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It's Fashion Week in New York and Venus Williams has the biggest catwalk of all.

It's fashion week in New York City and the creative juices are on display from the work of students at Academy of Art University to that of Tory Burch and Vera Wang. It is the week where long hours of planning, cutting and sewing are either rewarded with attention or dismissed as folly. Not one designer has a bigger catwalk, bigger live audience and more attention than EleVen's Venus Williams and she's taking advantage of it.

As styled models sashay down skinny runways under tents and in showrooms around the city, Venus as model runs, jumps, stretches and sweats across a tennis court, all eyes and cameras on her. So far she has played in four different tennis outfits all from her EleVen line being sold at Gilt.com. There are more to come.

"I'm having fun with it," said Williams to ESPN2's Hannah Storm last night. "It's all about celebration." And so the latest dress (like the black and red) is adorned with sequined fireworks. We've seen bold graphics, open backs, sheers, varied necklines, black lace, leather fringe, hot pink and body hugging style.

There have been a few malfunctions such as dresses riding way too high during big points but she's taken care to insure that what's underneath is fashionable too. The shorties are decorated with sequins as well. The wind on court has also been a challenge. "The fabric is light and flies when the wind blows," Williams continued smiling. Nothing has slowed her down.

Williams is living her dream, as fashion designer, model, business woman and star tennis player - she's an author too. "I love what I do," she commented to Storm referring to tennis and fashion design. It's all coming together for Venus and she's literally dancing to the music when hitting end-of-match balls into the crowds.

Yeah her outfits are rocking the tennis world and that's what she likes. As a designer to the tennis masses, she's got a few things to work on to make sure some of these new dresses are more user friendly -- that ride up is not working for me. Looking forward to seeing what she wears to the finals if she earns her place there though. Prospects are good.

Click here for a gallery of Venus's US Open Styles courtesy of LIFE.

McEnroe, Federer, Nadal, Sharapova and Azarenka Chat US Open and Tennis Fashion.

After Wednesday night's Lights On. Light's Out event in NYC the Nike tennis powers that be sat down for a few questions. Listen in to an excerpt (6 mins) discussing opins on the upcoming US Open and tennis fashion:

Is Maria Sharapova possibly one of the most media savvy people out there? No wonder she is the number one earning female athlete in the WORLD!

Spend An Evening with Tennis Identity (and Good Guy) Andre Agassi.

 Need to know even more about Agassi? Here's your chance and this one's not on paper.

A Special Evening with Andre Agassi is set for 8 pm, Thursday, September 2 in New York City at The Town Hall. The event which coincides with the US Open and the release of Open: An Autobiography in paperback, will be hosted by sports journalist Rick Reilly and will be a combination interview, real-time talk show, tribute and roast followed by a Q and A. Sounds fun to me but I'm a big fan.

Tickets are $95 and $150 USD. Private-meet-and-greet-over-cocktails-worthy tix are $250. Buy at Ticketmaster.* More info at The Town Hall NYC.

*"Freebie" You'll get a signed paperback copy of Open with any purchase through Ticketmaster.

Isner Puts His Feet Up as Mahut Hits Grass Again. A Chat with the Tall One.

John Isner took in some R&R this past weekend hitting the Jeremiah Weed Backyard at Daytona's midfield. He relaxed and played ping pong with driver Matt Kenseth before going to work Monday at his John Isner Tennis Camp in Athens Georgia.

Meanwhile Nicholas Mahut checked in at Newport's International Tennis Hall of Fame where he donated his shirt, shorts and one signed sneaker from "The Match" to the museum and began his pursuit of the Van Alen Cup. Back to the grind.

Isner had a little time for questions.

What kept you going physically during your marathon match?

Over the past year I worked really hard off-court on my strength and endurance. I spent a lot of time in the weight room and on field wearing cleats doing sprints, suicides and more to keep my cardiovascular up. I also swam once a week. I don't think I would have performed as well if I hadn't done all that.

Any secrets to what you eat or drink for fuel?

I eat a lot. I'm not stuffing down Big Macs or anything like that;  I eat healthy foods - a lot of them. I like pasta but try to keep a good combination of carbs and protein to fuel my big body ( 6' 9", 245 lbs). For hydration I drink coconut water prior to a match and on court. It's loaded with potassium and electrolytes which help keep me from cramping no matter how much I'm sweating.

What's your on court style?

Well I wear Nike and have for eight years. They did our team uniforms at the University of Georgia and so it was a natural transition when I went pro. They have the best stuff out there; the Dri-Fit is great.

Do you choose what you wear in tournaments?

Nike gives me a new batch of clothes about five times a year. I don't have much of a say in it but I like what they give me.

How much do you hang and play with tennis friends who are the competition?

Mardy Fish and James Blake live nearby in Tampa. It's good to have friends who are also players. We motivate each other. No one wants to fall behind.

Did you compete in tennis as a teen?

Yeah, I grew up in North Carolina and did tournaments in the state and the section. Lots of driving.

Are you going to donate anything from the big match to the Hall of Fame yourself?

I'm not sure of my plans yet.

Give him time..he's chillin and still enjoying his win.

Isner plays with the Prince O3 white racquet.

The Longest Match in Pro Tennis and a Whole Lot More. Guiness World Records Ticks Off 12 Newbies on Isner vs. Mahut.

ATP players John Isner, of the USA, and Nicolas Mahut of France, achieved twelve new records during their epic, 3 day match that started on Tuesday June 22 and finished on Thursday, June 24.

“...To set a record such as this is a rare thing, but to do so under the pressure of a major tournament and millions of viewers is awe-inspiring” said Craig Glenday, Guinness World Records’ Editor-in-Chief. Here are the officially confirmed records:

1. Longest match in professional tennis. (11 hrs. 5 mins. over three days)
2. Longest match in a Grand Slam competition
3. Longest match at Wimbledon
4. Most games played in a professional tennis match (183)
5. Most games in a Grand Slam match
6. Most games played during a Wimbledon match
7. Most aces served by an individual player in a professional tennis match (112 Isner)
8. Most aces served by an individual player in a Grand Slam match
9. Most aces by an individual player served at a Wimbledon match
10. Most games in a set in professional tennis (138 in 5th set))
11. Most games in a set in a Grand Slam competition
12. Most games in a set at Wimbledon

That'll make you think differently next time you're in one of those long ones.

The Flame Grows Bigger. WTT and Solfire Announce Alliance.

Solfire is a two year old lifestyle brand that's making itself known on tennis courts nationwide. Word of mouth and some hard pavement pounding by likable company founder, Brendan Murphy have resulted in key court influencers and teaching pros wearing the brand. It appears the efforts are paying off. That Solfire flame is burning brightly.

World Team Tennis (WTT) and Solfire have just announced a multi-year agreement making Solfire the official apparel provider of WTT, official sponsor of WTT Pro and Rec Leagues and WTT Smash Hits. Watch for Solfire apparel on officials, ball kids, staff and a few players.

Tour players currently wearing the line include Tommy Haas (right in the Big Lights Big City crew, $25), Ashley Fisher and Eric Butorac (pictured above left in the Classic ATP match shirt). The shorts on the site are $25. Nice prices ehh?

"Solfire is a non-traditional tennis brand and the WTT Pro League is a non-traditional tennis league," said Murphy. "We both bring great energy and enthusiasm to the game of tennis and I believe our products will provide an exciting new look and feel to the league."

"We're excited to have them join our growing portfolio of innovative partners," said WTT CEO/Commissioner Ilana Kloss. A special WTT tee is on its way.

Solfire makes cross-functional active wear for men and women some is high performance apparel (100% microdenier poly that's anti microbial, anti static and moisture wicking) and some is unique 100% cotton style for off-court. Go traditional or grab one of their stand-out art-adorned styles. Murphy is the artist as well. It's different. I like it.

High level players are eligible for discounted apparel packages. Solfire Nation, as they call it, it growing. Learn more or buy at Solfire.

Bid Yourself a Pricey Private with John McEnroe. Do it for the Mother.

How much would you pay for a one-hour private tennis lesson? Rates run $30 to $120 around the country depending on pro ability, rep and region. How about if your pro was John McEnroe?

McEnroe has donated an hour-long private lesson to raise funds for Christie’s Green Auction: A Bid to Save the Earth, an auction for the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day.  The highest bidder will have the opportunity to learn straight from the master, in NYC. Cool ehh?! The hour is valued at $20,000! Man that's a pricey private; but it's for the mother, mother earth and it's almost mother's day so do it if you've got the cash.

Bidding is open until May 6th 1:20 PM EDT on charitybuzz.

The auction item is part of "Christie's Green Auction: A Bid to Save the Earth,"a collaboration of leaders from the worlds of art, business, politics, media, fashion and celebrity for the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day.   Proceeds benefit 4 NGOs: Central Park Conservancy, Conservation International, NRDC and Oceana. 

Fashion Editors +Tennis Classics. Love Them Too But Could We Please Move On?

Jenny Kang, Lucky Magazine's Associate Market Editor, has put together a page of tennis fashions in the May 2010 issue of the magazine -- see right. I tried to contact Ms. Kang to ask her a few questions to no avail. I specifically wanted to ask her how much tennis she plays and why fashion editors consistently go to classics when they talk tennis.

In an industry that often worships back-killing shoes, wild prints, unusual colors and over-the-top adornments, it is strange to me that tennis is never interesting to fashion editors unless it's classically styled, mostly white, maybe with a touch of navy. The Hermes fashion show last year (for this season's "street" looks) was set on a grass court runway complete with audio of a match in session. The models wore lovely tennis inspired attire obviously not meant for the court or heavy sweating. 

Tennis, it appears, has two levels of fashion 1. tennis wear for lifestyle, Hamptons-ish prep or 1800's court tennis influenced, and 2. tennis wear for sport.

The comment next to the Fila Heritage dress in the Lucky spread reads "Throw a cardigan over it and you've got an unexpected, cute weekend outfit." There are Tretorns next to the dress. Case in point.

Now Fila and Ralph Lauren do a great job of combining classic and performance for those who love that look -- which is why the Fila dress works in the spread -- and I'm not knocking Kang's personal picks but if you play a lot you want variety. Maybe Lucky readers are more interested in the style and not so much in playing tennis but fashion reporters should also take note of what is actually being worn on court too, lots of jet black, vivid colors, florals, ruffles, asymmetricals and more. 

Take a look through the women's tennis fashion link here and you'll see where tennis fashion for female players has been trending. Yes we all love vintage but there is so much more. Come on fashion editors, give it some love or at least a little attention.

Thoughts on "The Superstar Effect," the Tennis Seesaw and the Laws of Physics

Today's Wall Street Journal presents an article entitled "The Superstar Effect." In it Jonah Lehrer details research that serves to prove that "From the playing field to the boardroom, when one competitor is clearly the best, the others don't step up their game - they give up." I don't think this is true in tennis.

Roger Federer, among the best tennis players of all-time, is an example of an "Intimidator." Yes playing him would be intimidating for most but for a top 50 player, with doubt tucked away (the kiss of death) and a lot happening right, a win IS possible. It's happened more than most light followers of tennis know.

Case in point, at the still-in-progress Sony Ericsson Open, Roger Federer, was taken out by Tomas Berdych who will play in the finals against Andy Roddick Sunday. Berdych is ranked #20 on the ATP World Tour. 

Another example,  the recent BNP Paribas Open,won by Ivan Ljubicic (pictured above left), a 26th ranked player who took out Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal (another "Intimidator") and Andy Roddick on his way to the victory.

I personally LOVE the tennis seesaw, the who's up who's down of it all. It's what makes watching matches so exciting.

It does appear that once marquee players hit it big in the marketplace their attentions are often pulled off court. That could be a factor in favor of opponents who are doing nothing but training. Federer and Maria Sharapova, talents with golden touch marketability, have struggled in some recent tournaments. Both have massive endorsement empires. Note that stumbles aside they are still currently #1 ATP and #12 (WTA) in the world respectively. Not shabby of course, but they can and have been beaten recently.

Novak Djokovic, ATP world #2, is earning big off court as well. Endorsement deals have followed his on-court successes but he too has had some recent stumbles.  Check out this recent video, which brings me to the physics portion of this post, a charming Novak Djokovic vs. Tennis Machine, a video sponsored by Djokovic's racquet company HEAD:

 Djokovic, like Sharapova and Federer, is another "Superstar" in the world of tennis. He like the others at the top need to watch out, because those standing on the lower rungs of the ranking ladder are hungry and while Djokovic, for example, is dabbling in physics, these future opponents are grinding it out, eyes on the prize, that tasty big win against a top ranked player.

This post was sponsored in part by HEAD.

Think You Can Hang With the Pros? Here's Your Chance To Play Tennis in the U.S. Open.

So hot shot, you think you're U.S. Open worthy? Here's your chance to show the world what you've got.

The U.S.T.A. has announced the launch of the U.S. Open National Playoffs, providing the opportunity for ALL tennis players 14 and older to attempt to earn a wild card into the U.S. Open Qualifying Tournament August 24-27.

The Playoffs will begin with 16 sectional qualifying tournaments held throughout the country from April-June 2010. The men's and women's champions from each of the sectionals will then advance to the U.S. Open National Playoffs -- Men's and Women's Championships, which will be held in conjunction with the Olympus U.S. Open Series tournaments this summer.

There will be no required tennis qualifications and no seeding or age breakdowns so there are certain to be a few blow outs in the early rounds. The $125 USD entry fee should sort out those without a lot of confidence in their game.

"..We expect the draws to be filled with top junior players, collegians, teaching pros and even recreational players..." said Jim Curley, Chief Professional Tournaments Officer and U.S. Open Tournament Director.

Skier Bode Miller, two-time World Cup Champion, two-time silver medalist and three-time world champion has already thrown his name into the draw. "Tennis has always been a part of my life," said Miller who won the Maine state singles title for Carrabassett Valley Academy in 1996 and whose family owns Tamarack Tennis Camp in Easton, NH. "I look forward to playing..."

Find entry details and a schedule of Regional Tournaments at USOpen.Org DREAM BIG. Registration begins February 1. Go for it!

Image of Bode Miller: Getty Images

Nikolay Davydenko Wins ATP World Finals and Ends Contract with Airness.

Nikolay Davydenko defeated Juan Martin del Potro yesterday to win the 2009 ATP World Tour Finals, the first Russian in history to win the event.  This tournament, according to his agent, also marks the end of Davydenko's contract with French apparel maker Airness. Many have sought the brand but few can find it (especially tennis) as it is not available in the U.S. or anywhere online as far as this editor can see.

So odd -- to have a guy as good as Davydenko promoting your brand and then not selling it anywhere -- well yeah it is available in shops in France (and possibly China) but that's not exactly marketing large. No word yet on who he's going to next. Stay tuned.

January 2010 note: According to his agent, Davydenko has resigned with Airness for 2010. Still no availability in the US.

Novak Djokovic Leaves adidas Tennis (and his personal falcon) for Sergio Tacchini.

Sergio Tacchini International has signed Novak Djokovic as its global brand ambassador. The deal places Djokovic alongside former elite endorsers John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors, Mats Wilander, Pat Cash, Goran Ivanisevic, Pete Sampras, Gabriela Sabatini and Martina Hingis.

But his adidas stuff was so nice...yeah it was but money does talk you know and this change will obviously not be as game challenging as the racquet switch was.  

The deal begins January 2010 although the Djokovic family was already sporting the new sponsor in London.

"I am pleased to partner with Sergio Tacchini, a strong brand with a true tennis DNA, and am honored to become part of this legacy," said Djokovic. "As I move into this next phase in my professional career, I would like to thank the team at adidas who have been incredibly supportive of me, and, together, we enjoyed great results."  Aww, that was nice of him to say.

Interesting that Djokovic's wins this year in big-market Asia (and popularity there) had a lot to do with the decision to go with him.

Will the falcon reappear on his shoulder?  We shall see.

Shop at Sergio Tacchini and Tennis-Warehouse.

Image: Novak Djokovic at press conference announcing deal.

Andy Roddick Commits to Wearing LACOSTE until 2013.

Rumors of Andy Roddick's plans to leave the croc have proven untrue. It was announced today that he has renewed his partnership with LACOSTE until 2013.

"I am proud to represent a brand that has such strong values surrounding family and sports," said Roddick. "After five years I feel a real sense of belonging to the crocodile family. I am happy to continue to be an ambassador of the LACOSTE brand and René Lacoste."

Christophe Chenut, CEO of Lacoste (pictured here with Roddick) said, "We are proud to have a player of this level ...Andy embodies the values of a true champion..."

Looking forward to 2010. Congratulations and good luck Andy.

Find the croc at Lacoste.

Age 50 +? No big deal. TENNIS Magazine's October issue offers tips for maintaining your game.

TENNIS magazine's October 2009 issue offers up a comprehensive article on playing tennis over age 50.

 Entitled "The Big 5-Love" the spread includes 11 pages of tips, court strategies and equipment ideas.

Pick up a copy if you don't get it already. Not 50 or even close? You can read about the lovely but currently lost Ana Ivanovic or why Rafa wore "bright rose" at the French Open.

I have that shirt by the way -- not bad on a gal either :)

It's Rally Time Guys: Get Yourself to One of These Pre U.S. Open Tennis Events in the Heart of the City. Attendees include RF, the Sisters Williams, Bros Bryan and John McEnroe to name just a few.

With the U.S. Open just days away now NYC is buzzing with, well, tennis and the game's biggest names. If you are in the big apple over the next few days check out these opportunities to see the stars and grab a little court time yourself -- FREE. Yes, that is not a word usually associated with tennis in Manhattan but tis true:

Wednesday, August 26th

"DIRECTV ESPN U.S. Open Experience."

Location: Bryant Park at 42nd and 6th Avenue (temporary DIRECTV built courts)

Meet Venus and Serena Williams, James Blake, Bob and Mike Bryan, and John McEnroe. The honored guests will play exhibition tennis beginning at 11:00 AM through 1:00 PM. Afterwards the public can test their on-court skills with the help of on site USTA pros.

"Nike Tennis Pros Provide Tips and Guidance to Local Youth/2009 U.S. Open Styles Unveiled "

Location: 23rd Street and Broadway (temporary Nike built regulation court)

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams and John McEnroe will meet and challenge local tennis youths and the general public with the experience of returning a pro serve (machine fed). Appearance schedule: 10:15 am-10:45 Roger Federer, 1:30-2:00 PM Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal. Athlete styles for the U.S. Open will be revealed.

Sunday, August 30th

"Prince Presents the 2009 Central Park Tennis EXO³bition"

Location: Central Park Tennis Courts, 98th Street /Center of the Park

Prince players Gael Monfils, Bob and Mike Bryan, Daniela Hantuchova, Sam Querrey and more will be on hand to meet, greet and even play with fans. Win prizes and test out the new EXO³ racquets. 12 noon to 2 pm. Loads of freebies and good music.

Kim Clijsters Rejoins the WTA Tour With a Splash.

 

Welcome back Kim! The Western & Southern Financial Group Women's Open kicked off this past weekend with the return of Kim Clijsters who played mini tennis with Elena Dementieva amidst the cooling spray of the fountains of King's Island. Clijsters first faces Marion Bartoli, world number 12.

Clijsters returns to the tour wearing Fila and carrying her trusty Babolat, the Babolat Pure Drive, $185. For string she uses Babolat VS Natural Gut.  

For more on her return, check out this link on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour site.

Image: Getty Images

Has Grunting, Shrieking and Wailing On-Court Gotten Out of Hand? How About Your Game?

Maria Sharapova is commonly referred to as "Shriekapova" by bloggers world wide. Grunting, shrieking and even wailing as was the case with Michelle Larcher de Brito is making headlines. Larcher de Brito was warned at the French Open last month about her distracting noise-making bringing the topic to the forefront.

Exhaling while hitting has long been considered a good relaxation technique in tennis but has it gotten out of hand with the added sound? The L.A. Times reports today that Maria has been recorded at 101 decibels. It's not just the women either. Rafa Nadal grunts too although not quite as loudly.

Nick Bollettieri and Martina Navratilova are two prominent industry reps who agree the noise has gotten out of hand, distracting for opponents and unpleasant for fans. Wimbledon representatives have indicated that they will impose a crackdown on grunters and the ITF is considering new rules and penalties concerning noise hinderences. We'll see how it plays out.

Are you a grunter? I hear it on junior tournament courts although never as loud as at the pro level. Would it be tough to take it out of your game?

It's National Tennis Month. Get me a court time on that barge!

 

In honor of National Tennis Month here in the U.S., tennis greats Billie Jean King and John McEnroe played aboard this Hudson River barge set in front on the NYC skyline yesterday. Hey, I want to do that!

Visit USTA to learn more about what's going on to grow our great game. I know you, dear reader already play, but encourage someone you know who doesn't!

"Is Tennis Hip Again?" asks the Wall Street Journal

Tennis has always been hip within its inner circles but it appears to be catching on again with the masses. Thanks to a tremendous effort by the USTA and TIA to bolster community and team programming and WTA/ATP backed pro talent whose games and personalities have garnered commercial endorsements outside of tennis the game is growing. Today's tennis identities have become household names like Chris Evert and Bjorn Borg were (and still are). According to today's Wall Street Journal, "Fresh data from the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association suggests that the fastest growing sport in the country is...tennis. After years of stagnation participation has grown 43% since 2000 and jumped 9.6% last year, while baseball, golf, gymnastics and football shed participants over the same period." The days of empty public courts may be over. That's a really good thing for our game.

Save the Logo. Lacoste Gives Back to the Creature That Has Served for 75 Years.

 

Lacoste has joined the "Save the Logo" campaign, which encourages private companies or institutions to contribute in the preservation of biodiversity on the planet by committing to the protection of the animal that is part of their logo. Lacoste, the first international brand to support the campaign will, of course, support Crocodile family conservation efforts.

In tennis, that could also include Puma and Airness. Any others? Sounds like a great way for companies to give back to the species that so effectively feeds their bottom line.

The Global Environment Facility (GEF), World Bank and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) are behind this initiative. Learn more at Save Your Logo.

United Arab Emirates Changes Position and Allows Israeli Andy Ram to Play in Dubai.

The United Arab Emirates has agreed to allow Israeli player Andy Ram to play this week in Dubai, changing its policy and allowing Israeli athletes to enter and compete in the UAE.  Larry Scott, Chairman and CEO of the Sony Ericsson WTA commented, "We welcome the change of the UAE policy...which clarifies that all Israeli athletes will be able to compete in future tournaments in UAE."

Scott continued, "Shahar Peer is owed all of our thanks for her courage in challenging an unjust policy and for forcing action to be taken that resulted in today’s announcement.  We thank all of the many organizations and individuals that rallied behind Shahar and pressed the UAE to change their discriminatory stance. It is deeply regrettable that Shahar had to suffer the negative consequences of the UAE decision this past week in order for this policy to get turned around for the benefit of others.  What happened to Shahar last week was discriminatory, reprehensible and unacceptable, and the Tour will shortly be determining remedies for her, penalties to be imposed on the tournament, and the additional assurances we will require to guarantee all Israeli athletes entry to the UAE so that future tournaments in the UAE may take place."

Once again, enough said. Positive steps forward. Let's hope that the crowd behaves at the tournament.

"There should be no place for politics or discrimination in professional tennis or indeed any sport" says Peer on the Decision by United Arab Emirate to Deny Her a Visa

"In response to the tremendous outpouring of support and empathy over the UAE decision to deny me a visa that would allow me to play in the Dubai Tennis Championships, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my friends and fans around the world, and my fellow players.  While this is a very difficult moment for me personally and professionally, and the fact that the visa denial was issued at the last moment, I firmly believe that my fellow competitors should not be harmed the way I was - they were in or on their way to Dubai and denying them the right to play in this year’s tournament at the last moment would not make the wrong right. In fact, it troubles me greatly that my doubles partner Anna-Lena Groenefeld from Germany will not be able to compete as we had planned.  Going forward, I am confident that the Tour will take appropriate actions to ensure that this injustice is not allowed to occur in the future, and that the Tour will make sure I will not be further harmed in the short and long term.  There should be no place for politics or discrimination in professional tennis or indeed any sport."

Shahar Peer, February 17, 2009

Pretty much everything that needs to be said. Shahar's style was profiled January 21 on Tennis Identity.

Are the ATP and WTA Moving in Together?

Are the ATP and WTA moving towards becoming one organization or just one with each other? Douglas Robson's  November 18 article in USA Today points out the positives and negatives to such an alliance, one that this writer feels would be great for the game's public identity and profile. Do combined events draw bigger audiences? Are they more interesting to attend? What do you think?