Andy Murray has a new tennis bag. Looks like HEAD is working to tone down the graphics and appeal to an older male player. Check it out here in this RADO commercial:
The bag comes in two versions: an Andy Murray Series Monster Combi that holds up to 9 racquets, $90 USD, and Combi 6 pack $75, may be a better choice for those not playing tournaments.
Loads of pockets and compartments inside and out on this one. Beige though? Well men do seem to love their khakis so maybe this appeals.
Sunday Novak Djokovic won his first Monte Carlo Masters title by beating Rafael Nadal (8 time MCM champ). "I cannot be
happier than I am in this moment knowing what I've been through the whole week, actually
two weeks, right after Davis Cup, trying to recover [ankle injury] and make a decision to play or not to
play," said Djokovic.
"If somebody told me 10 days ago I'd be winning the trophy, I
wouldn't think it's so realistic, to be honest. I went through pain, I went through a big
challenge, mentally, physically, emotionally, and in the end it was getting better as the
tournament was going on..."
The guy has a mind of steel.
“It's a very
joyful moment for me because I've wanted that trophy badly all my life, especially in last six,
seven years that I've been spending my time and living here between the tournaments in
Monaco. This is a great confidence boost before the rest of the clay court season, definitely."
Congratulations to Novak Djokovic who earned his third consecutive men's singles Australian Open title and sixth Grand Slam Sunday.
Tennis coaches often refer to building a "toolbox," meaning your repertoire of shots and tactics on court. Clearly, Djokovic's toolbox is complete, a veritable workstation packed with the best in speed, footwork, fitness, recovery, shot making and mental strength.
Amazing stuff watching it all come together match after match. His stick, a key part of said box of course, the just-out HEAD YouTek Graphene Speed Pro.
NOTE on apparel: Love the jacket here. Unfortunately, it's not available, neither is the shirt, nor the shorts...not at the moment anyway. Bummer. We got excited last year when UNIQLO offered up some of Novak's US Open apparel at two stores in NYC. Hoping that they work through the kinks and get the stuff out there.
Novak Djokovic's newest weapon has been unveiled. In December I had a chance to check out a new HEAD tennis racquet that was fully disguised in black and labeled only G. Here's how it looked back then in stealth mode, and here's how it looks today as the HEAD Graphene Speed.
Great racquet. I have had a lot of fun with it. The one in my pic is the Rev model, $190. Djokovic uses the Pro (he's the Djoker and I'm realistic), $200.
Case in point, Djokovic proved he could serve a ball faster than an Audi R8 LMS GT3 race car on Melbourne's Sandown racetrack at the stick launch. Me? Thrilled to place the ball in the service box with a good degree of heat on the reg.
HEAD tennis has released this promo of its 2013 Speed tennis racquet powered by G.
What "G" is or involves we won't know until January 11 (my guess is G-spot). Apparently Novak Djokovic is a user. You can be too by entering the company's newest contest over at facebook.com/headtennis.
Meet the second edition of the HEAD Maria Sharapova Tennis Racquet Bag. Pictured here with Maria is her new court bag that fits 3-6 racquets, $115. The combi version below fits 6-8 racquets and is a back-pack style, $100.
Both bags feature an oxford nylon exterior (wipes clean), adjustable, padded shoulder straps, a racquet compartment and HEAD’s CCT+ technology that protects your sticks from extreme temperatures. Components such as an inner lining with inspirational wordings, a leather tag carrying Maria’s name, the golden embroidery of the HEAD logo and Maria’s initials add an elegant touch.
HEAD/Maria plan to debut the bag at Wimbledon. “I think all ladies, whether they are tennis professionals or leisure players, want to look good when entering the court and carry good-looking accessories with them," said Sharapova. "Of course, I do as well and I enjoyed partnering with HEAD on developing the new bag series. I like the new design and the white colouring very much.”
The new bags will be available at retail in late August 2012.
I cried when Maria Sharapova fell to the clay at Roland Garros. As one of the most media polished tennis athletes on the tour (and most collected on court) it's not often we get a peek at the human inside. Saturday we saw her.
Sharapova is a role model for all who have a dream in this game. Sure, she's had the tennis world at her disposal, but fact is, Maria doesn't need to play tennis, she just wants to and passionately. Hard-work, losing, hurting, be damned. We tennis mortals can take a page or two from this story.
The hot looking new Speed Pro Lite is HEAD’s lightest tennis shoe ever. It is 10% lighter than the original HEAD Speed Pro tennis shoe at only 14 oz per shoe (based on Men’s size 9).
The upper is constructed using mesh and flexible TPU (like the rubber material used in some cell phone covers) and the shoe has what's called a half-sock construction which contributes to a comfy slipper-like feel. Despite all the lightening, foot friendly HEAD Vi-Pod, Energy Bridge and CXG technologies make this a stable, low to the ground, high-perfomance tennis shoe.
The Speed Pro Lite is available for men in black/white/orange (pictured here) and white/black. There is a 6 month durability outsole guarantee on these, $100 USD.
Ladies, they do not make this shoe in womens' sizes. Buy 2 sizes down to fit (they do run wide so if you've got a narrow foot this trick might not work for you). Hot looking shoe with a black or white outfit though.
Novak Djokovic kicked off the 2012 season with new tennis fashion from Sergio Tacchini. No change in stick however; his HEAD Youtek IG Speed MP racket has certainly served him well.
The polo's colors (on white base for day, black base for night) are inspired by the Serbian flag which also appears in a heart at the lower left shirt hem. The shirt also comes in navy and as a crew. ST designers tell me that the digital prints (that look to me like art created by a fast paint soaked jump rope) are an artistic interpretation of the dynamic nature of tennis, the force of a ball strike and the Serb's explosive energy. Explosive. Perfect word for Novak's game.
If anyone can prove that a line moves and breathes with you without any hindrence it's Djokovic. No question in the claim that the line here is ergonomic. No ST distribution in the US at this time. As of 2/3/2012 new Aussie Open SergioTacchini now available in US.
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.
Sloane Stephens often comes up when discussing young US tennis talents. Keep an eye out for her at the inaugural Citi Open at the Tennis Center in College Park Maryland but get to know her first. At 18, she's ranked 125 in the world (WTA):
How old were you when you started tennis? I was 9 years old when I started taking tennis lessons.
When did you click as "committed" to the game? I started playing USTA tournaments when I was 10 but everything really didn't "click" for me until I was 12.
As you spent years focused on growing your game did you feel torn about missing some of the regular teen stuff friends were doing? This was definitely a tough issue for me. I was home-schooled from 6th grade on so I always knew that I was missing school activities and gatherings with my friends.
What would you say to teen players who are struggling with this? In the long run, the commitment to tennis pays off. I love tennis, so personally, I didn't mind the sacrifice. For teen players who are struggling, I would encourage them to follow their dreams and not let anything stand in the way.
Favorite surface? Red Clay!
Tennis racquet? Head Prestige.
Tennis apparel sponsor? Under Armour. The best!
Do you get to pick what you wear on court? I pretty much have a choice of a number of different outfits that I travel with. Under Armour makes sure that I have a variety of outfits and colors.
Do you like a certain style? I like to be comfortable...and sporty!
Any pre-match rituals? I listen to my pre-match playlist.
Favorite band/singer? Beyonce.
I saw you featured in Teen Vogue. Did you have fun doing that piece? I really loved doing the shoot for Teen Vogue. It was a lot of fun and it was really cool to learn about all that happens in a photo shoot. The preparation was unreal! Video here.
Favorite foods? My Grandma's macaroni and cheese and Korean BBQ
Favorite color(s)? Orange and pink.
Most inspirational tennis player? Kim Clijsters.
Favorite thing to do with your free time (not tennis)? Spend time with my Grandparents, my family and friends.
Goals for 2011? Strengthen my serve. Get into the WTA top 100.
Andy Murray's tennis bag at Wimbledon deserves a little attention. It's the concoction of HEAD tennis and is available only to one lucky person (plus Andy of course).
If you've been following Murray's game you may have noticed his racquet bag filling up with messages the deeper he got into the tournament. Today -- sigh -- was the last day (but I do love Rafa too so I was very torn).
HEAD has been pulling fan messages off of its Facebook page and adding more to the bag every round.
Maria Sharapova has revealed her newest on-court weapon. Now officially painted, Sharapova premiered the new HEAD YouTek IG INSTINCT tennis racquet first round at the Mutua Madrid Open and came up with a win. The racquet has been a work in progress since early 2011.
“The game became a lot more powerful, a lot more physical,” Sharapova said. “I was really looking for a powerful racquet, and am thankful that HEAD provided me with exactly that."
The new stick is said to provide "Effortless Power" actually. The YouTek Instinct IG series will be available in August in two versions, the MP and the S model. Both will allow players to create power in their strokes much more easily, due to better maneuverability of the racquet during the swinging motion and less energy loss at ball impact; built in Innegra™ technology reduces vibration on ball impact and allows for more control.
More specs are forthcoming.
HEAD CEO Johan Eliasch noted, "Maria gave a lot of input to help develop this new series of racquets. We are proud that she joined our team and trusts our products." Proud? Yes of course but much more likely... very, very thrilled ;)
Maria's apparel here? All Nike Maria Sharapova Group. The Statement Tank in lemon frost/lightbulb $60 and Skort, in gridiron $60. Very pretty two piece set.
He said he'd do it. Now it's done. Novak Djokovic, winner of the 2011 BNP Paribas Open and current number 2 in the world deserves a standing ovation for this stunt orchestrated by Head tennis. Awesome.
The foxy woman close up...not necessary...just sayin. I'm not a guy. Maybe that's important.
Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic go HEAD to HEAD Sunday night in the men's singles finals of the Australian Open. This is their first time meeting in a Grand Slam final.
Of course Maria Sharapova's new racquet deal comes with a fresh tennis bag. A tennista like Maria could never carry last year's bag.
Pictured here at the Australian Open Sharapova walks on court with her one-of-a kind HEAD racquet bag. No this bag is not available at market yet but now through January 31, 2011 you can try and win one over on HEAD's facebook page. Answer a few Maria centric trivia questions and you too might be able carry this bag on court.
Watch for the Maria Sharapova line of HEAD racquets and bags later in the year.
Novak Djokovic hits Australia with a new HEAD racquet in hand, the YouTek IG Speed MP 18/20, one of six in the new HEAD Speed IG series.This second generation YouTek blends the best of the d3o technology introduced in '09 with HEAD's newest Innegra fiber technology.
Tough and light, Innegra (also used in F1 cars) is said to improve stability and shock absorption and provide consistent performance over the entire life of the frame.
The Speed series racquet group includes a 300 gram MP version of Djokovic's for easier playability (for those not at the higher echelons of the game).
Below are more details on the different versions of the series. All have just about the same cosmetic:
- YouTek IG Speed Pro: This racquet offers a heavier frame with a very thin beam, providing great touch and feel. It comes with a synthetic leather grip and cap.
- YouTek IG Speed MP 16/19: Offers a combination of power and feel in a slightly longer version to accommodate a wide range of players.100 sq. in. head.
- YouTek IG Speed MP 18/20: Djokovic's racquet. This stick will appeal to a wide range of players with its combination of power and feel. 100 sq. in. head.
- YouTek IG Speed 300: A more powerful MP version which makes shots faster with less effort. This racquet offers good power and control. 100 sq in. head, 16/19.
- YouTek™ IG Speed Elite: A Tour Light version providing tour performance with greater maneuverability. The slightly wider beam gives it even more power. 100 sq. in. head.
- YouTek™ IG Speed Lite: This is the lightest racquet in the Speed series. A great tweener providing a combination of power, maneuverability, control and feel. It’s a good choice for players with a moderate swing style. 102 sq in head, 16/19.
The YouTek IG Speed MP 16/19, YouTek IG Speed MP 18/20 and YouTek IG Speed Lite will all hit retail 1/17. The YouTek IG Speed 300 and YouTek IG Speed Elite will not be available until March.
The tennis bag that goes with this line includes the Djokovic backpack (holds 1 racquet), combi (holds 3-5) or monster combi (holds up to 10 but that would be tight).
Leaving behind what was once called a lifetime deal with Prince, Maria Sharapova has joined the HEAD team -- tennis racquets only. She remains cozy and content with her Nike apparel deal. This is a big win for HEAD as Sharapova is a marquee super player who has huge marketing power despite her recent downs and ups in the game.
“We are proud to have Maria on board with so many other great tennis athletes like Novak [Djokovic], Andy [Murray] and Robin [Söderling]. She definitely helps us build a much stronger women’s team together with Victoria Azarenka and Svetlana Kuznetsova” said CEO of HEAD N.V., Johan Eliasch.
Sharapova can be seen playing with her prototype HEAD racquet with black and white cosmetic down in New Zealand at the ASB Classic. At this time, her new stick is only for her as she works with HEAD to develop a racquet that suits her performance needs. Look for the Sharapova-friendly HEAD racquet later in the year.
The partnership includes a high-performance tour racquet line, a range of junior and kid’s racquets, accessories, and tennis bags. Sharapova is expected to be closely involved in the development and design of these products, which will be launched in retail in fall of 2011.
It took Robin Söderling just 77 minutes in the finals against Gael Monfils for his first career Master's 1000 crown. "It feels great, I don't have a very good record in finals, and especially here in Paris," said Söderling. "It's great to reach the final in a Grand Slam and also in a Masters Series. But a final is that one match you really want to win. I'm really happy that I played well today, and now I'm here winning the title"...and holding the most macho trophy in tennis (I add).
Söderling is the first Swedish winner at Bercy since Thomas Enqvist in 1996. "I think you need to believe in yourself, that can make a big change," he added. "I'm feeling really good right now, and I'm going to have one or two days of rest and then prepare for London." Go Robin.
Söderling plays with the HEAD YouTek Prestige MP and wears Lotto apparel and footwear. He wore their 2010 Fall Winter Fluid line in Paris. His shoes are their Raptor Ultra.
Look for him in new for 2011 apparel from Lotto's Bat Line at the London Masters.
Find a Lotto retailer at Lotto Sport. There are none in the US (bummer). Learn more about YouTek here on the HEAD website.
Andre Agassi proves he's as accurate as ever in this video put out by HEAD to promote the HEAD YouTek Six Star tennis racquet. They say it's 100% real. Because it's Agassi, I believe it.
Both the shirt and racquet are not new for Andy Murray but they helped him to a second con- secutive win Sunday in Toronto. On his way he defeated both world #1 Rafael Nadal and #3 Roger Federer. It was his first finals victory against Federer. 4th time's a charm in this case.
*that list price has come down - you can find it for $189 now
If you want to try and win a hit with the guy click on over to adidas and enter your name to win a day's training with Andy Murray in Miami. Contest ends 8/19/10.
Murray's shirt is the adidas Mens Competition Traditional Polo $58 USD. It also comes in white with accents of signal blue. I prefer this one though, signal blue with acid buzz - love that name.
Here's what he had to say about his win and the upcoming US Open:
The folks at HEAD are at it again, cooking up a little video to promote the Youtek Radical Pro, their guy Andy Murray and his considerable racquet "skills." Some pre Wimby entertainment from the Scot:
HEAD has recently introduced its new YOUTEK Star Series, a range of racquets designed to meet the more recreational player's needs, primarily, power, control and comfort. Both Andre Agassi and Stefanie Graf have been active in the creation of the new line and are offering up some doubles action with them in Vegas baby should you win. Click HERE for the contest info.
“After playing with HEAD racquets for over 16 years...it was great to be able to work with [them] to develop a racquet series that will help players improve their games, said Agassi. There are three racquets in the new line up:
The YOUTEK™ Three Star – (black) The base ultra lightweight model that features d3o™ which adapts to your individual shots and Inner QuadFace for more power. The Youtek Three Star is great for players who don't use a full swing to hit the ball. The oversized head (115 sq. in.) is forgiving of off center hits, $180 USD
The YOUTEK™ Five Star – (white) Also for players with shorter more compact swing styles, the Youtek Five Star includes d3o,™ Inner QuadFace and Outer QuadFace for maximum power, 2 part Control Ring at 10 & 2 o’clock for more control, and MultiZone Grip™ for maximum comfort. Headsize 107 sq. in, $225.
The YOUTEK™ Six Star – (blue) The flagship of the line which includes d3o,™ Inner QuadFace and Outer QuadFace for maximum power, 4 Part Control Ring for maximum control, and MultiZone Grip™ for maximum comfort. The Youtek Six Star is perfect for intermediate players with shorter more compact swing styles. Headsize 107 sq. in., $250.
Another feature of all three racquets is the MultiZone Grip™ which is a one piece slide on grip that offers greater comfort and control during play. It has special sweat channels and different non-slip surfaces for maximum feel.
It's tough to pick a racquet and manufacturer -speak is not always so helpful. As with any raquet purchase try them out before you buy, but do try. Any intermediate who has been playing with the same racquet for "I don't know how many years" -- I know you're out there, try something new. You might find the new technology confidence boosting/game changing for you.
If you are super curious, here are all the techie deets on the Star Series technology:
d3o™ is able to sense the needs of the player during different shots, providing more power on aggressive shots and more precision on touch shots. QuadFace extends the stringbed at key points of the frame providing longer strings and an enlarged sweetspot resulting in maximum power. QuadFace can include Inner QuadFace, allowing the strings to be more flexible before reaching the grommets for a more forgiving sweetspot, and Outer QuadFace which extends the outside of the frame to allow the strings to be longer for a larger sweetspot. Another YOUTEK™ feature is the Control Ring which helps reduce string deformation for added control. It is available in a 2 piece Control Ring at the ten and two o’clock locations for excellent control and is available in a 4 piece Control Ring adding the four and eight o’clock positions for maximum control.
Today's Wall Street Journal presents an article entitled "The Superstar Effect." In it Jonah Lehrer details research that serves to prove that "From the playing field to the boardroom, when one competitor is clearly the best, the others don't step up their game - they give up." I don't think this is true in tennis.
Roger Federer, among the best tennis players of all-time, is an example of an "Intimidator." Yes playing him would be intimidating for most but for a top 50 player, with doubt tucked away (the kiss of death) and a lot happening right, a win IS possible. It's happened more than most light followers of tennis know.
Case in point, at the still-in-progress Sony Ericsson Open, Roger Federer, was taken out by Tomas Berdych who will play in the finals against Andy Roddick Sunday. Berdych is ranked #20 on the ATP World Tour.
Another example, the recent BNP Paribas Open,won by Ivan Ljubicic (pictured above left), a 26th ranked player who took out Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal (another "Intimidator") and Andy Roddick on his way to the victory.
I personally LOVE the tennis seesaw, the who's up who's down of it all. It's what makes watching matches so exciting.
It does appear that once marquee players hit it big in the marketplace their attentions are often pulled off court. That could be a factor in favor of opponents who are doing nothing but training. Federer and Maria Sharapova, talents with golden touch marketability, have struggled in some recent tournaments. Both have massive endorsement empires. Note that stumbles aside they are still currently #1 ATP and #12 (WTA) in the world respectively. Not shabby of course, but they can and have been beaten recently.
Novak Djokovic, ATP world #2, is earning big off court as well. Endorsement deals have followed his on-court successes but he too has had some recent stumbles. Check out this recent video, which brings me to the physics portion of this post, a charming Novak Djokovic vs. Tennis Machine, a video sponsored by Djokovic's racquet company HEAD:
Djokovic, like Sharapova and Federer, is another "Superstar" in the world of tennis. He like the others at the top need to watch out, because those standing on the lower rungs of the ranking ladder are hungry and while Djokovic, for example, is dabbling in physics, these future opponents are grinding it out, eyes on the prize, that tasty big win against a top ranked player.
Although vivid color in every spectral hue has infused on-court fashion for months now, Victoria Azarenka chalked up a pretty change to pastels at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami. Pictured here she wears Nike's new Break Point Dress, $80. Asymmetrical in styling detail, it picks up on the one shoulder trend out there but makes the look work under movement with the added striped shoulder strap. The Break Point has a built in bra, mesh panels for ventilation and a pleated under panel at the bottom for added movement and style.
The dress will be available April 1 in medium blue (the periwinkle color here on Azarenka), julep (a mint green) and aster pink. Those who can't/won't wear knock-you-over brights will be thrilled to see this splash of Easter-esq color in the fashion mix.
Azarenka plays with the HEAD YouTek Extreme Pro, MRP $190. Her shoes are the Nike Lunarlite Speed in white and pink, $115.
It's tough to see which string the pros are using on their racquets but some string makers are getting smarter, making sure you know. Witness the x on Mikhail Youzhny's racquet face.
The x is Pacific's logo. Youzhny's string of choice? The USRA Survey top-rated Pacific Tournament Pro ToughGut, a poly/gut hybrid string that offers gut's love, power and control plus durability, $22.95 per set. Not cheap but anything involving gut never is.
The string comes in 16, 16L and the Russian's choice, the thinner 17 gauge. It has a natural/light orange color scheme.
Youzhny's racquet is the Head YOUTEK Extreme Pro, MSRP $190. You will usually see both the Head and Pacific logos painted on the strings. His apparel? adidas.
HEAD has given its legendary Prestige tennis racquet a modern day boost with its newest technology, YOUTEK (the technology was actually introduced last year in the HEAD Speed and Radical series). Stanislas Wawrinka and Tommy Haas have been using the new Prestige racquets during the Australian Open. Gilles Simon is also a convert.
"YOUTEK can actually sense the needs of the tennis player during different shots to perfectly match your game," said Roger Petersman, senior business manager of tennis racquets for HEAD Penn Racquet Sports. The technology incorporates d3o in the racquet shaft.
d3o is a smart material which dynamically changes its behavior under loading or impact. The upgrade is said to provide a softer touch and better feel on slow speed impacts like slices and drop shots and stiffness necessary to create power on high speed impacts such as serves and passing shots. Sounds interesting ehh?
The Prestige series includes the Prestige Pro, Prestige Mid and Prestige Mid Plus (pictured here). All are MSRP $225 USD. The Prestige Mid Plus (or MP) is the choice of Wawrinka, Simon and Haas.
As usual take some time to look over the specs including weight, head size, string pattern and more to find the racquet that best suits your game and style of play.
Learn more about the racquets or find a retailer at HEAD or test drive and buy at Tennis-Warehouse.
Andy Murray made his adidas debut today representing Great Britain at the Hopman Cup in Perth Australia. Looks good in the stripes; switch approved. Pictured above he wears the new adidas apparel Competition line and the Barricade V ($120 USD) in signal blue, white and acid buzz (a color that reminds me of Rafa's electrolime bandana last year)
The Competition Polo ($58) and Bermuda shorts ($45) feature state-of-the-art adidas trade-marked Climacool and Formotion technologies that help keep you cool and comfortable. The polo also comes in white with blue accents but I like the buzzed combo best.
Murray's stick? The HEAD YOUTEK Radical, msrp $210.
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.
Congratulations to Novak Djokovic who just claimed his third title of the year at the China Open in Beijing. Djokovic plays with the HEAD YOUTEK Speed Pro.
Pictured left, trophy overhead, he's sporting the adidas competition warm up top, $85 USD. He mixed things up a bit and broke out the orange Fall Edge Djokovic Top, $65 in his final match against Marin Cilic. Great to see him win but I really prefer the darker (pure steel inset) shirt he wore at the U.S. Open. It's my personal fly favorite on N.D. at the moment.
Orange or grey, you can combine either of the shirts with the adidas Fall Edge 10" short in pure steel and the CC Genius Novak shoe, $120, for some serious adi hotness.
Reebok has a dynamic ladies line-up ready for fall. Debuting some of the best will be Amelie Mauresmo who will wear Reebok's new Club UV Tank ($35 USD) and Skort ($35) at the U.S. Open. The Chemical Blue two-piece set is ultra lightweight poly/spandex, total comfort. The top has a key hole back with an elegant touch of mesh and ruching on the upper arm holes in the front. At the waist it offers a looser fit waist so no belly cling but enough coverage when reaching.
Shahar Peer, pictured below, will wear the OTM Sleeveless Vest ($45) and Skort ($40) in phantom blue/wildberry and neon cherry (skort not pictured). The top has wide criss-cross straps accented by a contrasting thin one, pretty touch. The cut is beautifully slimming for wide shoulders and the colors deliciously different. This top is a tighter fit around the waist than Mauresmo's above.
Peer's outfit picks up the colors of the Fall Go Sweat Dress you'll see on Nicole Vaidisova ($60). If you avoid fitted spandex dresses because of the way they cling to the mid-zone, give this one a try -- the pattern hides any bumps or bulges and the colors are downright flattering on anyone. Great chest coverage without too much extra fabric. Awesome in the heat.
Iveta Benesova will wear the sculpted Ombre Dress ($60) in Chemical Blue. This dress is built of stretch piecework with illusion mesh straps and accents of metallic. It's got a bit of a corset/lingerie look but is completely athletic. The black with gold version is stunning.
All of the women's tops and dresses are PlayDry, made with a built in bra that provides medium impact support and a bit of thickness in the cup for modesty.
Standing O. Love, love, love this new line and man is it comfortable to play in.
On their feet: Benesova and Peer, The Reebok Rematch; Vaidisova, the KFS Pump Advantage.
Radical changes are in hand for one of the world's best selling racquet frames as HEAD launches its YOUTEK™ Radical Series, one of which Andy Murray plans to switch to in the coming days.
The YOUTEK Radical Series uses the same YOUTEK technology as the Speed Series stick that Novak Djokovic plays with; both lines include d3oTM and grommets with Teflon reducing polymer to reduce friction during hits. YOUTEK is a "smart material" technology that allows the racquet to respond to the specific kind of shot you are hitting,
The differences between the two lines? The new YOUTEK Radical Series offers a combination of power and control for the more classic player. It is not as stiff or heavy as the Speed Series which has a thinner beam and is more of a power choice for heavy hitters.
The three new YOUTEK Radicals include: the YOUTEK Radical Pro (Andy Murray's choice) $210 USD (pictured), the YOUTEK Radical MP/OS a mid-plus and oversized head version, both $210; and the YOUTEK Radical Lite, $200, a super light feeling racquet that makes manuverability a breeze.
New bags for the series are pictured. There are four bags ranging from the 2 racquet backpack, $50 to the 10 racquet Supercombi, $70. All except the backpack offer protection from extreme temperatures.
The HEAD Tour Team bags (orange in color) actually match the new racquet better so if you are a package look lover, that's the bag you want for this stick.
Visit HEAD for more information. Tennis-Warehouse has a demo program so you can play before you buy.
Tommy Haas has changed his shirt a few times on the way to the upper echelons of Wimbledon.
Pictured here he wears the new K-Swiss Color Blocked Crew in white and black, $50 USD and Accomplish Short, $35. Mesh inserts in back and under the arms add great ventilation.
His earlier round alternative was the Accomplish Crew, $30 and his quarterfinal round, the Topstich Polo, $55. Befitting the quarterfinal round, the Polo is a more dressy looking choice, made of performance spandex pique with five topstitched strips across the right chest. Sharp dressed man.
His hat, the Performance 6 Panel Cap, $22. His racquet, the MicroGel Prestige Mid Plus.
Robin Söderling of Sweden rocked Nadal and Paris all the way to the Roland Garros finals -- his first trip to the upper echelons of a Slam. Here's what powers his game besides major league drive:
His apparel? Loose fitting, bright white and lemon yellow zip front crew and black shorts, all to-be-released Lotto. Shoes? Lotto Raptor Extreme, $84.99. Racquet? The Head MicroGEL Radical MP, $210 the same racquet that Andy Murray uses.
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.
WTA player Victoria Azarenka is the face of the new Tourna Tac grip. Pictured here at Roland Garros you can see hints of the new "tacky" version of the original Tourna Grip. Tourna Tac comes in pink, white and light blue and offers a wet, sticky feel with good moisture absorption in a very soft feel grip. It comes in 3, 10 and 30 packs, $6.25-50.95 USD. The bros Bryan and Vera Zvonareva also use it.
Looking around the Roland Garros courts, Tourna Grip appears to be the choice of many players. The trademark light blue color and red finishing tape can (sometimes) be seen on the racquets of: Dinara Safina, Elena Dementieva, Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova, Dominika Cibulkova and Alexa Glatch. The company says that about 40 percent of men on the tour use Tourna Grip. I've seen it on the racquets of: Andy Murray, Andy Roddick, David Ferrer, Sam Querry, Giles Simon, Mikhail Youzhny, Dmitry Tursunov, Tommy Haas, Juergen Meltzer and James Blake. Look around and see who else you spot.
We've noticed that Tourna Grip doesn't slip when wet offering great traction when the grip becomes damp or wet in hot humid conditions. The new tacky version takes it one step further -- good for cooler conditions and for those players who simply prefer tacky (many of them women).
Azarenka's style...the top is the Nike Dri-Fit Day Tank in medium blue with with a dash of electrolime as accent. Pair it with the Nike Day Women's Tennis Skirt, $60 which has a very cute, brief pleat at the bottom. She wore the white version in Miami; you've gotta be trim to wear it.
In a Russian showdown Sunday, Svetlana Kuznetsova (pictured above right) won the Porsche Grand Prix in Stuttgart, defeating World No.1 Dina Safina in straight sets. This is Kuznetsova’s first WTA title since September 2007. Kuznetsova plays with the HEAD MicroGEL Extreme Pro with Teflon® polymer racquet, $200 USD and wears Fila.
Anabel Medina Garrigues of Spain (above left), who plays with the same racquet as Kuznetsova, conquered the title of Fes, Morocco, winning against No. 8 seeded Ekaterina Makarova. The victory in Fes marked her ninth career title – the first one in 2009. Garrigues wears adidas.
Although we have been entertained by Novak's teaser speed lessons, class is over with the unveiling of HEAD's new YOUTEKTM line. What's all the fuss you ask? It's actually pretty cool.
HEAD YOUTEK offers a technology that adapts to every shot you hit using d3oTM in the racquet shaft. d3o is a "smart material" that dramatically changes its behavior under impact. It reacts to the needs of a player in nano seconds providing a softer touch and better feel on slow speed impacts, like slices and drop shots, and increasing in stiffness to create power on high speed impacts, like serves and passing shots.
YOUTEK racquets also offer Teflon® friction reducing polymer in the grommets which allows strings to slide with little friction or energy loss, translating to more powerful hits.
The following new HEAD racquets are part of the series: Speed Pro, $225 USD, used by Djokovic (above); the Speed MP 16/19 and 18/20 $225; Speed Elite, $210: Speed Lite $210; and Speed Junior $120. The racquets are designed for player levels in that order as well.
Victoria Azarenka, aka Vika, will meet Serena Williams Saturday, this time healthy (hopefully), and for the Sony Ericsson Open title.
Vika's gear: Azarenka plays with the Head MicroGEL Extreme Pro with Teflon polymer, $200 USD. Pictured above in Miami she wears the Nike Women's Slam Day Tank, $60, and Skort, $60 in white with electrolime accents. There'a cute cover-up top for this outfit too, the electrolime Nike Women's Trend Cover up, terry with a vivid pink zipper, $60. Sharp. Could she look more color coordinated?
Novak Djokovic has signed with HEAD and is playing with the company's newest, not-yet-released technology in Brisbane this week. "This gives me an exciting opportunity to play with a racquet that has the technology with the right feel to compliment my aggressive style of play," says Djokovic.
We mere mortals must wait until April for a chance to check it out. We'll keep you posted.
Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka (pictured here) and Roger Federer earned an Olympic Gold Medal in men's doubles after a 6-3, 6-4, 6-7(4), 6-3 victory over the Swedish team of Thomas Johansson and Simon Aspelin.
On their way, Wawrinka and Fed defeated the No. 1 seeded Bryan brothers, playing for the US, 7-6(6), 6-4. That was a surprise.
Wawrinka plays with the HEAD Flexpoint Prestige MP, a favorite of one of our team members.
Find a retailer or learn more at HEAD. Tennis-Warehouse carries the racquet and offers more info as well.
Want more power? HEAD Penn Racquet Sports just announced its latest technology, CrossBow, a power-loaded construction in five new racquets for beginners through advanced (level 4.0). CrossBow technology features an independently moving bridge suspended from the frame that adds pace to your game by helping the racquet to store energy in the stringbed like a bow being loaded. CrossBow lines include a built-in stabilizer to help eliminate racquet vibration and with 10 main strings through the bridge, a larger than standard sweetspot.
For men the line includes the CrossBow 10 and CrossBow 6 (orange above, msrp $250.00) and for women the Airflow 7 (black above, msrp $225.00 ) Airflow 5 and Airflow 3 (pink above, msrp $180.00). Learn more, find retailers and check out all the details on the new line at HEAD. They are coming in July 2 at Tennis-Warehouse.
