | |
And here's Andy Murray's kit for the Paris Open 2012; it's all adidas Barricade collection: the Barricade crew tee in dark onix with high energy orange, $55 USD and knit shorts in the same orange, $45. This will be Murray's first time in this color set, although he's worn the design since Australia.
I am a fan of grey with bright for the Brit; it's really trendy and quite compelling (a mirror to his oncourt moodiness maybe). Here's hoping Andy finds energy and balance from the combo.
On his feet? The mi-coach compatible Barricade 7.0, $140 in black and orange. Yes to the black socks, absolutely.
Find it at adidas, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers worldwide.
| | | |
| | |
Frenchman and current world #5, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga will be outfitted in special Roland Garros themed adidas for the Paris Open. I adore the colors of this limited ed. group.
Above is the Ace RG Tee, $45 USD and Bermuda, $45 in power green with ultra green and high energy orange accents. The group also comes in white. Check out the warm-up jacket and cap in this special collection as well.
Tsonga's tennis shoes will be the adizero Feather 2, said to be super light and low to the ground, $130.00 USD with micoach compatibility; they will not be out until July 1.
Find the apparel at Tennis-Warehouse in the US and at adidas Europe.
| | | |
| | |
No, not blue courts again, but a fashion turn to the hue that thankfully didn't happen in Madrid. Fernando Verdasco will hit the red clay in Paris wearing head to toe adiZero by adidas. Above making the save is the adiZero Crew Tee $60, slight tone-down from his recent brights.
Right is one of the four color versions available in this formotion tee; the darker color on Verdasco above is not at retail in this design. The adiZero Bermuda Short he's wearing, $50, is designed for cool unrestricted comfort.
Verdasco's tennis shoes are the adiZero Feather, $125 They have a breathable upper, Adiprene+ for propulsion and extended torsion for midfoot support.
Find it at adidas, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers worldwide.
| | | |
| | |
adidas by Stella McCartney pays homage to Caroline Wozniacki's sunny side with this fresh lemon kit for Roland Garros 2012.
Pictured is a two piece set, the adidas by Stella McCartney Tennis Performance Skirt, $95 with a flattering drape and wide elastic waist and the matching Tennis Performance Tank, $80, which has an open neck, loose blouson fit and closefitting waistband that pulls neatly over the skirt top. Mesh overlay makes the back quite interesting (see pic) and decorative topstitching and bow at neck adds fun. No bra built in. The visor is tomato red, $30 which is picked up in the shoes below.
Be careful with this lemon color if you are super pale. The top also comes in tin grey and core blue for those of us that can't wear bright yellow.
Sunshine's tennis shoes are the lightweight, performance- driven adidas by Stella McCartney Sebellica and will run you a cool $200; yup, that's not a typo.
Find it all at adidas, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers worldwide.
| | | |
| | |
Stella McCartney, creative director for team Great Britain, has just revealed the new adidas kits for British athletes at the Olympics 2012 in London. Each look focuses on the Union flag, breaking down the iconic design and reconstructing it with a modern, contemporary twist using high performance athletic fabric and construction.
Above is what Andy Murray will wear on the tennis court.
| | | |
| | |
High voltage color is big news this season and the adiPURE collection from adidas, worn here by WTA world #23 Maria Kirilenko, works it. This kit is for the fighter; no way you are not moving your feet in these brights.
Maria heads into the US hard court season with a solid run at Pattaya City under her belt (lost to Hantuchova in finals).
The top, pictured here in Dubai, is the adidas adiPURE spring tank in ultra-purple (no bra built in) $48. Ruching at the bust adds femininity to an otherwise sporty tank. The skort, $45, is low-rise and comes in core energy with same color shorties built in. The collection also has a dress that we may see in Indian Wells.
Bam that's a hot look on a fit bod. Ultra-bold and confident it is, and I love that messy braid.
Find it at adidas, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers worldwide.
| | | |
| | |
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.
| | | |
| | |
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.
| | | |
| | |
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.
| | | |
| | |
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 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.
| | | |
| | |
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.
| | | |
| | |
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.
| | | |
| | |
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.
| | | |
| | |
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.
| | | |
| | |
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.
| | | |
| | |
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.
| | | |
| | |
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.
| | | |
| | |
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.
| | | |
| | |
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.
| | | |
| | |
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 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 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.
| | | |
| | |
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 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 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 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 ;)
| | | |
| | |
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'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.
| | | |
| | |
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 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
| | | |
| | |
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.
| | | |
| | |
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.
| | | |
| | |
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.
| | | |
| | |
