TennisIDENTITY

Vera Zvonareva moves to Fila. Kim Clijsters and Svetlana Kuznetsova renew contracts.

You may have noticed. Vera Zvonareva has joined team Fila and she looks damn good in her inaugural choices in Australia. 

“I have admired the Fila brand since I was a young girl and I am thrilled to join the elite group of athletes that have worn Fila throughout the years,” said Zvonareva. “The...brand aligns so well with my personal style...”

Pictured on Vera is the Fila Winter Collezione Racer tank, $50 in a super flattering platinum color with black and white accents and coordinating Collezione Petal Skort, $48. The built in undershorts are platinum. 

Heavy sweaters, consider the white or black base in this top.

For those who love the look but want more upper leg coverage, go with the Flounce Skort (in black or white) which is an inch longer with no peek-a-boo.

Fila has also announced extended endorsement agreements with long-time WTA champions Kim Clijsters and Svetlana Kuznetsova, two of my favs!

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

 

A fashion minded Jelena Jankovic JJumps to Fila.

Fila has announced an endorsement agreement with WTA player Jelena Jankovic, currently ranked #14 in the world. The Serb leaves ANTA and a lot of colorful tennis dresses that few could get their hands on -- well China, so few is a relative term.

“I have always been attracted to Fila’s fashion-forward designs and especially appreciate their commitment to infusing our sport with beauty and fashion,” said Jankovic. “Fila has such a rich tennis history and it is an honor to be wearing the same brand as the stars I admired as a child.”

It really is great news for the brand as Jelena's got quite a spicy personality as well as tennis talent. 

With an undeniable passion for glamorous fashion (her website is something akin to a look book) I'm looking forward to seeing what the Serb wears in Australia and beyond. Could a personal JJ Fila collection be coming? My bet is yes. There was one with her former sponsor but the world never knew and that's something Jankovic very likely wants to change. 

Pictured above Jelena wears the Fila 2011 Fall Center Court Dress in white, fuchsia and black. 

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.

 

 

Fila brings back Pierluigi Rolando, Italian master designer, and the wilder side of retro tennis.

Bring back the prints.There is a demand for the wilder side of retro. Target has just announced a new Missoni collection and Fila has brought back the designs of Pierluigi Rolando. Now Missoni didn't do much for tennis but Rolando was a game-changer, for Fila and for tennis fashion.

The Italian designed tennis apparel for the growing brand from 1970-1984 outfitting players such as Björn Borg, Boris Becker and Yvonne Goolagong. If you lived the day, you will certainly recall the prints that became his signature. 

Francine Candiotti, Fila's current senior designer, met with Rolando last year to create a new retro inspired line for the brand some of which is trotting out at the US Open. Rolando's leather bound notebooks and drawing pads have actually been an inspiration for other current Fila styles as well.

PIctured above is Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia who wore the new Pierluigi v neck top, $58 and skort, $60. Both performance pieces come with a white or peacoat base. The print is all-over. 

I personally like the Pierluigi dress, $70, with white base, scoop neck and t-back. It's really fun. The fact that the design is set to the side makes this large print wearable and not body enlarging.

Another fashion trend hits the courts in time for Fashion Week. Tennis is on it.

Find the Pierluigi line at Fila. The dress will be available after the Open.

 

 

Janko Tipsarevic US Open 2011. Tennis Fashion and Eyewear.

I continue to be surprised at how few on-tour tennis athletes wear eye protection on-court in the blazing sun. Janko Tipsarevic is one who very smartly does. Pictured above at the US Open he wears prescription photochromic Oakley Fast Jackets. Switchlock technology allows you to quickly switch lenses with changing light; a great option for a long match outdoors. They start at $220 USD without prescription. 

The Serb is also wearing the new and classically styled Fila Heritage Crew and short in New York. Both are $45 USD. The polished looking set reflects past signature red white and blue Fila styles (how fitting at the USO) while meeting today's performance needs. The 100% poly fabrics are loose fitting, UV protective and wicking. Built in mesh panels insure breathability. If you're not a bright's guy, the shirt comes in a few other colors including white.  

Wishing Janko luck vs friend and fellow Serb Novak Djokovic in the next round. Whatever happens, Janko will do it in style, intelligent tattoos included.

Find it at Oakley, Fila, Tennis Warehouse and tennis retailers worldwide.

 

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.

 

Fila brings back Boris Becker.

No that's not Boris but click through these pics of Becker from the International Tennis Hall of Fame. 

Fila continues its run at the 80's with this redux of a look Becker wore back in his number-one days. Retooled for today's game with all the technical stuff you expect now, this jacket is going to stand out on court. Retro fans and those with court-loads of confidence will love it.

The coordinating polo, shorts and sweat pants are far tamer (the latter two are both solid peacoat blue) so if you just want to dabble in the look there's the toned down option. That said, I know some of you can pull this jacket off. 

The print is thin wavy brushstrokes in colors called turkish sea and peacoat navy. 

The new Fila Boris Becker jacket will run you $90; polo, $60; and pants $70. All comfortable poly spandex lined with mesh (neither shiny nor noisy). No word on who will be wearing this on the pro court. Anyone want to venture a guess?

Find it at Fila, Tennis Warehouse and Fila retailers worldwide.

 

Fila celebrates 100 years. Newport joins the party.

Fila has been around since 1911. Pictured are select pieces from their 100 year commemorative collection. The group, for both men and women, includes the 100 year zip jacket, pique polo shirt, reversible bucket hat, tennis shoe and duffle bag. All are adorned with the Fila F and 100 year logo.

Classic ehh? Only cut and fabrication have been modified from original designs to reflect modern tastes. I'm filing much of it under tennis lifestyle, great looking stuff to get you to and from the courts and in between.

Rolling out over the course of 2011 however are a few special Fila reincarnations definitively designed for the surface of your choice. They are called  "Champion's Collections" and hail from Fila's rich fashion archives. Kim Clijsters won AO in a special Yvonne Goolagong look in Australia and played in a pink and purple Monica Seles look-alike at Roland Garros. More to come. 

Headed to Newport? Just opened is a special Fila exhibit at The International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHOF).

"...Our mission is to preserve and showcase the history of tennis, with the goal of honoring the legends and inspiring tennis fans," said Mark Stennig, CEO of the ITHOF. From Borg's Wimbledon victories to Seles'  French Open title, Fila has been an integral partner in great moments in tennis history and we are pleased to celebrate their milestone anniversary by showcasing [Fila's] rich history to our visitors," 

The first exhibit in a rotating display is White Line, Fila's original white tennis collection. All exhibits, photography, films and memorabilia come from Fila's 100th Anniversary Museum, recently opening in the Province of Biella, Italy. Although I am drinkin' the kool aid, Newport is as close as this tenista is going to get for now. Ciao.

Find the 100 year collection at Fila and Tennis-Warehouse. Champions Collection pieces are also available at Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers worldwide.

 

 

Kim Clijsters revisits the 80s with vintage tennis fashion at Roland Garros.

There is a reason why Kim Clijsters' on-court fashion at Roland Garros looks a bit 80's. It is inspired by a Monica Seles outfit Clijsters was given as a junior at that time. With it Fila introduces its second in a series of 100th anniversary commemorative tennis apparel worn exclusively by Kim. AO 2011 was the first. A special F-box and hang-tag mark the anniversary brand.

Kim's outfit blends old with new by integrating the latest in performance fabrics and cuts with nostalgic retro designs and colors. This fushia, purple, white and blue collection includes a crew-neck short sleeve top, skort, jacket and adjustable visor. I'll bet daughter Jada is happy about it too as I hear she LOVES pink. 

Clijsters' monica vintage top $52 USD, jacket $65 and visor $22 include the signature spatter print design that decorated Clijsters' favorite childhood outfit. I remember it myself. Kind of a cool idea with all the vintage lovin' going on. Fila did a nice job making it work. Good thing Kim didn't revisit the big hair of the time as well. 

Seriously though,  I did get to check out this outfit and it's really nice performance stuff. The lined jacket has that kind of thin and shiny crinkle fabric (Taslon) that the 80's jackets had but it's a lot softer and not noisy at all (remember when you could hear people coming and going in that stuff?!). Fun collection of separates. 

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

TENNIS Magazine's Buyer's Guide 2011

TENNIS Magazine's 2011 Buyer's Guide is in their May issue. Pick one up if you don't subscribe.

If you are in the market for a new racquet or shoes this issue outlines playtester reviews of what's new with the biggest brands and tells it like the players felt it.

Read the dets closely and don't just buy a racquet model because your favorite player uses it. Look for features that suit YOUR game style.

In the background...my lovely Fila jacket, the one Kim Clijsters wore when she won the 2009 US Open. Still looks great doesn't it?

 

Kim Clijsters makes a center court appearance.

Get well soon Kim! I was sad to see Kim Clijsters drop out of the BNP Paribas at Indian Wells last week with a bum shoulder. Better not to play injured though. No word on if she will be well enough for Miami.

Kim changed out of her AO winning retro style to a very spring looking two piece outfit from Fila in Indian Wells.

Pictured is the color blocked Center Court Cap Sleeve top, $48 in scuba blue, green flash and white. The keyhole front adds fun edge to an otherwise simple tee design.

The skort, $44 is also from the ss11 Fila Center Court collection; black shorties are inside, hence the reason Kim is wearing the black bra. The skort comes in the green and blue and can be worn with the Center court jacket, $65 which I am so hankering for -- beautiful over black too, which I wear a lot of. 

Such cooling colors to the eye on a hot day and the monochromatic color from top to bottom is far more slimming than separates of differing colors. Check out the cami tank and dress too. Great group.

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

Watch: The 2010 Fila fashion show at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.

 

Join the Fila fashion show at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells and take a look at Spring 2010 plus a peek at what's on deck for Fall (men, women and kids). Most is for the tennis court, some is more lifestyle. Great colors including those hot pink ruffled shorties.

Still love all that retro. Keep it coming!

Fila adds Australia to its line-up of Davis Cup themed tennis shirts.

Channel a little countryman's pride. Fila has added Australia to its growing collection of Davis Cup themed tennis shirts for men. Above left to right are Australia (which has not been played in yet), Croatia (made to look like a soccer shirt for huge fan Marin Cilic), Israel for Andy Ram and Jonathan Erlich, and Serbia (originally made for Janko Tipsarevic in 2010). Each runs $59 USD. No word on what country is next.

Find them exclusively at Tennis Warehouse.

 

Ladies, have you got a fit bum?

A ruffled behind is not just for baby girls anymore. But ladies your bum had better be fit or it's not going to be pretty. Check out these court shorties from Fila. They look like something from Victoria's Secret, especially in pink.

They come as pictured here in hot pink as well as white and ebony to go with Fila's Baseline Collection. Sure to be distracting in mixed dubs company. $35.

Find the Baseline Ball short at Fila.

Kim Clijsters' Australian Open Tennis Fashion 2011.

It's Fila's 100th anniversary and in celebration they are creating a series of styles that commemorate Fila tennis champions. First in the line-up,  Kim Clijsters who will wear the kelly green and navy Evonne Goolagong inspired look pictured here at this year's Australian Open. 

Fila’s design team sought inspiration from the brand’s archives of styles worn by the winning Australian during her 14 Grand Slam title reign in the 1970s and early 80s (she won Oz four times).

Click on the images for detail. 

The new line combines Fila's signature Italian styling with performance fabrications offering comfort, ventilation and moisture wicking in a tank, cap sleeve top, skort and jacket.

“We are thrilled that Evonne will serve as a brand ambassador for Fila as we honor her tennis legacy during our 100th anniversary year,” said Gene Yoon, Chairman of Fila. “It was only fitting that Kim Clijsters wear this collection since she is the only woman after Goolagong-Cawley to win a Grand Slam as a mother. Kim and Evonne are inspirations to mothers and tennis fans around the world with their grace, athleticism and drive...”

A special F-box 100 year anniversary gold heat seal logo decorates the inside of each garment. Each piece in the line is distinctly vintage in design. The classic skort, for example, is a stretch woven cotton looking skirt with striped elastic waistband and functional front pockets (very unusual these days), contrast piping at pockets and a knit under shortie. I had a chance to check out and try on this outfit. It's really comfortable and modern in function. The nod to retro is just that, a nod. Really nice all performance stuff.

Balancing the line for all conditions is the Evonne Jacket in French Terry which incorporates rib knit on the collar, cuff and bottom. Cute.

Available at Fila, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers worldwide.

For a little history lesson on Evonne visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

 

Kim Clijsters. US Open Tennis Fashion 2010. A study in blues.

And so once again Kim Clijsters climbs her way up the US Open draw. Kim has been wearing pieces from Fila's striking new Center Court Collection. The look is athletic and unfussy; no tugging and adjusting needed..if you know what I mean, and I know you do if you've been watching the matches. Pop it on and forget it. The blues in this group are gorgeous and flattering.

Pictured above, is the Center Court Cap Sleeve Top in Turkish sea/Hawaiian Ocean and white, $48. The skort picks up the colors in the top but has a Hawaiian blue base, $45. The silhouette and fluid colorful lines of the graphics reflect Clijster's calm agility and athletic style. She has also worn the Center Court racerback dress (inset, $65) and is the only athlete to do so this US Open.

The new collection consists of three tops (v-neck and racerback tanks plus a cap sleeve), a racerback dress, skort, and jacket/pant warmups.There are a variety of color combos although I find these two the most striking. A few notes on fit:

The coordinating but black based jacket and pant in black nylon blended spandex have a zipper leg pant with wider waistband and fit that looks more like a yoga pant than sweatpant. The jacket cut has a longer waist and arms with a feminine but athletic look. The skort also integrates the wider waistband for maximum comfort - no binding at the belly. The dress has a built in shelf bra.

Center Court, is designed to mix with Fila’s Essenza line (all solids) or the black and white solids you already have at home.

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

Janko Tipsarevic Takes Down Andy Roddick in His Jammies.

Ok that headline is not very nice for someone who played as well as Tipsarevic last night but seriously this outfit reminded me of pajamas. I actually have no issue with either piece alone or in combination with something white or black but together it was too much for me.

Put black shorts with this top for example. Hello great look. Love the fall color; reminds me of good wine.

This top is the new Fila Fall Center Court Print Polo in biking red with black, $55 USD. The shorts are the Fila Fall Center Court Short, $45. I'm going to recommend something solid from the Fila Essenza Group in combination with either of the two pieces.

Read here about his glasses. He's been wearing Oakley prescription lenses a long time. Can't see 'em here but add black socks to trending the the right fashion direction too.

Find the looks at Fila, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers nationwide.

 

 

Keepin Cool. Frank Dancevic in New Fila for Men.

Canadian Frank Dancevic jazzed up the courts at the Campbell's Hall of Fame Tennis Champ- ionships in Newport wearing this look, one of my recent favs, a great choice for a killer hot day.

Pictured above is the Fila Center Court Polo, $60. Dancevic paired it with the Center Court short, $45 with accents of the same Turkish Sea blue. The shirt is all white on the back.

This line is very lightweight, all performance with body mapping for heat comfort on court; mesh on the sleeves and body ensure breathability. 

Man was it hot out and this guy looked fresh from start to finish (and yes he won the round).

Find the look at Fila and Tennis-Warehouse.

Wimbledon Tennis Fashion 2010: Kim Clijsters

Fila has adorned its Wimbledon whites with a zig zag mesh detail that reminds me of eyelet. Kim Clijsters has been wearing the Fila Collezione Sleeveless tank,$45 and basic skort. The accent of fabric in the deep v neck is a nice touch.

Pictured above on Clijsters is the Fall Collezione Long Jacket, $60. This is a lightweight zip-up that covers your entire outfit. It's really cute and artsy looking and also comes in black (as does much of this collection). The zig zag mesh touch here is on the drawstring hood.

   

Take a look at some of the other pieces in the group. Clijsters' choice is among the least adorned of the group. Pintucking, rick-rack trim, puckered elastics, ruffle hems, buttons and lots of that zig zag eyelet serve up a sweetly feminine group of tennis fashions. I wish the at-retail line came with the bigger logo like the pros though; really adds that extra edge.

Fila fabrics are performance poly spandex and protect from the sun. Find them at Fila, Tennis-Warehouse and other tennis retailers.

James Blake's 2010 Thomas Reynolds Fashion Collection Nods to Cambridge.

Looks like James Blake's first Thomas Reynolds Collection  was a big hit. Fila has expanded the offerings with ten new performance tops and a swish looking warm up that is almost Roger-esque. Looks like he's ready to chillax in the Hamptons.

Blake debuted the new collection during his first match at the Australian Open, and then wore it at the BNP Paribas Open and now at the Sony Ericsson Open. I like.

The collection sticks primarily to an elegant black and white theme with hints of jester red (a nod to his alma mater Harvard) detailing and embroidered TR Fila logos. No cliche Hah-vard looks here though -- well..the warm up jacket...borderline.  

According to Fila, James’ favorite is the sublimated crew, $60 (pictured above in Jester red/white). This print is a hot one right now.  Did you catch Randy Jackson wearing a gradiated color shirt on American Idol this week? I digress.

If you are a polo lover, look at the TR Jacquard polo. I LOVE it in the Jester red. Looked hot on Sir Blake too, $55.

The warm-up pictured right is the knit jacket, $70 and track pant, $55. The signature long shorts he always wears are $45.

Find the collection at Fila, Tennis-Warehouse and other tennis retailers.

Images: Ray Giubilo

Kim Clijsters and Svetlana Kuznetsova Debut Fila's Center Court Collection in NYC

Fila's new Center Court Collection made its advance debut in New York last night before the rest of the brand’s sponsored athletes wear the collection in Indian Wells at the BNP Paribas Open.

Pictured above at the BNP Paribas Showdown for the Billie Jean Cup at Madison Square Garden, Kim Clijsters wears the new Sleeveless Tank, $48  and Svetlana Kutnetsova, the Short Sleeve Top, $48 (see inset images for better detail). Their skorts are Fila Essenza basics. Check out the hot coral alternative in the new group though!

The Center Court Collection was inspired by Fila’s history in tennis but incorporates a bright hot coral, viridian green and ebony. Signature pieces in the collection include a halter tank, $48 USD (not pictured), gathered wrap skort, $45, and a beautiful color blocked sleeveless dress, $65, pictured at the way at the bottom of this post. 
 
 The new warm up in the group is pictured left times 2. The jacket is $68 and pant, $55. The color is a flattering ebony grey with, white and coral accents.

Looking forward to seeing the other colors in the group on court. The short sleeve top looks great in ebony in white too.

Find the looks now at Fila and soon at Tennis-Warehouse.

Time for a Showdown (and a little Wii). Svetlana Kuznetsova, Kim Clijsters, Venus Williams and Ana Ivanovic to Battle for the Billie Jean Cup Live in NYC March 1.

Tickets are still available for the 2010 BNP Paribas Showdown at NYC's Madison Square Garden, Monday March 1. In the house will be some of the best of the WTA: Svetlana Kuznetsova, Kim Clijsters, Venus Williams and Ana Ivanovic (the Serb replaces Serena Williams who has just withdrawn due to injury). Only current and former Grand Slam Champions or year-ending World #1 ranked players are eligible for the one night event. At stake the coveted Billie Jean Cup and $1.2 million in prize money. This is single elimination play, one-set singles semi-finals followed by a best of three set final. Tix are available through Madison Square Garden. Seats range in price from $25 - $250 USD.

If you are looking for something to do the day before (Sunday, February 28), check out the "Match Before the Match" another showdown of sorts, this one pits Kim Clijsters against Svetlana Kuzetsova playing a Ubisoft Racquet Sports for Wii Match on the 185" Gardenvision Screen at Madison Square Garden. Both athletes will debut Fila's new Spring 2010 Center Court tennis fashion Collection. The Wii match will be broadcast live on Fila's website.

Kim Clijsters, Marin Cilic, Anna Chakvetadze, Agi Szavay and more to Launch 2010 Fila Heritage Collection at the Australian Open.

Fila will debut its spring 2010 Tennis Heritage Collection at the Australian Open, beginning January 18. Watch for the looks on Kim Clijsters, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Agi Szavay, Anna Chakvetadze, Marin Cilic, Dmitry Tursunov and Janko Tipsarevic among others.

The Heritage Collection taps into Fila's collection of vintage designs and interprets the iconic styling that transformed tennis apparel during the Björn Borg era. Thankfully the shorts are longer, although they did work for the Swede at the time. The new tennis fashions are constructed of a soft, flat poly spandex jersey decked out in signature Fila Chinese red, peacoat and white combinations.

Top left, Chakvetadze wears the Heritage dress ($65 USD) in peacoat with woven bottom pleats and hip detailing using yarn dyed stripes. Szavay wears the matching heavier weight Heritage warm up jacket ($65), bottom right, with rib collar, cuff and hem. There is a matching pant ($55). Top right Szavay wears the Heritage skort ($45) with a cute asymetrical bottom pleat that cuts across the left leg. She has paired it with the Heritage v-neck cap sleeve ($48). The group also offers a racerback tank ($50) and cami tank with built in bra ($50) as an alternative. Clijsters will select a combination of her own choice for the Aussie.

Fila men will wear one of four different tops, an elastic waist micro-twill Heritage short ($45) and light-weight micro twill Heritage warm up jacket ($65) and pant ($55).The short sleeve Heritage piped polo, worn by Cilic bottom left, ($55) and sleeve stripe polo designs have straight drop tails this season, each with venting and contrast detailing.

Two short sleeve Heritage crew neck top ($46) designs feature bold horizontal contrast striping on the back and arms respectively and unique mesh and side vent features. The solid men’s pant (peacoat with white side seam trim and bottom leg zipper) is complemented by the peacoat/white jacket, both with subtle Chinese red taping details.

Racquet choices above: Cilic, HEAD Youtek Radical MP, $210; Chakvetadze, Wilson [K] Blade 98, $230; Szavay Wilson [K] Blade Team, $230.

Find it soon at Fila and Tennis-Warehouse.

Svetlana Kuznetsova Clinches China Open Title. Her style, gear and the U.S. Open practice ball.

Props to Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia who won the women's title at this year's China Open. Earlier this month she secured a spot at the WTA's year-end Sony Ericsson Championships in Doha, Qatar.

Kuznetsova has had one of her best seasons on Tour this year, capturing the trophy at Roland Garros, her second Grand Slam title, as well as winning two additional Premier titles at the Internationali BNL d’Italia (Rome) and Porsche Tennis Grand Prix (Stuttgart), defeating World No.1 Dinara Safina in all three finals.  To date, Kuznetsova has defeated a reigning World No.1 player six times. Why not more exposure for this woman?

I personally have a soft spot for Sveta as she said hello and handed my young daughter her practice ball after a blistering warm up hit at the U.S. Open. Despite the heat and tournament pressure she was one no-airs-about-her ambassador for the game. Impression made; witness the ball emblazoned "Svetlana Kuznetsova's Practice Ball"  and always, "How's Svetlana doing?"

Pictured above in Beijing, Kuznetsova wore the Fila Heritage Cap Sleeve Top, $48 and Skort, $45, one of the year's most winning women's outfits. Kim Clijsters wore it to win the U.S. Open. I looked at some of the other pieces from the group earlier in the season.

Kuznetsova plays with a HEAD MicroGel Extreme Pro with Teflon.

Find her style at Tennis-Warehouseand Fila. HEAD has more info on the racquet.

James Blake and Fila Launch Blake's New Thomas Reynolds Collection for Men.

 
Fila and James Blake have launched the Thomas Reynolds Collection,  a co-branded collaboration inspired by the ATP World Tour tennis player's life and interests. Blake will publicly debut the fall 2009 Thomas Reynolds collection on court during his first match at the U.S. Open. The collection combines the design heritage of the Fila brand with a contemporary twist inspired by Blake’s signature style -- but no sleeveless shirts or headbands at the moment.  The Thomas Reynolds logo was designed by James. The name? Blake's father's first and middle names. Pictured below, Betty Blake is flanked by her two sons at the launch party earlier this week. The night was undoubtedly meaningful for the family.

The debut line includes polo and crew neck style shirts, long loose fiitting shorts, warm up pieces and a duffle bag. Prices range from $48 USD for the crewneck to $80 for the duffle. The collection will appeal to classics lovers (and Blake admirers) who demand performance. The raglan sleeve polo for example is made of coolmax pique - super soft and lightweight. The colors are all Americana, peacoat navy, campanula blue, red and white. A printed label means no neck irritation.

The collection is available at the Thomas Reynolds concept shop at Lord & Taylor in Manhattan, Dicks Sporting Goods, Paragon Sports, Mason’s Tennis Mart, Tennis-Warehouse, Fila and select specialty retailers nationwide.

Fila to Debut New Mens and Womens Tennis Heritage Collections at the U.S. Open.

You've likely seen a few pieces from this collection on Fila athletes competing in U.S. Open Series. Kim Clijsters wore the skort during her debut return. The full 2009 Tennis Heritage Collection will unveil August 31 at the U.S. Open on: Marin Cilic, Anna Chakvetadze (left in the racerback tank, $50 and skort, $45), Janko Tipsarevic, Agi Szavay and Dmitry Tursunov (bottom in short sleeve top, $50).

In a clear contrast to more flashy contemporary lines, the Heritage Collection uses old school red, white and blue solids accented by bold, contrasting stripes with several pieces featuring flag-like diagonal stripes, a nod to Fila’s design cues and players from the early 70’s. The color theme is of course so very U.S.A..

Check out the variety of women's tops. There are cap sleeves and sleeveless styles that offer more body coverage if you want it. The dress..tell me if you like it. Super young looking -- would be great on any very fit, thin player.

Each Heritage piece is adorned with the embroidered F-box Heritage patch logo to clearly define the special line. The fabrics are all performance -- no throw back to the 70s there.

The new Fila Alpha shoe coordinates beautifully.

Find the looks at Fila or soon at Tennis-Warehouse.

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

With Weapon Underfoot. Tennis Shoes for Grass Court Play.

You can't see it but when playing on grass, the pros have a key weapon hidden underfoot. Grass court specific shoes have pegged or dimpled soles that provide extra grip for the player's game and protection for the hallowed courts. Hard court or clay specific tennis shoes can be slippery on grass and bad for the surface itself.

Here is what's new on the market -- in the U.K. only -- so U.S. residents, if you want them, call a friend across the pond. There just aren't enough grass courts in the U.S. to make it worth selling them here.

 

Above is the new adidas CC Feather IV Grass shoe, £80 (app. $130 USD). Developed with the London 2012 Olympic games in mind, the outsole features an innovative dimple pattern with rubbery spikes. The spikes grip but give a flat push off area ensuring quick directional change ability for players.

Tim  Henman, reports that he  "found [the shoes] provided amazing grip and support on both dry and damp surfaces..." Dinara Safina, Novak Djokovic, Fernando Verdasco, Marat Safin and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga will all wear new adidas for grass at Wimbledon (Novak's will be custom).

Fila has also released a great looking grass court version of their new new-to-market Fila Alfa Wimbledon line (above). Decked out in its namesake's  purple and green the Fila Alfa Wimbledon Grass Court (unisex) is another "dimpled sole" option. Added-value, built-in superaction inserts increase the responsiveness of this shoe, £77 (app $126 USD).

Buy the adidas shoe in the U.K. at: Tennis Nuts, Wigmore and ProDirect. Here's a little video.

The Fila Alpha Wimbledon is online at Shop Wimbledon.

For a pro's take on grass court shoes check out this clip on Travis Parrot's blog. Parrot is U.S. ATP Tour player (currently #25 in dubs). Nike unfortunately only makes their grass-court specific shoe for the pros.

Svetlana Kuznetsova Wins French Open Title Making Her Grand Slam Total Two. Her Gear.

 

Props to Svetlana Kuznetsova on her trophy win at Roland Garros. This was her second career Grand Slam win. Her first was at the 2004 U.S. Open at age 19. Clearly, despite a few bumpy years, the woman is no fading flower. She won the Porshe Grand Prix at Stuttgart earlier this year (beating Safina there as well).

Kuznetsova plays with the Head MicroGEL Extreme with Teflon, $200. Pictured here she is wearing the new Fila Women's Center Court Cap Sleeve Top, $48 and court skort in pink, $45. For more on the new Center Court collection, click here.

Find Kuznetsova's gear at Fila, Head or Tennis-Warehouse.

Agnes Szavay steps out strong in dynamic new style from Fila.

Agi Szavay stepped out and through Venus Williams at Roland Garros today wearing a sleek new Center Court Dress, $53 USD, from Fila's new Center Court Collection.

The top to bottom asymmetrical lines of pink and white mimic Szavay's dynamic play. The fabric is all performance with mesh inserts down the sides for ventilation. The bra is built in. Delicate (very un-Vegas) gold inserts add glamour to the simple A-line tank style. You can't see the gold here but it's over the shoulder, a very subtle yet elegant touch.

The new women's collection is rounded out with a range of versatile pieces such as a pull on skort with the gold shimmer detailing, sleeveless polo, cami tank, scoop tank and v-neck cap sleeve top. The v-neck and cami tank are super cute.

Get Agi's look at Fila and Tennis-Warehouse.

Tennis Apparel for the Vintage Connoisseur. Mens Fila from the Days of Borg.

 

Perhaps because the Swede in me loved watching Björn Borg, I adore these terra rosa pieces from the Settantetre (73) collection of Vintage Fila.

Channel some 70s energy with Borg's athletic apparel, offered in his cream, navy and red combination as well as the uber cool cream and lime combos above. The belted short shorts are not part of the group; good decision not to try and bring those back.

Pictured above left is the terra rosa jacket, $175 USD, in 70% acrylic and 30% wool -- top quality, warm and SO awesomely retro but with an updated color scheme. The shirt, right, is the terra rosa polo, $110 complete with snap placket, contrast collar and vertical stripes. Made in Italy, these 92% cotton shirts are the real deal, right down to the stitching, based on Borg's exact signature style but cut to fit the more modern man -- who is a bit less sinewy let's just say.

One of my team, a t-shirt and shorts kind of guy, popped the shirt on and instantly looked more polished and professional -- meaning less of a rec., more of a club identity. Interesting how much a shirt can change one's projected image. The jacket also looks great with a pair of jeans as we saw at one of Fila's recent shows.

Learn more or buy at Fila. For more on Borg and a look at some old images visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Fila Goes Green With New Fabrication in Personal Performance Collection.

In honor of Earth Day week here in the U.S. Fila has released the new "green" pieces in its Women’s Personal Performance Collection. The group is designed to cross-over between sports including our personal fav, tennis. Good for the wallet (multi-use) and good for the earth.

The new collection encourages sustainable agriculture and recycling by blending bamboo and soy based materials with recycled Poly Spandex and organic cotton in four of the performance pieces.  

The very cute Flower Sleeveless Muscle Tank (pictured left, $50 USD) is cut from screened soft recycled Poly Spandex. Pair it with a black skirt (who doesn't have one of those) and you've got a great tennis outfit that's good to mother earth.

Buy online only at Dick's Sporting Goods in the U.S. beginning in May.

A special Earth Day shout-out to Fila for partnering with American Forests an organization dedicated to tree planting programming globally.

Tursunov and Tipsarevic Step Out in New Fila Heritage Collection. A Navy, Red and White 70's Redux That's Grabbing Dollars Already.

 Not to be outdone, the Fila men, Dmitry Tursunov and Janko Tipsarevic trotted out in new Fila Heritage Collection this week down in Miami. Top left Dmitry wears the men's Heritage stripe polo, $45 straight from Fila's design archives in Italy. Bottom, Janko sports the new raglan ss top, $46 (also in a already popular white version). Only the longer shorts, untucked shirts and eyewear give away 2009.

Also see women's new heritage. Janko's Oakley eyewear.

Shop Fila and Tennis-Warehouse.

 

Chakvetadze and Kuznetsova Debut New Fila Heritage Line at Sony Ericsson in Miami.

  Fila's Heritage performance line has returned, debuting at the Sony Ericsson in Miami. Pictured left, Anna Chakvetadze wears the collection's new cami tank, $50 USD, her personal favorite in the group. The ruching on the center front and thin contrast twist back straps add very current feminine detail. Anna's skort is the navy (peacoat) essenza skort, $44.

Other fave pieces from the Fila old school style Heritage line range include: the cap sleeve tee, $42 (pictured on Svetlana below), the Heritage jacket, $65, a super cute terry zip style with matching warm up pant, $55. White is selling fast at the tourney.

Buy at Fila or Tennis-Warehouse.

Fila Athletes Strut Their Stuff at the Fila/Trina Turk Fashion Show in Indian Wells

   

Gotta say Fila has some yummy tennis stuff coming up alongside some remakes of Borg style classics. I'm going to HAVE to get the mod floral black top and skirt. Check it out. They've got everyone covered right down to the kiddies. Appearances by Anna Chakvetadze, Marin Cilic (see top right), Agi Szavay and Andreas Seppi (left).

Click Here to Watch. the video clip.

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

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

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

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

Get the look at Fila or Tennis-Warehouse.

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

Janko Tipsarevic Owns His Attention Grabbing Style.

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

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

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

Editor's note: 2011 Janko/eyewear info here

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

   

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

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

Buy at Fila or Tennis-Warehouse.

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

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

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

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

Image courtesy of Wilson.

Day 3 Video Highlights and On Court Fashion from Doha

Check out Day 3 tennis and court fashion highlights from Doha. Jelena Jankovic wore Reebok's KFS Shimmer Dress ($49.99) in soft black grey with cool shadow; Svetlana Kuznetsova, Fila's Summer heritage v-neck tank ($39.99) and skort ($36.99) in periwinkle; Venus Williams, eleVen by Venus Williams in a black version of her singles dress (not available at this time); Serena Williams, Nike Women's Winter Court Tank ($60) and Winter Court Skort ($60); Elena Dementieva, a to be released 2009 Yonex dress; and Dinara Safina, the adidas fall competition tank ($37.99) and competition skort ($37.99) in mono pink with white.  All except eleven are available at Tennis-Warehouse. You can find other retailers at Yonex, Reebok, eleVen by Venus Williams, Nike, Fila and adidas Tennis

Read our previous post for more info on watching this tournament.

The New Fila Women's Alfa Tennis Shoe -- A Solid Court Competitor

New this season is the new women's Fila Alfa in white, vapor and peacoat (aka navy). It's a comfy, classy looking tennis shoe made of bright white leather and breathable mesh. If your foot is a medium width with sock, not wide, not real narrow, this shoe will fit like a glove. It also offers great support with an ortholite insole. The "evergrind" sole lives up to its name and the six month sole durability guarantee backs it up. Evergrind, exclusive to Fila, means more durability and lightness for peak performance. MSRP $95. Available now at Fila and at Tennis-Warehouse. The shoe is also available in a white/silver combination.

Tursunov and Tipsarevic's Distinctive Style at Roland Garros

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

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

Images courtesy of Fila/Getty Images.

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

Fila's Summer Baseline Group, Pretty - Powerful

As seen recently at Roland Garros on Svetlana Kusnetsova and Agnes Szavay, this collection from Fila is part of a very sharp looking new 2008 Summer Baseline Group. The base color, choose white (shown here, $44.99) or navy, features a simple circle graphic that spreads from the waist up and across the front and back. The print is mimicked on the skort and dress as well. The lightweight dress (a very reasonable $ 57.99) is beautifully slimming in navy with a deep v-neck, light shirring and criss-cross white straps. If you like more coverage the sleeveless top is $39.99. The skort is $ 36.99.

Find this collection now at Tennis-Warehouse.

Great Mid-Weight Men's Tennis Warm Up From Fila

This is a quality mid-weight warm up for the guy who likes a clean cut, tailored look.  The pieces are sold as separates but together make a sharp, very comfortable combination. Both jacket and pant are part of Fila's Essenza Collection. The pieces are soundless, a strange descriptor for sure, but they don't "swish" when you move which is nice.

The Essenza Jacket offers a pull zip with elasticized cuffs/hem and zip pockets. It comes in classy black, navy and white with a suggested retail of $65 USD. The Essenza Pant ($50) has an elasticized waist and drawstring pull. Deep, ample pockets will hold balls comfortably during your warm-up. The 9.5 inch leg zips offer plenty of room to slide these on or off over your sneakers. The fabrication, (very soft, 100% polyester) holds its shape nicely, looking good even after being jammed into a tennis bag. Purchase at Fila or Tennis-Warehouse.

Bright done right.

Yup, a red shirt but it's a really good one, perfect red, not too orange or bright. It's got classic style but with light, moisture wicking performance fabric it's meant for real play. The shoulders are cut with rolled shoulder seams which help to hold the fabric in place. You will not find yourself tugging at shoulders gone astray between points. The cut is slimming and the shirt-tail hem makes this look cool and relaxed over elastic waist, drawstring shorts. Our pro wore them with Fila's 9" black shorts, loose fitting without being baggy. The short's on-seam pockets are lined with terry and mesh for sweaty hands and ventilation.

You may think boring, but the look is anything but. Together the red and black is handsome, confident and decidedly competitive. You can find the essenza solid polo and 9" mccrory short in a wide range of colors at www.fila.com or www.tennis-warehouse.com. Check out Fila's new court footwear while you're at it. We love the prossimo II. Talk about sharp looking!

Look Sharp in Fila's Collezione Group

This collection offers any team a unified look while catering to individual style requirements. You can't play with sleeves? No problem. Love a cap sleeve, polo, v-neck or racer back? This line has it all, including warm-ups. The collection comes with a base of black or white with contrasting pinstripes and accents of Chinese red -- a symbol of good luck. The black based skort is pictured above. The line is super comfortable, moves well and looks strong on court. The separates (made of micro poly spandex) can also be paired with a solid color top or bottom in black, white or red using the old mix and match concept that can truly maximize your tennis wardrobe. The Fila Collezione short sleeve top (pretty red edged scoop neck), runs $50 USD and the matching skort with built in shorts $45.  The dress is $65. Check out the complete line at www.fila.com or www.tennis-warehouse.com