TennisIDENTITY

A hot new leather tennis racquet bag for the 1%

Wilson's newest leather tennis racquet bag is a beauty. For the person that covets high quality craftsman leather accessories, this is IT for the court, a real executive's tennis bag.  It also comes in a 3 pack (one main pocket) if you don't require as much extra space. 

The new for 2012 bags are constructed of full grain leather. The interior is  lined with a beige nylon fabric (wipe it clean if needed). An outside pocket is the spot for keeping smaller items: keys, phone, etc. There are a few smaller organizer pockets inside the 6 as well. There is no wet/dry bag so add a plastic bag  (how gauche) to keep clay and sweat from ruining the nice interior.

The price? The six pack (two compartments) will run you $600 and the 3 pack, $500. That's where that 1% might figure in. No pro is scheduled to carry this bag in 2012. It really looks Roger though doesn't it? Go ahead, you be the man (or woman).

Wilson will  monogram the strap on the bag at no extra charge if you send in an enclosed card and strap after purchase.

Find a retailer at Wilson or online at Tennis-Warehouse.

 

Book review: Tennis Skills & Drills

Tennis Skills & Drills is a new book by 8 year ATP tour veteran Joey Rive and Scott Williams, former coach to Tommy Haas and Max Mirnyi. The book is more of a tennis manual than long read and does a nice job explaining modern day stroke techniques, shot making and game tactics for all player levels. 

This is a great have-at-home especially for for those trying to grow their game without the benefit of regular private lessons.The authors have gone into tremendous detail on just about every aspect of shotmaking.They even cover game-plan breakdowns.

It's like the tennis instruction diary I've tried to create based upon multiple lessons and always dropped. You can skip around from section to section focusing on what your game needs most or what you have coming up (big match). Doubles players there is a tactics section for you too.

At $24.95 Tennis Skills & Drills is a fraction of the cost of an hour lesson and worth it if you are willing to take the time to read and absorb.

Look for world #5, David Ferrer, on the cover. Yeah, I'd like to have HIS game. Published by Human Kinetics and available now at bookstores everywhere..

Sharapova, Kournikova, Federer, Nadal + Djokovic hit the auction block.

Opportunity abounds for an ace of a gift if you've got the bucks. Take a look at all the tennis currently on the auction block at Charity Buzz:

Benefitting the Chris Evert Pro Celebrity Tennis Classic charity:

An hour lesson for you and two friends with Anna Kournikova in Miami.

An hour lesson with Steffi Graf in Las Vegas.

Two tickets plus a meet-up with Maria Sharapova in Miami at the Sony Ericsson. 

A 2012 US Open package with 2 Centre Court Seats and Accommodations

Benefitting the Stiller Foundation (yah, Ben's):

Rafael Nadal's autographed Nike jacket

Roger Federer's Signed and Used Wilson reacquet.

Novak Djokovic's Sergio Tacchini hat. 

There's more. Fun stuff and for charity.

May your wallet be fatter than mine ;)

 

 

 

Sunday with "RAFA"

Book review: RAFA by Rafael Nadal and John Carlin.

I hung with RAFA Sunday thanks to Irene. The storm hit with winds not unlike his game, fierce and unrelenting. No power, no Open, just this guy (left). Not all bad. 

Yes, it's here: Nadal's rituals, insecurities, off-court personality, Mallorcan home life, girlfriend Mary, long-time team, injuries, challenges and on-the-road life.

What I loved most though was the opportunity to get inside Nadal's head (it's a very heady game), to see how a passionate young soccer fan grew to be a veritable tennis gladiator and how he now thinks about playing both philosophically and tactically.

Joan Forcades, Rafa's physical trainer, refers to Nadal's success as the result of a holistic approach that results in the "perfect synergy" of head, body and emotions. Any player can take a page.

Rafa also uses the book to set the record straight on a number of stories that have permeated his coverage for years. No, for example, Uncle Toni did not force him to hit left handed. It was Rafa's choice. No, he is not superstitious, he simply needs a well ordered on-court plan to stay focused. His locker room regime is even more intense.

Toni comes off as somewhat of a tyrant although Nadal never says so much. Until very recently he accepted all that his uncle/coach has dished out as a means to a successful end. Honestly, not many kids (or tennis parents) would put up with what he has. A vision of Agassi hitting balls with his Dad came back to me here, the difference being that Nadal always had a choice. He is a self-imposed grinder at practice as much as in competition. 

Writer John Carlin has done a nice job of weaving Rafa and his parade of personalities and tournaments into a great read that is interjected with bursts of blow by blow match play. You will watch Nadal with new eyes.

RAFA is available at bookstores worldwide and at Tennis-Warehouse. MSRP $27.99.

Obsession: Maria Sharapova's new tennis racquet bag from HEAD.

Maria Sharapova has a hot new tennis bag. Gone is the racquet shaped bag she's been carrying (although you can still buy it). This one resembles a relaxed yet luxe quilted duffle with two sections.

Accented with gold hardware and lettering (MS and Head), leather tassels and sky blue interior it's pretty and sophisticated, a well thought-out user-friendly tennis bag that will appeal to the style conscious woman who never carries a mega branded bag (horrors!). The racquet section like the traditional racquet bag is thermo protected and holds 3 racquets.

One flattering color, black will go well with any tennis outfit. That interior BTW matches the HEAD Instinct S racquet Sharapova is swinging with. The bag retails for $100.00 USD.

Find a retailer at HEAD or buy at Tennis Warehouse or tennis retailers selling HEAD worldwide.

Here's more if you need it:

 

Who gets the point? The rules of unofficiated tennis matches. Friend at Court 2011.

There are a myriad of odd situations that come up during unofficiated tennis matches: A ball rolls on court during a point, someone's contact lens falls out, a player purposely distracts his or her opponent while serving. Wouldn't it be nice to know the offical call right then and there and put an end to the guessing?

Friend at Court The USTA Handbook of Tennis Rules and Regulations 2011 is a big help when issues arise and it's a FREE downloadable PDF (click that last link) making it easy to reference on court via your smartphone. Bookmark it and you've got the word on just about anything that could possibly come up.

Want the book for your bag instead? Buy it at the USTA shop.

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.

 

Towel off with the Wimbledon 125th Anniversary Championships.

Most avid players carry a towel for mopping up sweat, drying hands, showering, whatever. Quite a few have a pretty dingy looking one. Freshen up your racquet bag with a signature Wimbledon towel. Yes, these are the decent size ones (not hand towel size) you are seeing on court in London.

Limited edition towels, available in signature green/purple and a very feminine cerise/sky blue, $43.77 USD. Personalize them for FREE with 3 initials.70 cm x 133 (app 28" x 52")

Find them at the Wimbledon shop.

About that String Thing.

The String Thing is a lightweight hand-held tool that will quickly and evenly straighten your tennis racquet strings with a few quick up and down swipes. Straight, in position strings mean better hits. 

We've all pushed the lone string or two back in position with our fingers, something pretty easy to do, but this little gadget covers your whole racquet face fast straightening all of your strings in less than 6 seconds. It really works well.

Interestingly this little device is popular with women who pay big to keep their nails looking lovely. For manicured nails straightening tight strings by hand is a no-no. I've seen polish adorned hands pushing strings around with pens and keys.

The String Thing is available for both open (16 x19) and dense (18 x20) string patterns. $19.95 USD. More info or buy at String Thing, Tennis-Warehouse as well as many tennis retailers in the US.

 

"HIGH STRUNG: Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe and the Untold Story of Tennis's Fiercest Rivalry."

HIGH STRUNG: Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe, and the Untold Story of Tennis's Fiercest Rivalry by Stephen Tignor hits bookstores tomorrow. 

2011 happens to be the thirtieth anniversary of the last Borg/McEnroe Grand Slam finals meeting, the 1981 U.S. Open; the cool Swedish Adonis vs. the ill-mannered American Superbrat.

That Open marked the end of an era and not just in the world of pro tennis. I recall a chalkboard at our town courts where people listed the time they arrived and kept track of who was playing too long. Young mothers wearing ruffled panties and short skirts brought playpens courtside for their mid-morning game. Borg was gorgeous, McEnroe unbelievable, and tennis was cocktail party topic; the game had over-arching magic.

The fuel behind it all? The personalities and rivalries of the pro game. Chris Evert, Billie Jean King, Bobby Riggs, Ilie Nastase, Jimmy Connors, McEnroe, Borg and more. The shot-making, good looks and on-court behavior were absolutely fascinating in the relatively dry world of sports coverage ("the agony of defeat" excepted). Who didn't want to watch a match to see what Connors or McEnroe would do next? 

As HIGH STRUNG visits one of the most marked rivalries of the 70s/80s it also explores the growth of the tennis industry that today is a finely tuned machine. IMG and Nike (McEnroe wore one of the first pairs of Nike tennis shoes) are both woven into this read that presents the battles alongside the rise of tennis marketing and the undercurrent outrageousness that pervaded the sport. 

Tennis is back for sure but it IS different. Marquee players have learned that keeping emotions in check will help them to win and well entouraged personalities keep private lives under the hood. I enjoyed this revisit to an old and very entertaining tennis era. 

My only complaint (I am Swedish) Tignor spelling Bjorn without the ö. Like Söderling, it's a different name without the dots. Björn...that's it. Otherwise, all good.

Find it at bookstores worldwide beginning May 17, $20.99 USD.

A tennis bracelet that's pretty/useful.

When I think tennis bracelet I think diamonds and really nothing actually meant for the court. The Count Me Healthy tennis bracelet is different. 

This silver plated bracelet hugs your wrist fairly loosely and the little tennis balls slide the length of the wire. Use it for keeping count of games won, aces, drop shots, glasses of water throughout the day... whatever. 

Keeping track of a games won seems the most logical as you can push six balls to each side of a center point on the main wire. I'd make the balls closest to my body my games and those on the other side my opponent's. Slide a ball up to center to notch a win. The balls really do stay put; if you go over six start pushing them back. Obviously this is useful in places where score systems are lacking (public courts) and where chatting between points is distracting. I've been there. 

The bracelet retails for $88 USD at Count Me Healthy Jewelry. It comes in a pretty gift box and is adjustable to fit many wrist sizes. A fun and useful gift idea for a women with a tennis identity. 

 

"A Game to Love" (and Covet).

If a picture is worth a thousand words A Game to Love: In Celebration of Tennis is worth 500,000. Mike Powell, an award winning sports photographer, has filled this coffee-table masterpiece with a luscious array of modern day tennis images so loaded with raw character, emotion and detail I literally stopped my day to enjoy every page on the spot. 

"Television," Powell says, "is dominant in its positions, and leads how most of us can see [an] event, but the power of the great still image is that it will freeze a memory and make it iconic, in a way that a moving image does not."

I ached over a shot of Roger Federer. I've watched hours of the guy, both live and on tv; never have I seen an expression like this. 

The close-ups are to die for: Serena Williams' focus (and perfect manicure) mid-point; Rafael Nadal's hands holding a gleaming US Open trophy, the stained and frayed finger bandages, vestiges of the raging battle that got him there. Dinara Safina's anguish and utter frustration mid match.

A Game to Love takes you to and through the four majors: Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and US Open and is interspersed with images from tournament grounds, quotes from tennis greats and observations by Powell himself, a clear connoisseur of the game. 

Buy it on amazon or at bookstores everywhere beginning April 1, 2011, $40 USD. Currently available for pre-order.

Images: Mike Powell

Prince unveils a slime green Beast XP in its new tennis string.

There has been a mysterious new tennis string on the market for the last six months. It was known simply as the green string of 361 nation. The users? Elite juniors participating in high level tournaments such as Eddie Herr and Kalamazoo. Hawked out of tents at these big deal events, young poly string loving players flocked and tried. What young gun wouldn't try something new, cool, dangerous looking and free? The slime green color, sly eye on the package and mystery of a new company all proved irresistible. They gave it a try and yes, they liked. Within the test period over 1,200 players in 50+ countries turned to the string and registered with the nation.

Day 1 at Australian Open 2011 was big reveal day for Prince. Yes, it is Prince behind the test, a company not known for success with poly string, which is why they kept the project under wraps.

With serious research and testing behind them, Prince has officially released Beast XP 1.30/16 g., a new thermo polymer string that is said to perform well at all tensions, create a lower trajectory (allowing you to take a bigger and faster swing at the ball) and offer great spin-ability. It has gotten high ratings from its new users in power, feel, comfort, spin and playability categories. Some players use it as a full set, others as mains in a hybrid job.

Prince says that its ATP and WTA players have been more cautious to transition to the string than juniors have been. Shahar Peer and Martina Sanchez are among the first to use it on the pro tour.

MSRP $15 USD. Learn more at BeastXP or buy soon at Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers worldwide.

Cheap Tennis Fix under $20. Flair for Your Strings.

Tennis racquet vibration dampeners are designed to reduce the shock you feel when hitting a ball. Some people use them, some don't. If you do, express yourself baby.

Unlike the movie Office Space, less is more when it comes to flair. Suit your mood or interests, or have one custom made for your team. Find them at String-a-ma-jig. $4 each for ready-mades.

Tennis-Warehouse has all the brand name logo'd ones: Babolat, Prince, Gamma, Wilson and more...

String-a-mag-jig has the "smiley" Novak Djokovic used to use. I miss it. He's got a HEAD one in at the moment. That's the contract talking. 

Mental Toughness has NO expiration (TM)

The first day of a new year always brings with it a host of resolutions related to health and fitness. Mental toughness is on my 2011 list and these shirts for men and women are motivating. 

Whatever YOU call it, being in the zone, playing out-of-your-mind, being dialed-in...it's all mental toughness that helps a win when the going gets tough. Never too old.

Made of Cool-n-Dry performance fabric, these shirts, dreamed up by a marathon runner, offer a comfy athletic fit that you can work out and play in. Men's long sleeve, $40. Womens, $28. The short sleeve is $22. Find them only at NO EXPIRATION.

 

iPlay hence iLove this iPhone case.

Since I'm sure I'm not getting the Wilson tennis ball couch anytime ever (unless someone has good news for me), I've started to look for other ways to bring tennis into my daily off-court life. Cool ways, not cutsey napkins and such.

I recently spotted this handmade iPhone case ($20) made from recycled tennis balls. Bingo. It's a start. 

Mani Kordestani, avid player since a kid, makes these and a variety of other accessories using retired tennis balls that he washes and reconfigures into eye catching and useful little items. 

Check out Kordestani's shop on Etsy/MANIkordstudio.

Rule change indicates 10 and unders find tennis success with junior sized equipment.

"Other sports don't make kids play like adults," says the USTA, why should tennis? Picture a little-leaguer in Fenway Park. Just doesn't happen. Why should it for the littlest in tennis?

Junior sized tennis equipment has been around for a while but the USTA and ITF are beginning to incorporate it into official tournaments. Going forward, 10 and under level 7 tournaments will be officially listed as playing on full (78'), 60' or 36' courts. Each size court will have a different ball; none will use the yellow ball adults play with.

If playing on a full 78' court kids in this age group will use special low-bounce (regular size) "green-dot" balls; On a 60' court they will use an "orange" ball; On a 36' court they will use a larger "red" felt ball. The court size used depends on the facility holding the tournament. Some clubs are building in the smaller courts, others will adjust with blended lines.

The new balls are designed to have a different bounce, each is slower and lower than the yellow ball adults and teens use, helping smaller players learn the techniques and movement at their speed.  "Instead of simply being a teaching methodology, as it has been, using age appropriate equipment and court size allows children under 10 to compete in an age appropriate setting just like any other sport," says Anne Davis, the USTA's National Manager of Recreational Coaches and Programs .

This official change indicates that junior equipment and low bounce balls are making a difference. Kids are finding success on court faster. Davis says that the USTA is starting to see kids who began tennis on shorter courts with low bounce balls moving up into the 12s with great success.  

But what if your kid doesn't play tournaments? Take a page and look for one of these programs at your local club or buy a right-sized racquet and balls and head down to your public park. That hit with your impatient-to-be-good 6 year old will be a whole lot more fun.

A few equipment suggestions for beginners:

Ages 4-6: Start with a 21 inch Wilson Venus and Serena 21" or Wilson Federer 21" junior racquet (both under $20 USD) with Penn Quick Start Tennis 36' Felt Balls, $4.95

Ages 7-8: Try a 23 inch racquet. HEAD makes the Radical Junior 23" Tennis Racquet ($20), same balls as above or below depending on ability and height. 

Ages 9-10: Start with a 25 inch racquet. Babolat makes the Pure Drive Junior 25"  ($70) and Head makes the Junior speed for under $20 if you want to keep costs down while you check to see if junior's interest kicks in. Penn Quick Start 60' balls, $4.95 are what you want for this age group.

Height can make a difference, so if you have a tall 8 year old you might want to bump them up a length and into the 60' balls. Don't worry about grip size. They are all the same at the starter levels.

If you want to have fun without leaving home this Junior Tennis net is fun especially with Foam Balls. Mom and Dad, you'll think it's a gas.

Find Junior tennis racquets at sports and tennis retailers worldwide and online at Tennis-Warehouse and others.

Put your love of the game on Cruise Control.

No one needs wonder where your passions lie when you're in one of these tees. You and I live for this game and who shouldn't know that? Offered by Cruise Control, these shirts are made of super lightweight, antibacterial stretch performance fabric and are long enough to prevent belly bare when stretching. They come in a variety of colors for men and women, sleeveless, v-neck and crew. The women's cuts are fitted and very flattering. I really liked the way they played.

 

Available only at Cruise Control, $23 for the woman's sleeveless and $26 for the men's crew neck and womens cap sleeve. Look for the Live for It Collection on the site under mens and womens.

Next Time I'm Packing This Shirt.

Does the fact that someone is working REALLY hard to win give them the excuse to yell, swear and grunt through an entire three setter? I don't think so but this weekend I had to work REALLY hard to block someone like this out. Yeah sure I could have said something but then again it's rec tennis and shouldn't my powers of concentration be up to this? Well, I lost.

Next time I'm packing this shirt, the K Swiss Quiet Please tee, MSRP $22.00 in white, grey and black. Pull it out, pop it on and spend a little time near the offending party...enough said. 

 

New Tennis Books: Help with Strokes, Strategy and Tennis History

Tennis Made Easy by Kelly Gunterman is a how-to tennis manual. Gunterman, currently the Director of Tennis at the Amelia Island Plantation in Amelia Island, has a 30 year history with the game at all levels and a knack for explaining tennis technique.

The manual was written to help beginner and intermediate players but advanced players may also find it helpful as it serves as a reminder that less is always more. Included are tactics, strategies, practice drills and a range of topics including perfecting your serve, positioning, pressuring the opponent, and how to play singles or doubles. Clear information on choosing equipment and deciding what to pack in a tennis bag is also included.

If you can only afford a private every once in a while, this book (loaded with photographs of current WTA and ATP pros in action) offers a helpful way to hone your technique and game without shelling out the big bucks.

List is $19.95 and available on amazon

Bud Collins has also just released the second edition of The Bud Collins History of Tennis An Authoritative Encyclopedia and Record Book.

This 816-page volume - a compilation of records, biographies and year-by-year recaps – is dedicated to John Isner, Nicolas Mahut and chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani, the three principles from the record-breaking longest match of all-time at 2010 Wimbledon. This is an update of the book he released in 2003 (which had Serena on the cover wearing Puma).

Facts and more facts. "If you know nothing about tennis, this book is for you. And if you know everything about tennis—Hah!—Bud knows more, so this book is for you too!" says Martina Navratilova. It's a great refresher on what's gone down over the years in our game. No tennis home should be without it.

List is $35.95 and available on amazon

More tennis books here. Click and scroll down.

What WOULD Borg, Ashe or Evert do?

It takes the mind of a champion to win a major and so with homage to those that have so successfully played before us I give you some inspiration. Everything old is new again with these practice tees.

So you're down a set and two games. What Would Borg Do (W.W.B.D.)? What was it that took the guy to the US Open finals four times? Own the tee and those of other top ballers from online seller OldSchoolTennis, $26.99

U.S. Open 1978. Chris Evert defeated Pam Shriver and Jimmy Connors defeated Bjorn Borg for the trophies. Great tennis year. Hate to think that '78 is vintage but it is, at least in the fashion world."

The tee (above left) is one of the Sportique US Open Collection inspired by US Open programs and television coverage from the late 70s to the early 80s. I've seen Sportique US Open tees on athletes (Isner), on-air news correspondents and fans in New York, $32 for t-shirts and $66 for hoodies. The collection can be found at Arthur Ashe Stadium. select Bloomingdales stores and online at USOpenShop

New Tennis Books: "Hardcourt Confidential" by Patrick McEnroe and "Come to Win" by Venus Williams.

Thumbs-up on two tennis related reads that came out over the summer:

HARDCOURT CONFIDENTIAL Tales from Twenty Years in the Pro Trenches by Patrick McEnroe with Peter Bodo

Patrick McEnroe has lived and breathed the tennis world a long time (25+years). He has been a top level player (a Grand Slam champ in doubles), Davis Cup team captain, coach, sports commentator and of course brother to American tennis icon John McEnroe. The guy loves to tell stories which is how this book reads, a collection of short stories from the inner world of our game.

I loved the insights on player personalities (Bryan Brothers, James Blake, Andy Roddick and more) as well as the behind the scenes goings-on that the general public is not privy to (wild cards, player coaching, surfaces and more). Much of it is pretty fascinating stuff for a tennis lover. The lives pro tennis players live is intense.

Certainly this is not a how to help your game book but any player will come away with a good sense of the work ethic, head and talent that someone needs to make it to the top our game.

$25.99 (hardcover) and is available at amazon

COME TO WIN: Business Leaders, Artists, Doctors, and Other Visionaries on How Sports Can Help You Top Your Profession by Venus Williams with Kelly E. Carter.

Come to Win is more of all-person's read than tennis read but the game plays a role here. There are references to tennis in Venus' introduction but she put the book together with the belief that what she learned playing tennis helped her find success in business.

She wanted to know if others felt the same way about their sport and asked a variety of A-Listers what in their sports experience inspired them toward success as an athlete and again later in life.

The book is a collection of essays by business leaders, media figures, creative executives, politicians and doctors that demonstrate how important playing sports was and still is to success. A few examples: turning losses into learning tools, visualizing a course of action, learning to block out distractions, the importance of preparation etc.

Those profiled who played/play tennis are: Brian P. Kelley, Billie Jean King, Scott McNealy, Leland Melvin, Susan Merseau, Melissa Payner, Robin Roberts, Condoleeza Rice, Irene Rosenfeld, Meg Whitman and Jeff Zucker.

Philip Knight, Vera Wang, Soledad O'Brien and Donny Deutsh are a small handful of the many other interesting personalities offering up stories.

Good read for a tennis player or really anyone who enjoys playing sports.

$25.99 (hardcover) at amazon and at bookstores nationwide.

Bag yourself an upgrade. A Tennis Racquet Bag for the Impeccably Style Savvy.

If a logo-emblazoned tennis bag doesn't fit your style aesthetic take a look at Cortiglia. The company has released a line of luxury court bags that are as upscale as you can get without spending thousands.

Cortiglia's bags are made in Italy, constructed with lightweight but sturdy leather and canvas adorned with handcrafted hardware. The C monogrammed dust cover each comes in is the first sign that you've got a high-end bag.

Pictured above is the patent-leather Belvedere, $435 USD (here in Nero -- the red one is gorgeous too), and just under that, same image, is the Marina design, $465 (also Nero). Below image is the Sonoma, $425 (in Bianco/Blu Marino), a funkier bowling bag kind of look.

Each style comes in multiple colors. All neatly accommodate two racquets, a Blackberry/iPhone or other, keys, wallet, a light jacket, towel, visor and a few cosmetics. I wouldn't put shoes in these because of the fabric lining (unless of course you pop them in a separate bag).

Steffi Graf has the Marina Noir and another recently made Oprah's O list.

Each Cortiglia bag has a full, durable zip opening making it easy to take essentials in and out. The fabric lining, a bright tangerine, makes it easy to spot little items inside (click on any of the images for a closer look).

 

Solid metal feet protect the bottom of the bag from the court.

 For the woman who simply cannot compromise on quality and style at any time these are ultra chic.

Available online at Cortiglia.

Modo and USTA Team Up to Offer US Open Sunglasses Designed for the Court

Modo eyewear and the USTA have teamed up to introduce these officially licensed US Open competition sunglasses just in time for the 2010 tournament.

The lightweight style is unisex and comes in US Open blue (a bright navy). High chromatic definition lenses provide natural color contrast that is said to improve reaction time and increase visibility of the ball. I had no problem seeing the ball in these. An anti-reflective coating does reduce reflections and improves comfort in bright conditions. US Open flaming balls adorn the frame discreetly.

Watch for these babies on US Open line judges and chair umps. I'm told they are getting these Modos with their uniforms. I wonder what outfitter RL thinks about that?

The new frames come boxed in a hard, zip closure carrying case. A tennis court print on the cleaning cloth is a nice touch, $89 USD.

Available at the US Open Shop and Sunglass Hut. 

Products that Fuel a Young Kid's Passion for Tennis.

So you want your kids to love the game as much as you do? Here are a few products that will get your kid cruising on court:

Just released, Bring Your Racquet: Tennis Basics for Kids, by Steven White, is an easy to understand read that illustrates the game's basics in terms the average young player can completely understand.  White is a professional tennis instructor and former satellite tour player who has a knack for explaining the game without being overly technical. The illustrations are contemporary, not unlike the "Prince of Tennis" series and add a fun, modern flair to the book. 

Certainly there is no substitute for getting on court and hitting balls but as we adults know you really can't study the game too much and having a categorized book to reference/remind is a good thing. You might even want to breeze through it yourself from time to time. Recommended for age 8 and up. Bring Your Racquet retails for $14.00.

I've talked about QuickStart tennis before, but want to mention it again as this game is growing like mad nationwide and you can get a kit to play at home, on your driveway or local town court -- really anywhere you have a hard surface. QuickStart has recently been incorporated into Tennis Skillastics, a new program offered by Skillastics that helps schools to introduce tennis in schools without the need of official sized courts. 

If your kid gets frustrated hitting regular balls on a court, watch them smile after trying Quickstart or as mine call it, "mini tennis." It will grow their confidence and big court game as well. Here are a couple of links to get the mini Net and balls you need. The racquets they are using already are fine.

For the little girl in your life, encourage tennis with Go! Go! Sports Girl Gracie who loves the game of tennis. Gracie is a soft 16" tall, quality doll with tennis accessories and a surprise tummy "tattoo" that says Dream Big Ace It. $19.99. Get Gracie for your little tennis girl.

Keep small hands busy and thinking about the game with the US Open Tennis Coloring & Activity Book by Kristin Vaughn and Peg Connery-Boyd, $10.16. This came out last year but still features some of the best - most recognizable - tennis players in the world. Find it HERE.

You can also find what I call mini-me tennis attire, junior sized versions of the looks the pros are wearing. adidas makes Ana Ivanovic's spring adilibria dress $42, or Fernando Verdasco's summer edge polo, $34 (pictured left).

Python On Court. "Where did you get that?"

Court Couture, maker of tennis bags akin to fashionable handbags, has just released its newest bag, the Cassanova, in python. This line has a curved top opening as opposed to the straight one on the Savanna I looked at last year.

If you are a fashionista off-court take a look at these luxe looking tennis bags.The white sings spring/summer, fresh with a white outfit. The python print on the patent faux leather is huge in accessories this season. Gold toned signature hardware adds a designer's touch.

The Cassanova Python comes in White and Gray, $189 USD. The over the shoulder bag can hold two oversized racquets and comes with a removable cosmetic case. It also comes in mock croc in a multitude of colors. 

Inside you will find multiple pockets to hold, court towel, water, cellphone, keys, and more. It's not really big enough for a full change of shoes/clothes but perfect for a friendly game and then off to run errands.  I like that you can wipe the bag off easily which means that setting the white bag on green or red clay is not a problem.

Find the bag at CourtCoutureTennis and Tennis-Warehouse.

Gifts for Tennis Lovers: Holiday 2009

Below are a few tennis oriented gift ideas to get you started. Take a look around Tennisidentity.com for others. We've got reviews up in mens and womens fashion, gear, essentials,  books,  fitness, services, t-shirts and more.

Would your Mom carry an over the shoulder six pack? Mine wouldn't. For the woman who simply must arrive in 21st century style, take a look at the Cassanova bag by Court Couture. It comes in six colors (pink berry in pic) croc-embossed faux leather and hosts an outside racquet pocket that holds two racquets (including mid-plus and oversize heads). Inside you'll find a cosmetic bag and a large two section interior lined with pretty striped fabric and more pockets, $189 USD. If Kim Kardashian played -- and I would like to see that -- she might pick this bag. You get the picture. Tennis-Warehouse carries Court Couture as well.

The buff men of pro tennis can be part of your daily life -- do tell!. Look for 2010 calendars featuring Andy Roddick, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and more. Available at Tennis-Warehouse $19-29 USD. Play carries the Murray calendar.

If price is no object take a look at the Power Plate, a workout machine said to be a favorite of Serena Williams. The machine provides an efficient full body workout in just 30 minutes. Advance vibration technology causes muscles to react many times per second as you exercise. The result is increased flexibility, strength, bone density and range of motion, decreased joint and muscle pain and improved blood circulation; $4,500 - 10,500. Not in the financial cards? Ask your club to buy one for everyone to use. "Our members love it," says Phyllis Kugler, Fitness Director at the Vineyard Tennis Workout and Spa in Martha's Vineyard. "It can be addictive. That machine does not gather dust."

Speaking of Serena, pictured right is her "Lucky Ring," $65, part of the Serena Williams Signature Statement Collection. This is a replica of the ring she wears on court every match. She will be hawking the line December 11 on HSN if you want to check it out or buy.

Anyone can always use an extra warm up jacket, especially welcome would be one from adidas by Stella McCartney (this is the line that Caroline Wozniacki wears). Pictured left is the CU Hoodie in Dark Atlantic blue, $140. The color is gorgeous on anyone, really. Beautiful detail a la Ms. Stella.  adidas by Stella McCartney is at Shopadidas and Tennis-Warehouse.

For men, pictured right is the Nike Men's Athlete Clima Fit Jacket, white with mahogany. It comes in three colors. Pretty clean and classic. Toss in the masters polo and mahogany shorts and you've got Roger looking back at you. Available at Nike and Tennis-Warehouse.

How about an ATP World Tour Tee? 100% cotton, it's your basic tee with ATP cool, $19.99. I can't think of a tennis playing teen boy who wouldn't want one. Here's the direct link.

Just ideas...Happy Holidays and have fun shopping.

 

More tennis gift ideas here.

Hip-Hop Artist Jay-Z Designs Limited Edition Arthur Ashe Tennis Tee Shirt.

The USTA announced today that hip-hop icon and Grammy Award-winning artist Jay-Z has designed a t-shirt featuring Arthur Ashe that will be sold at the 2009 US Open. 

The limited edition Jay-Z tee-shirt celebrates the USTA National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) network’s 40th anniversary. Proceeds from the sales will benefit the NJTL and the Arthur Ashe Endowment for the Defeat of AIDS. 

 “I am thrilled that someone of Jay-Z’s stature would take part in this project,” said Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, Ashe’s widow who remains active in the USTA NJTL network and other charitable endeavors associated with her late husband’s legacy.  “This shirt will honor the legacy of my husband and remind people of his contributions to both the sport of tennis and this country’s underprivileged youth.”

 The 100% cotton charcoal gray shirt with white and black image of Ashe will be available on-site at the Octagon and the Arthur Ashe Endowment Booth, and online at USOpen.org and ArthurAshe.org; $36 USD. The design is part of Jay-Z’s Rocawear clothing line, which the musician founded in 1999.  

 

My Hot-Seller Picks from the 2009 U.S Open Shop.

 

 

The US Open 2009 shop is stocked and ready for the big day. These are my picks for this year's coveted hot sellers. Top left, the Mens Banner NYC Full-Zip Track Jacket, $98 USD; top right, the Women's Banner Full-Zip Track Jacket $90. Both are 100% cotton, high quality jackets. Sewn on detail, rather than printed, make these stars in the shop's outerwear line-up.

Bottom left, the Arch Logo Cap (also in navy), $24 with embroidered detail; and the Infant/Toddler Flag Logo Tee, $18, total cuteness for your future star.

Check out the line of Under Armour branded performance apparel too, obviously useful memorabilia.

2009 U.S. Open Tickets on Sale Monday, June 8 but if you've got Am Ex you can get them now.

Tickets to the U.S. Open go on sale to the general tennis adoring public on Monday, June 8 at 9 am EST. This year's event runs August 31 - September 13, 2009.

No need to say more. I know you want to go. Visit US Open event sales or call 1-866-OPEN-TIX for more information.

American Express Cardholders can take advantage of the special advance ticket sale going on now through Saturday, June 6. Here's the link for that, but you gotta have the card.

New 2009 tennis backpacks. Something for every tennis identity.

 

 

If you travel to the courts via foot, subway or bike, less is definitely more. Even though most racquet bags come with backpack straps, these smaller back packs fit the bill during those times when you just don't want any extra bulk.

Top left the Wilson KTour back pack, holds two racquets with padding around them, has a separate compartent for shoes and is made without PVC (an environmentally friendly effort), $39.95;  top right, the KSwiss Ibiza Tennis Backpack in Navy -- retro-ish and fitting in an all tennis-whites setting, for one-racquet, $39.99. Bottom left the groovy "Tell it to my Heart" Whak Sak, black with rhinestones, holds a tennista's two racquets and essentials. The insulated drink holder keeps a beverage cold and handy, $79.99; Bottom right: the Babolat Classic Club Line Back Pack, $24.95 (has a racquet handle cover -- added value for transit in the rain). Some of Rafa's entourage have been spotted wearing this bag. 

Not pictured: the new Babolat Team Line back pack, $44.95, matches the new Pure Drive racquet. HEAD also makes a sharp looking Djokovic series back pack to go with his new stick, $59.95. 

Find these back-packs and a myriad of others to suit your court identity at Tennis-Warehouse Visit  Whaksak Babolat, Wilson and K-Swiss for other retailers.

Tennis Nets and Windscreen Reincarnated as Earth Friendly Tennis Bags.

Old windscreens and nets have taken on a new and useful life reincarnated as roomy tennis totes. In Atlanta Georgia one court maintenance company alone takes 50,000 linear feet of windscreen to landfill every year. Enter iflydesigns.

Their Matchpoint bag pictured left is fully lined with tennis windscreen underneath the colorful exterior. The Tiebreaker (not pictured) is almost 100% recycled, just windscreen and netting, kind of cool for the hard core recycling enthusiast.  A flat bottom helps the bag keep its shape. These are lightweight, well constructed bags for carrying your gear or shopping with your passion at your side.

The bags retail for $75 USD. Visit iflydesigns to learn more, find a retailer or buy. P.S. the blue/green stripe is gorgeous.

Road Warrior. Spotted at a Tournament. "Just because you couldn't get it doesn't mean it was out."

Bad calls (I won't call it cheating) are a problem in junior tennis and this tee addresses the issue front and back in a matter of fact kind of way.

On the back, "Just because you couldn't get it, doesn't mean it was out." Available in a variety of colors and styles for all ages, this tennis line will make any opponent think twice about less-than fair line calls. 

"Are you sure" tops start at $18.00 USD. They are high-quality 100% cotton from American Apparel. The fitted one is cute for a teen girl.

Visit are you sure ? to learn more or buy.

Pictured is Marielle Williams at the Southern Closed Doubles Championships in Rome, Georgia.

Ame and Lulu's New Tennis Backpack Now Available.

 

For the recreational tennis player with prep in their step, behold the new Ame & Lulu Tucket and Hot Pink Backpack. It holds two racquets, has three interior pockets, an exterior pocket and adjustable closure and straps, 20" x 16" MSRP $88 USD (add $20 for a monogram).

Here's the image: You, Nantucket on a cruiser, riding down a sandy road on the way to your morning match, racquet bag on your back. That's this bag. Also available with grass green accents. Sweet quality.

Learn more or buy at Ame & Lulu.

Cole Haan's New Racquet Bag. Exquisite Style With a Touch of Green.

Maria Sharapova is the face of Cole Haan's new ad campaign and one of their new bags this season is this swish little retro styled tennis bag. The Cole Haan Dylan racquet bag is made of canvas trimmed in chrome-free vegetable leather and is comprised of Bionic yarn containing fibers made from recycled plastic bottles. Each bag incorporates eleven recycled plastic bottles. Nice effort.

The bag hosts 6" and 12" shoulder straps (the 12" is detachable), zip closure tennis racquet holder, cell phone and PDA pockets and lots of monied class. Check/measure your racquet head before you buy. Oversized heads will not fit as the opening is 11" wide and 14" long.

Learn more or find a store at Cole Haan. Retail only for this baby. For the tennista who simply must tote designer, $550 USD.

A Tennis Journal For You and Only You.

From technique to strategy, wouldn’t it be nice to refresh on past lessons just prior to a match?  Take a cue from Serena Williams, who has been seen glancing at notes during changeovers.  Create a training manual pertinent to YOUR game and you'll never say "I hope I remember this" again.

SportMinder’s Tennis Trainer is a new categorized notebook, a totally personal tennis journal, that is designed to improve retention of learned material through active note taking on your game, after a match, lesson or clinic. 

The spiral bound notebook, sized  to fit in your racquet bag,  gives you an organized place to jot quick tips from lessons. There are sections for pre-match, warm-up and match reminders, match results, strategies, fitness goals, stroke tips and tournament schedules.

SportMinder gets a big thumbs-up from both the pros and rec. players who checked it out.  $19.95 USD each or two for $30. Learn more or buy at SportMinder. They will custom print covers for groups, clubs or teams.

2008 Best Tennis Gear of the Year. Jon Levey Makes His Picks.

Watch here as Jon Levey, Senior Gear Editor at TENNIS magazine, makes his Best of 2008 Gear picks. Among them a racquet, racquet bag, court shoes and more. Agree with Jon? What are your picks for the year?

Gift Ideas for Tennis Lovers. Holiday 2008.

Looking for gift ideas for the tennis player in your life? Practical makes perfect with these suggestions, both small and large:

Case the joint. 24 cans of balls. Any player would be psyched to get a case full. Check out Penn, recently named as the official ball of the BNP Paribas Showdown or Dunlop named the official ball of the Blackrock Masters, over on the other side of the pond. Check Tennis-Warehouse, around $60 USD.

Offer a little TLC.  Most players suffer a few aches and pains after a hard game. New, ALCiS Pain Relief Cream does the trick. This cream, neither hot, nor cold, lacks that tell-tale pungent smell and works on contact. Our aching muscles loved it. A 2.0 oz tube is $19.95 USD. Find a retailer or order at ALCis.

A healing hug. Another new pain management alternative comes from Draper Body Therapy. Draper's therapeutic sportswear range includes close fitting ankle, elbow and wrist supports and tees that are worn before or after play under street clothes. All products use "smart fiber" proven to increase the circulation of oxygenated blood (up to 29%). Translates to faster healing and less pain. Buy at Draper Body Therapy. Products range from $5 - $59.

Under-love 'em. Ja! Help your tennis friends feel a little Swedish in Björn Borg. Available at www.bjornborg.com, these undies are under-art to wear for both men and women. Plus they look and feel fab. Prices range from $25 - $50.00 USD. 

Time with Nick. No not St. Nick, Nick B. For the player who wants to hang with Nick Bollettieri but knows  it’s never gonna happen, put a smile on his or her face with the Bollettieri Bobblehead. Not practical at all, but hey it’s as close to the real deal as most of us will ever get. Available at ISD Store at IMG Academies, $20.00 USD.

Top 'em off.  Glove It offers a wide variety of freshly patterned womens sports accessories including great hats and visors. With over 30 patterns to choose from, you are sure to find something for the woman who prefers her very own unique style, hats run $14.95 USD.

Protect them. Oakley lenses were all over the Olympics this summer. If they worked for the athletes, you can be sure they will work for your player. Visit Oakley and check out the “Enduring” and "Flak Jacket." They stay put, truly cut glare and look super cool. Range $140 and up depending on technology.

String 'em along. Did you know that there are a myriad of string choices out there? Gamma's Zo Tour Rough string is new. This is a funky orange 16 gauge polyester string that is textured to provide maximum bite, spin and control. Any topspin generator would love to give it a try. Visit Gamma Sports to learn more or buy at Tennis Warehouse, $13.95.

Sock it to them. Socks sound super boring but believe it when we say, if your player is still wearing bulk pack socks from Wal Mart they will thank you forever for turning them on to the best.  Among our favs are Thorlos and Euro Sock available at Tennis-Warehouse. PowerSox are another great brand, available at Gold Toe Moretz.  With unique left and right foot fit technology, they stay put and never bunch up. Sock prices range $6 - $12 USD.

Give fitness and agility. The Sport Vision Set includes a reaction ball, stability ball, wobble board, juggle balls and how-to booklet to tie them all together. Designed to help with tracking, stability and agility, this set, available at Jump USA ,$79.95 USD  is a great for the serious-on-improving player.

Treat your teen. For the sweats loving teen who wants to make her passion known, visit Sweet & Powerfulfor brightly colored TENNIS sweats that offer a warm, cozy tennis identity. $29.99 USD.

Tie one on. Nothing wrong with this steadfast gift, as long as it's creative. Out of the thousands at Ties they’ve got some fun yet classy tennis ones for the office-going tennis lover. 100% silk, $19.95 USD.

Ticket them. No one would turn down the opportunity to see the sport they love played by pros. Visit the website of your favorite local tournament. Most have tickets for pre-sale right now. Price varies.

Help them to worship. Daily adoration is possible with pro themed calendars. Tennis-Warehouse has Rafa and R Fed 2009 calendars, $19.99-25.00 USD.

Brick and mortar. The Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is looking for donors. Pave the way for future generations by making a gift in someone’s name. With a  donation between $1,000 and $25,000 your special someone will get their name inset in the walkway to the renowned tennis center. The more you give, the nicer the brick, the better the placement. Learn more at USTA Serves.

Give game to a child. Other tennis organizations looking for financial assistance include the James Blake supported harlemjuniortennis

Check 2008 posts on Tennisidentity.com for more great gift giving ideas: tennis totes, water bottles, racquet bags, gear, clothing, ball hoppers and more.

Happy holidays.

  More tennis gift ideas here.

 

 

 

Federer's Nike NYC Jacket.

Love this jacket? We do too. It's a functional, performance (sphere dry fabric) warm up jacket on top of being Roger Federer's choice at the Open. It runs $60, black only, at Tennis-Warehouse. Gotta have it!

Look for it in the Nike NYC Apparel section.

Every Player's Bag Needs a Towel. Make it Special.

Rid your bag of the rag you've been using and get yourself one of these beauties -- same ones as the pros are using on court right now. As towels go, these are nice. 100% cotton, sized 35 1/2" x 24 1/2," a decent size for toweling off between points.

The women's version is pictured on the left and the men's right, but hey it doesn't really matter which one you choose. They retail for $38 USD and are available online at the US Open Shop and at the Open.

Ame and Lulu's Racquet Bag Adds Pretty Prep to Your Game

For the woman who just doesn't go for logo laden tennis gear, this is a fun, casual option. Pictured here is one of Ame & Lulu's tennis totes made from cotton canvas fabric. The fabric pictured here is kimono. There are a variety of gorgeous, eye-catching prints, complemented by a solid bright interior. The versatile tote is canvas on the outside but quilted so soft against your body and definitely ample. You can fit a racquet in the interior velcro pocket. Another compartment holds a jacket and change of shoes. Five outside pockets hold tennis balls, water, energy bars, anything you want to grab quickly between games. The straps are long enough to throw over your shoulder comfortably.

Check out the vibrant collection in its entirety online at Ame & Lulu. The Tennis Tote runs $98 USD. They also make a more traditionally shaped racquet bag with strap, $112.00 and a cosmetic bag set, $56, in every print. These are quality bags, luxurious, borderline preppy. You can picture them on the well tended clay in the Hamptons.

2008 US Open Theme Art Announced. Collectors, Artwork will be Available at the Open

The USTA recently unveiled the official 2008 US Open theme art. Pictured left, aptly capturing some of the NYC essence that is very much a part of the Open, it features a Broadway-esque marquee with the “It’s Showtime” tagline and the US Open’s iconic flaming ball. Watch for the design, by James M. Skiles of Phoenix Design Works in NYC, to be incorporated into all 2008 US Open promotional materials including tickets, the official tournament magazine and poster.

The tournament poster will be made available to tennis fans with a limited quantity online at USOpen.org prior to the Open and at kiosks within the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center during the tournament. If you have seen past-year prints, you know that these are nice quality, heavy paper -- definitely great frameable mementos from this Grand Slam event.

"I'm Tomorrow's Future" -- Support the Roger Federer Foundation with this Limited Edition T-shirt.

Stand out on or off court in support of Roger's charitable efforts. This limited edition 100% cotton Nike t-shirt is sold exclusively on Roger Federer's site. Proceeds go to the Roger Federer Foundation which supports children in South Africa and Ethiopia. Read more about the foundation here. The shirt, sold in red only, retails for $46 USD. It says I'm Tomorrow's Future on the front, roger federer foundation on the back and rogerfederer.com on the sleeve.

Get yours at Roger Federer Shop and help support some very needy children.

Image courtesy of Roger Federer Foundation

Gift ideas for fun, tennis loving moms

With tennis loving mothers in mind, we offer two unique gift ideas. For those who love to accessorize, Angela Moore offers a collection of unique, quality tennis themed jewelry. The hand painted, lightweight stretch bracelet pictured left is $50 USD. The line also offers matching earrings and necklaces that range in price from $25 to $95. Go to www.angelamoore.com.

For the "Court Queen" who's take is a little fresh, try something fun from Tennis tease. There are comfy, nicely cut t-shirts ($29.95 USD), cami-tanks and light cotton stretch warm up jackets ($39.95) with all sorts of sassy tennis sayings sure to get a laugh. Each item comes packaged in a tennis ball can themed container. Go to www.tennistease.com to order