TennisIDENTITY

Nike @ Roland Garros. Maria Sharapova's tennis fashion for Paris 2013.

 

Just a quick look here at Maria Sharapova's tennis dress for the Paris Open courts. It's called the Nike Women's Summer Premier Maria dress. All performance, molded cups in the built-in bra and no-sew seams make for a statement look that really moves without chafing anywhere. $110 USD.

The only colorway is this one, canyon purple with pure violet side panels and volt straps. Thin straps tend to cut in and bother my shoulders but haven't tried this one myself. Knowing Nike, they've worked this out.

Find it at nike.com, Tennis-Warehouse and Nike tennis retailers worldwide.

New on the courtwalk: Maria Sharapova in Stuttgart.

 

© Getty Images

Maria Sharapova has changed things up again in Germany. No tennis fashion repeats for this girl. Winning is another story though.

Above are the Nike Summer Premier Maria tank and skort (her own line). Can't see it but she's wearing the Nike Zoom Vapor 9 Tour in grey and orange. 

Love the tank in ice blue with strata grey and bright citrus. Hi-def bra with molded cups are built in so no bra worries (if your girls are modest in size).The skort picks up the strata gray and combines nicely with cool grey and confidence in spades.

Orange...it's moving in. We're going to see lots on the clay this year.

Find it at Nike.com, Tennis-Warehouse and Nike retailers worldwide.

Maria Sharapova. Tennis fashion at the Sony Open.

© Sony Open Tennis

Maria Sharapova can certainly rock a tennis dress but she's smart to show off the separates in her namesake Nike line while on the big stage.

Most women like separates for the same reason that swimsuit pieces are sold individually; we girls come in all shapes and sizes and few of us have the A+ bod required to pull off a super fitted dress.

Pictured is the Spring Premier Maria Tank in Atomic Teal with Volt and Anthracite, $50, paired with the low rise Spring Premier Maria Skort in Cool Grey with Anthracite and Strata, $65. Good place for ombre shading (as opposed to in hair...what is that trend BTW?). I am a sucker for grey with brights so I do own this set.

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

Serena Williams. Tennis fashion at the Sony Open. Miami nice.

© Sony Open Tennis

Serena Williams is powering her way through the Sony Open draw hoping for a record 6th trophy in her hometown tourney.

She is wearing the summered-up version of the tennis dress she wore in Australia earlier this year. It's the Nike Pleated Knit Dress in White with Atomic Teal, Violet Force and Volt, $90. Perfect colors for springtime in Miami and on court here; could the setting be any more color coordinated?

Find it at Nike.com, Tennis-Warehouse ($20 bucks off at the moment) and Nike tennis retailers worldwide.

Roger Federer brights up.

© Getty Images

There is a legion of men who wear what Roger Federer wears on court. Will they wear Total Orange?

Indian Wells 2013 marked Nike's first foray into bright tournament apparel for Federer in at least five years. Will his following bite? It's not often you see a conservative dresser rock a really vibrant hue.

Interesting how the color buzzed with consistent energy despite overwhelming heat the day Federer played Stanislas Wawrinka. I liked it and hope to see more color on the master.

Rog went back to blue in his next round vs. Rafa.

Roger Federer in Indian Wells 2013. New tennis fashion by Nike.

Nike has created this ensemble for Roger Federer in Indian Wells. It's actually Federer's Australian Open look with a change of colors (compare and contrast kids; are you thinking Photoshop too?).

Left is the Nike Men's Spring 2 Premier RF Polo in deep royal blue with accents of total orange and white, $90. Sooooo handsome. It also comes in total orange with white, a bit of a tough color for paler complexions. If Rog wears it, it will be the first tournament bright for him in years.

His shorts are Spring 2 Twill 10" in white for $65, and shoes, Zoom Vapor 9 Tour in white/team orange and platinum, $130.

Other cool items in the collection: This 100% cotton tee, $40, or RF hat at $26.

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

Rafa returns and we're tickled...purple.

So we did get to see Rafa's AO kit on our guy, just not in Oz. Rafael Nadal wore his designed-for-Australia tennis fashion for his return to the court yesterday at the ATP Vina del Mar in Chile. 

Pictured is the Nike Spring premier Rafa crew in atomic purple, $70...sigh...sooo gorgeous. His shorts are the Premier 8" Woven short in squadron blue, $85 and shoes, the Air Max Courtballistec 4.3 in orange and white, $130. His warm up jacket is the Premier Rafa, $110 in squadron blue, the same color in the headband (not pictured above).

Welcome back Rafa! Happiness is.

Find the look at Nike.com, Tennis-Warehouse and Nike tennis retailers worldwide. This look is part of Nike's larger purple infused tennis collection that came out this spring.

Maria Sharapova's Australian Open Dress + a look at her Spring 2013 line.

Yellow is a hot color in Australia this year. No emerald (Pantone's color of the year) in this Oz. The yellow and grey Nike Premier Maria Dress blends style, performance and glamour for a stand-out on court style that actually shimmers.

The ombre section of the dress features a new perforated stretch fabric (looks like tiny polka dots) for enhanced cooling and mobility; up top there's mesh as well and a racerback to increase range of motion. It has to be said that this dress will not provide the same coverage for the very amply chested even though it does have a built in bra.

Give it a go if you've go the bod and chest to match. 

I do like some of the other pieces in the Nike Spring 2013 Maria Sharapova group a lot. The separates ($65 each top and skort) come in white, anthracite and electric yellow. All offer the same performance features as the dress.

Being an uber pale one, I look pretty bad in yellow so will be opting for the grey and white separates or some of the purple Serena Williams or Li Na are wearing this year. 

Sharapova's shoes? The Nike Zoom Vapor 9 Tour, $130.

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

 

Hot Daddy. Roger Federer + Juan Martin Del Potro AO Nike. P.S. I miss Rafa.

Nike has unveiled Roger Federer's night look at the Australian Open. Above is the zip-placket Premier RF Polo in Stadium Grey. Hot Daddy; love the pink accents at the neck and shoes! His day style looks to be a base of turquoise blue, $90 USD.

Interestingly, for the past five years, Federer's Slam fashions have been only been a very similar grey, light blue, dark blue, red or white. Ok, right, red stripes on red at that one Slam, whoo hoo. Here's another. Superstition, RF choice or man/consumer driven? My guess is marketplace.

The shots of pink in the 2013 look are not unlike the cyber doses in his look at Roland Garros last year. The brights deviate ever so slighly from Fed's tailored cuts and do add an element of modernity to the traditional styling.

Keep in mind that the technology under the styles does keep evolving despite the color constants.

Juan Martin Del Potro will also wear stadium grey. I do like grey a lot; not a Daddy, but hot just the same. Pictured is the Nike Rib Crest Crew, $60. The very simple aesthetic is highlighted by a raised V-neck design and ribbing on the shoulders. His shoes are the Nike Air Max Cage, $115. 

Del Po has mixed up the shades a bit more than Fed over the past years. I do love him in brights.

Ok our boys ARE handsome but I am soooo missing Rafa who ALWAYS rocks my visual world. The shirt left is what he would have worn. 

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

 

Nike pops purple at Australian Open 2013. Serena Williams, Li Na + Victoria Azarenka.

Girls, Nike tennis 2013 Australia is brought to you by the color purple:

Serena Williams wears Nike's new Pleated Knit Dress in Grand Purple. It's built with a 3-D mesh structure that keeps the fabric from clinging. A deep scoop in the neck, wide straps, built in bra (w cups!) and pleats around the upper thighs increase mobility; $90 USD. LOVE IT.

Li Na's Grand Pintuck Polo, $50 also come in purple and is made of a pique fabric that breathes. Special pintucks and contouring give this polo a more female-flattering fit than many boxy polos. The skort is $58 (also in melon and orange).

Victoria Azarenka wears Nike's new Grand Flouncy Dress in melon and accents with the season's hue. This dress features no chafe flatlock seams and a t-back, $75 and also comes in ultraviolet. 

Purple is hot in sportswear especially saturated brights like these. The color is flattering on everyone and adds playful energy to your look. Combine it with orange and...well, BAM.

Take your dose of purple big like Williams, as an accent like Azarenka here, or more traditionally like Li but be sure to add at least two elements, a skort and visor or headband and shoes as examples, to really make your look pop.

Find it all at Nike.com, Tennis-Warehouse and Nike tennis retailers worldwide. 

NIKEiD's custom tennis kicks allow you to choose grass, hard or clay court soles.

Nothing new about customizing tennis shoes but what caught my eye was the ability to choose the sole to meet your game's needs: clay, hard court or grass. Grass court tennis shoes are very hard to find, especially in the US. These could be your answer.

The shoe you are working with? The Nike Zoom Vapor 9 Tour for men or women. Pick your main color, inset detail, laces, tongue, id and traction. The version above is custom grass by moi. 

Made-to-order and delivered in 4 weeks so don't think about it for next weekend's hit; $165 USD.

Find them at NIKEiD.nike.com

 

Special edition RF Federer caps honor Colombia, Brazil and Argentina.

Very cool. These special edition RF caps were made for Roger Federer's December 2012 exos in Colombia (yellow),  Brazil (green) and Agentina (blue); $26.

Tennis-Warehouse has the exclusive. Beautiful, like the countries they represent.

Taylor Townsend finishes 2012 as World #1. Next stop WTA Tour.

Congratulations to Taylor Townsend who just became the first American girl to hold the #1 year-end ITF junior position since Gretchen Rush in 1982. Townsend will turn pro in January 2013. Tennis dreams do come true.

Townsend wears Nike. Pictured she sports their Thunder Graphic Knit Tank, $55 in white and Flounce skort, $58 in thunder blue (a really pretty blue gray). She still wears a bow but it's gotten smaller as girl grows up.

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

 

Nike tennis. Roger in flames.

I'm a little late to the court with this one but 1.) these tennis shoes are cool looking and 2.) I love retro redux when done right so here goes...

Way back in 1992 (ha,ha), the Nike tennis design team created a burning ball logo. The mark was first used on the Nike Air Tech Challenge and was added to the neon colors, denim and spandex of that era's Challenge Court collection. It was said to stand for the game played "fast, furious and unapologetic."

Twenty years later, Nike has released the above Flame Collection which modernizes the old design nicely. The Air Zoom Vapor 9 Tour, Air Max Courtballistec 4.3 and Breathe 2K12 are the 2012 redux.

Nike sponsored players at the ATP Finals in London wore them. Federer did his thing in the Zoom Vapor 9 Tour. Nadal would have worn the Courtballistec. The shoes run $130 US each and the Flame tee, $30.

Find them at Nike.com, Tennis-Warehouse and Nike retailers worldwide.

Serena and Maria stage a winter holiday...collection.

Serena Williams took the 2012 BNP Paribas WTA Championship Sunday in Istanbul. The finals was, of course, a show of tennis talent but, bonus for lovers of tennis fashion, a look at Nike's newest collections designed for winter play.

Above Serena continues with her winning red, white and blue theme and wore the new Nike Thunder Statement sleeveless top in sunburst, $60 USD,  and woven skort in thunder blue. The skort is a really fun twist on the traditional pleated skirt, $58. As Serena likes, the top is fitted but not skimpy-strapped. Great choice for those who want their sleeveless cool with coverage.

There are quite a few unique items in this Thunder Group so take a look around. Right, is the dri-fit cotton polo, a great looking top for those who like to keep their upper arms under cover.

Maria Sharapova gave it her all wearing the newest from her namesake Nike line. Pictured is the Maria Back Court Tank in Bright Peach with Hasta, $65 (moderate support bra included), and skort in Hasta with Seaweed, $65.

Both of these items, designed by Maria herself, come in a variety of colors. I love darker sophisticated colors, especially when playing indoors (no sun/heat issue) so the top, right, will be hitting my collection.

Look for very similar styles in Nike's Holiday group but done in black, white and white lime.

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

Victoria Azarenka U.S. Open Tennis 2012 fashion.

I wear a lot of solid separates on court primarily because I can generate so many court-drobe combinations  This set on Victoria Azarenka, pictured here at the U.S. Open, is a new fav. I love the faint yet flattering ribbon wrap print in the top and overall sleek simplicity of this Nike set.

The Fall Graphic Knit Tank in volt has a built in bra with molded cups, $58 and goes with the black Fall Athlete Knit Skort, $58. Both pieces can of course go with other brand blacks and whites you might already own. All brands play together on court. It's rare I see people in just one.

I do love Vika in this one and with the Nike Lunar Speed 3's in black and volt, it's deadly hot. Azarenka added her own volt laces.

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

Serena Williams' U.S. Open tennis fashion. Grace under pressure.

I really love Serena's newest tennis dress. Days at the U.S. Open Williams is wearing it in fireberry with obsidian navy and volt. Nights, it darkens to an obsidian base.

It feels like Serena has found her style and her comfort zone and looks quite refined in this curve-conscious, figure flattering Nike dress. There is something very ladylike about the silhoutte. The color blocked dashes of volt are symbolic though. Under pressure that grace comes with flashes of powerful grit (if you are Serena). The wild ponytail also sends a strong message (the pic above was not taken at the Open).

The Autumn statement knit dress, $90 USD is designed for complete range of motion with great coverage up top. Kick pleats keep the skirt from feeling tight. A support bra is built in. I personally love to wear dark colors so the night dress is on my current list of loves.

Volt shorties, wristbands and headband look hot hot with both of these dresses. 

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

 

Roger Federer US Open 2012 Tennis Fashion. Day & Night.

Roger Federer's day look at the US Open is certainly more casual than his night, but as always both styles are clean and classic. Never a jazzy pattern or wild bright for this guy.

Days Roger will wear the above Nike Hard Court crew in university blue, $75 and RF woven shorts, $52. The shoulder seams on this shirt lean forward to enhance mobility and reduce tugging. University red and navy accents on the sleeves pick up the same on the shorts.

Nights, Federer will step on court in the performance obsidian navy Nike RF Hard Court Polo, $85. The collar and bonded four button placket is designed with comfort and for class. A fresh polo really does have a way of whispering upper-crust.

Rogers's shoes are the Tinker Hatfield designed Nike Zoom Vapor 9 Tour ($130) that debuted around Oz back in January. Really hot looking tennis shoe in all of its color incarnations and so lightweight.

Find it all at Nike, Tennis-Warehouse and Nike retailers worldwide.

 

Maria Sharapova US Open 2012 Tennis Fashion. Day & Night.

The passionately stylish Maria Sharapova will wear two different looks on court at U.S. Open 2012, one for day and one for night. I heard she wore four outfits in one day last week. Hope she will be ok with two for the next two weeks.

Above is her day look, the Nike Maria Back Court Day Dress, in liquid pink (the ladies are gonna' love) and ridgerock. The pretty ribbon-like accents are bonded mesh and do a nice job defining a svelte torso. Open hole mesh fabric adds breathability to high perspiration areas. Wide straps and a built in bra with cups insure comfort with no needed extras or cutting-in at the shoulders.

The night version of the dress is a little lower cut and is hued in a gown worthy anthracite. Check out the awesomely energetic gold deco-like accents on the t-back, $150. Maria started with those last year and slips them back into her designs every now and again.

Both dresses are fitted and will look best on those in great shape. 

Find them at Nike, Tennis-Warehouse and at Nike retailers worldwide.

Red, white, blue and sold. The force was with them.

Congratulations to Serena (2x) and Venus Williams who took home Olympic tennis gold and made wearing red white and blue look so darn good.

A perennial avoider of this color palette (I love our flag but don't need to look like it), even I was sold.

The different kits also offered proof that team-mates, especially women whose body types can be so different, do not need to wear the same outfit, but can personalize in like colors and still look like a force.

Pictured Serena wears Nike and Venus, her own line EleVen.

Olympic Tennis Fashion 2012. Who's wearing what and why.

Getting your head around London 2012 tennis fashion is a bit of a challenge with all of the various Olympic alliances out there.

adidas is the official sportswear partner of London 2012 and you will see lots of it during the games (they are partners with 11 different nations with 3,000 + athletes) BUT you will see other brands as well and often not the ones you are used to seeing on your fav players. Here's why.

Any player representing a National Olympic Committee (NOC) or Federation will wear their country's Olympic product in the brand name sponsoring that NOC or Federation. Pictured above, for example, Heather Watson of Great Britain hams it up in some of her Team GB kit by Stella McCartney for adidas. During the regular tennis season Watson is sponsored by K-Swiss.

Nike, as further example, represents the US Tennis Federation and so all Team USA athletes will wear Nike even if it is not their year-round sponsor. We saw a glimpse of John Isner in Nike on the cover of a recent Tennis Magazine. He usually wears Lacoste. Andy Roddick is the same. 

It will be interesting to see what Team USA's Venus Williams will do. EleVen has released an image of a dress she is planning to wear. No swoosh in sight. Serena is all set. 

Enjoy what, from some countries, may turn out to be some seriously unusual fashion. Can't wait. Post Olympics, they will be back in their regular sponsor's brand.

adidas notes that contracted athletes representing countries where adidas does not partner with the NOC or Federation have been given generic International Olympic Committee (IOC) compliant outfits that they can wear if deemed ok by that individual's team federation, so their may be some leniency built in.

Next up, a look at the actual Olympics goods. Torch please. 

287 weeks, 287 tennis shoes in honor of Roger Federer, $287.

On Monday, July 16, Roger Federer will have spent a total of 287 weeks at the top of the ATP charts. A record. In his honor Nike is releasing 287 pairs of special edition Zoom Vapor 9 Tour shoes. The price? $287 (of course).

According to Nike "Each pair is packaged in a unique box numbered to represent a particular week of his reign, along with a certificate of authenticity signed by Roger Federer himself. The shoes feature an embroidered gold RF logo on the tongue and a large, lasered “287” in gold on the back heel."

How to get them: The special edition shoes will go on sale at 8 am EDT/ 5 am PDT on Monday, July 16 ONLY on NikeStore.com. Only mens sizes 9, 10, 11 and 12 are available.

Set your alarm and let the collecting begin. BTW I believe that price breaks a record as well ;) 

Serena Williams. Supercharged.

Since leaving her winning Wimbly whites behind Serena Williams has amped her kit color big time and won again, this time at the Bank of the West Classic. Serena's top and skort are part of Nike's colorfully juiced fall 2012 collection which is already hitting retail. Above is the Nike Fall Pure Top in volt, $54 and Fall Pleated Knit Skort in black, $58.

The combo looks deadly good on Ms. Williams, ehh? I love how she is coordinating her headband and top these days. Alas, it looks like we won't be able to do the same. Nike has made a volt hat and visor for us instead.

 Optic yellow cycles back in every now and again in tennis fashion. What do you think? Do you find it difficult to focus on the ball when your opponent is wearing this color?

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

Grass fashion for Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, by Nike.

Here's what Nike has planned for Sirs Federer and Nadal at Wimbledon 2012. Nothing too dramatic, just white clean cool in the tradition of both men, classic polo style for Fed and dynamic crew for Nadal. The details are tough to see here but I really like the pattern woven into Rafa's shirt as well as the accents of color at the shoulders front and back. RF and bull logos discreetly adorn both shirts.

RF Smash Lawn Polo & Woven Short

Rafa Finals Lawn Crew & Finals Shorts

Federer's polo runs $84, shorts $52 (9"inseam). Rafa's crew is $68 and board short style shorts, $68 (12"inseam). Fresh, fresh for Wimbledon, all dri-fit performance. What's not to like? Check out the jackets for each of these looks too. Both players will wear them as they head on-court.

Find it at Nike, Tennis-Warehouse and Nike retailers worldwide.

 

 

Grass fashion for Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams + Victoria Azarenka. Tennis dresses by Nike.

Take a look at what Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka will be wearing at Wimbledon 2012. Come the height of summer's heat, these bright whites will be visual air-conditioning. The small doses of liquid lime, magenta and tropical twist are all this major will allow but they're just enough to modernize classic white.

Maria's Nike Slam Statement Dress

Serena's Nike Statement Baseline Dress 

Victoria's Nike Tie-Breaker Knit Dress

 I've said it before, I'll warn you again, tight fitting light-colored tennis dresses are not body forgiving and are best on the sveltest of bods. My favs among the three here? I've put them in order.

Pluses: Love the tailored detail and built in bras on both the Maria and Serena. It's such a problem finding bras to suit all the different cuts and straps combos out there today; comfy Dri-Fit fabric that's made to move and sweat.

Azarenka's dress is the white version of her Roland Garros look. 

Prices: $130 for Maria's, $90 for Serena's and $80 for Victoria's. Figures I like the most expensive one best. 

Find them at Nike, Tennis-Warehouse and Nike tennis retailers worldwide.

 

Na Li in Paris. Tennis Fashion for China's it girl.

Na Li of China will be wearing Nike Summer Group at Roland Garros when she steps on court to defend her French Open title. Beautiful color juxtaposition on the WTA world #9. 

This is the Summer Baseline Top in magenta, $55, which has a deep and very flattering neckline. The white you see is an insert that gives the top a layered yet tailored look while keeping your assets under cover. Those of you who simply must wear sleeves, give this one a try; it's a flattering change from boxier styles. Go a size up if you want a no cling fit.

The Summer Tie breaker skort runs $55. Gathered side panels add a fun touch to an otherwise basic skort.

Victoria Azarenka will be wearing the dress from this group.

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

Victoria Azarenka Paris Open 2012. Tennis fashion.

Victoria Azarenka is ditching her sporty tennis shorts to debut Nike's new Tie Breaker Knit dress at Roland Garros.

Zesty "fruit punch" is the only color the dress ($80 USD) comes in but take a look at the array of tropical hues in this huge summer group. Looks like the designers might have been been downing a pack of Starburst Tropicals when they came up with the colors.

Dri-Fit back panel and pleated knit mesh make this close fitting dress ultra comfy under play (but honestly, not terribly forgiving to a less than perfect physique). No built in bra but great coverage for whatever support you prefer.

If you love the hues and can't wear the dress, go for the separates where you can mix to match your body type. Yummy colors to choose from. Vika has worn some of them already.

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

PS. The chalk orange hem on the at-retail version of the dress is a pleat vs the flounce. See the hem in inset above.

Roger Federer at Roland Garros 2012 by Nike. Stealth is wealth.

Roger Federer will hit Paris dressed like a stealth bomber. Very sharp look for the crafty attacker. True, the man is already wealthy, but he wants that number 1 back.

Pictured is the RF Smash Clay Polo, $84 and RF Woven short, $52. Polos can connote a measure of tidiness that many men don't like on court. This one makes tidy kinda cool. Tennis mortals should wear black or white shorts with this shirt especially if they are going to wear the matching bandanna, $14.

Federer's shoes are the Nike Zoom Vapor 9 Tour in anthracite and cyber, $130. I LOVE these shoes; so hot looking and no break-in. Best with black socks though. White socks are a tad dated looking at the moment.

Find it all at Nike, Tennis-Warehouse and Nike retailers worldwide.

Maria Sharapova at Roland Garros 2012. Make hers a Guinness.

 Am I on board here with Maria Sharapova's dress for Roland Garros? Not sure and only because of the colors; a draught Guinness comes to mind. I'll have the drink come summer but would I wear the colors?

The Nike Maria Statement Set Dress is thoughtfully made for performance. It runs $110, has an open tank style back, built in bra, a tonal weave in the fabric and zig-zag stitching on the vertical seams. 

I have seen black with khaki in apparel from party to prom so why not on the court? It's a combo that makes a fairly serious statement. So yeah, it's growing on me. For that day you want to look extra sophisticated on court, absolutely. If you've got blond hair that's dressing.

Sharapova's shoes are the Nike Lunar Speed 3 in white and scarlet. They go with the rest of the new Maria Sharapova collection which takes a bright turn from the dress.

Find it all at Nike, Tennis-Warehouse and Nike retailers worldwide.

Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros 2012. Scarlet revival.

Here's what Nike has planned for Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros. Pictured, the king of clay wears the scarlet fire Rafa Finals Clay Crew, $68 and Finals Short, $68 in white. The last time he wore red for a Slam was the 2011 AO (which he did not win). The color is fab on Rafa though; I have no problem with giving it another gorgeous rip.

Take a close look at the shirt detailing. This is not your basic red tee; it's all performance with a faint but energetic tonal graphic. Anthracite accents add more interest; bull logo on the back hem. We've already seen the peach version. I far prefer this for its attention grabbing energy.

Nike looks to be going for an even more relaxed fit on Rafa, steering away from the tighter looks that only work well for the most buff of men. The march to marketable style continues. I still miss the Toreador but I get it. 

Nadal's shoes are the scarlet Air Max Courtballistec 4.3, $130. 

Find it all at Nike, Tennis-Warehouse and Nike retailers worldwide.

Serena Williams Roland Garros 2012. Mojito in motion.

Pretty dress for Serena Williams in Paris. This is a must-have for summer's heat. Cool on the eye and in fabrication, this tennis look is right on color trend; I love the medley of mint, a refreshing mojito for the courts. Slimming detail at the bust and a built in bra with cups are pluses. The Nike Soar Statement Rally dress is $90. 

Sorry guys, no head-band to match for those of us not in the top 10, but a visor in tropical twist ($20) will do you one better in the sun.

Williams' shoes are the Air Max Mirabella, $90.

Find it all at Nike, Tennis-Warehouse and Nike retailers worldwide.

Watch: Rafael Nadal v. Cristiano Ronaldo on court. Yes tennis...or is it football?

 

Rafael Nadal plays Cristiano Ronaldo on court...it's not what you think. Watch.

Awesome promo for Nike's new Mercurial Vapor II soccer boot. Not tennis but who cares, it's Rafa.

P.S -- Just heard Rafa has withdrawn from the Sony Ericsson Open with a knee injury. This will video have to do until he's back. Get well soon RN.

Video: Maria Sharapova chats tennis fashion.

Maria Sharapova took questions and chatted tennis fashion with rec. players recently at the Sony Ericsson Open. Take note of the first question from Anna.

No surprise to me, an avid "older" player looking for stylish on-court apparel that offers coverage from the sun. I'll add, coverage that doesn't cause heat-stroke. You simply can't play hard under the sun in the long sleeves on the market today.

 

I like what Maria is doing with her Nike line. Let's hope she takes this request (and the one for her apparel for plus sizes) to the drawing table. She'll have an even bigger following if she does. 

Taylor Townsend. Tennis dreams do come true.

I recall John McEnroe telling everyone to be patient on the subject of US tennis talent. Here we go.

With bow and bracelets befitting her 15 years, Taylor Townsend, out of Stockbridge, Ga., won the junior singles girls final at the Australian Open. 

There are kids grinding their young lives out on tennis courts worldwide and this girl made it big. Not many do. Imagine the smile under those hands. 

Andy Roddick and Donald Young once won this tournament. Lindsay Davenport was a finalist. That's the short list.

And if winning singles were not enough,  Townsend also won the girls doubles tournament with partner Gabrielle Andrews.

Townsend, one of Prince's team "Who's Next," uses the Prince EXO³ racquet and has for two years. “This technology allows me to do a lot more on shots that I am pulled out of position for –which is most of the time at our level" said Townsend. "[It] has allowed me to win the four to five more points per set that many times are the difference between winning and losing. Since switching, my game has gone to a whole new level."

You can see the trademark grommets on the racquet above. According to Prince, these allow all players, including those at the most elite level of the game, to do more on balls they hit off center because the strings have more freedom to respond.

Townsend's tennis apparel is Nike, separates (love them) from the '12 Spring Rally Statement line that Serena Williams wore in Australia, right (and at Fed Cup in Worcester this past weekend).

Congratulations Taylor, and all the best to you for a successful career.

P.S - Blue becomes you.

Find it all at Prince, Nike, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers worldwide.

 

Vika victorious (and in gym shorts, OMG).

Congratulations to Victoria Azarenka who took home the 2012 Australian Open women's singles title and climbed into the #1 spot on the WTA tour...wearing track shorts (ha!).

Certainly there is much to say about Azarenka's game but what about those shorts people made such chat of? At an event where the latest in up-court dress is expected, track shorts and a tank are completely unexpected, something you'd wear on a practice court or just about anytime. Could there be a  little method to the "madness" here...usually is with Nike.

I rarely see anyone in a tennis dress. Far more wear separates/skorts and if young and buff, short shorts. Vika's are built for tennis with an interior compression short and a flip over waist band that states "Love Tennis." 

Azarenka also remarked that she was comfortable.  Ever heard it said, you've got to practice like you want to play? So why change it up and wear something unusual for match day? Smart thinking maybe.You can't argue with a win like OZ. 

Pictured is the Nike Tie Break Graphic Womens Tank in mega blue, $58 and white Tie-Break Knit Tennis Shorts, $55. Both are part of Nike's 2012 Spring Group.  Azarenka's racquet is the Wilson Juice 100.

Find it all at Wlson, Nike, Tennis Warehouse and tennis retailers worldwide.

 

 

What the hey is a Nike+ FuelBand?

Anyone interested in sports has likely seen some form of promo for Nike's new FUELBAND. I found this video that pretty well sums it up. Very cool, very easy. I'm predicting lots of stair-taking and amped up activity around the office and at the gym. The more you move, the more fuel you earn/burn.

 

Available for preorder now at NikeStore, $149. Check specifications on system requirements before ordering. Would you use it? Please leave a comment below.

 

Rafael Nadal's Australian Open Court Style by Nike

And so we turn to Rafael Nadal's look at Australian Open 2012. If you've been watching you've noticed, more super bright. The tennis fashion gods must be trying to awaken us from the recession.

I like the shoulder details on this tennis shirt though, modern day epaulets for the commander, $68 (Hey it's got the bull logo so no griping lol). No sew seams on the shoulders mean no chafing. The color is good on someone with a darker skin tone. It's called the Spring Rafa Finals crew. Did someone tell Nike something we ought to be betting on?

 

White, long (23" inseam on the large) loose fitting "Finals" shorts in white, $68. No drawstring here, a hook and bar closure insures a sleek line. Nadal wears his shirts tight, no lumps allowed. The RAFA N98 jacket is right, $95.

Nadal's shoe is the Nike Air Court Ballistec 4.3.

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

 

New Nike Maria Sharapova collection dress packs a punch in Australia.

Neon accents pack a punch and are one of fashion's hottest looks for spring. This is one beautiful, on-trend and functional tennis dress. I love the fresh energy the electric green accents add to what truly is the most sensible color under the hot sun, white.

Slash like cuts have been made at each side of the dress and across the back with breathable mesh added underneath as functional contrast. The look is super fitted and somewhat futuristic. The dress is $130 and comes with a supportive (read useful) built in bra. You will need to buy shorties, $28 in the matching green.

If you prefer separates, check out the Sharapova collection Statement Slam tank and skort which also work the white and green but you will lose the cut outs and those I like.

Can't see them here but Sharapova is wearing the Nike Lunar Speed 3 womens shoe, $130, pictured below, lightweight flywire which ride close to the ground.

And FINALLY, for those who want the complete look, Nike has made and sent to market a visor to match Maria's dress! Not just for Maria anymore. It's a good one too, black under brim to cut glare. The only way to go with a visor or hat.

Find it at Nike, Tennis Warehouse or tennis retailers worldwide.

 

Serena Williams' special collection celebrates Black History Month at the Australian Open

Black History Month is February and Serena Williams is celebrating early with this on-court collection created by Nike.

"Black History Month, America celebrates the invaluable contributions that the African-American community has made to the culture and history of our nation." (NAACP.org). Serena, best know for her success on court, looks to be growing her presence as an ambassador in other areas. Most recently she was appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF.

Pictured above the four items in this special group. Alas they are not available at retail. Too bad! Looks to me like a good fundraising opportunity. The stuff is fun.

And the RF style wheel says RED for AO 2012. Roger Federer at Australian Open.

Looking back over the last four years of Roger Federer court wear reveals the man's penchant for tennis shirts in a rotating sequence of red, grey, blue or white. Aside from AO 11 when Rog added a dash of bright yellow to a white polo, our top gun plays it safe, classic and handsome. Australian Open 2012 is no exception.

PIctured is the action red Nike Federer Smash Stripe tennis Polo, $84 (thi$ is an RF $hirt kid$) and Nike Match Woven shorts, $50. He's pairing it with the new influenced-by-him, Nike Zoom Vapor 9 Tour tennis shoe, $130.00. The shirt also comes in white.

A sleek, un-rumpled khaki tennis jacket that pulls in the grey stripe on the shirt, ties the look together, $120.

Have to say I'm glad to see Fed working a polo once again. Not a fan of him in anything but and they have tried enough times to worry me when a new collection is coming out.

A video explaining all that went into and is the new and improved shoe is below:

 

 

 I personally haven't tried it but definitely like its vibe.

 

 

Hot off the press. Ltd. Ed. Nike Tennis Shoe.

11/1/11 is running out but as promised, today the mysterious new Nike/Tennis Warehouse collaboration was revealed. Spotlight on above.

It's a limited edition of the Nike men's Air Court Ballistec 3.3 tennis shoe and a pretty hot one at that. Super stealth. I love the understated and very unusual patent black on matte swoosh and discreet dashes of cyber orange. This is a new version of the shoe Rafael Nadal wears with updates that include reinforcements in key high-wear areas. Strap 'em on and jam.

The shoe goes nicely with the new Nike Winter Showdown crew, Victory Track jacket and anthracite and cyber orange bandana. Seems like something Rafa would wear but I'm told he won't. No worries about looking like a poser then. The look can be yours only.

 Tennis-Warehouse is the exclusive retailer of this just-out Nike tennis shoe.

Of course women can wear 'em. Much tougher looking than a white tennis shoe (brands make far too many of those). Buy two sizes down.

Holiday in Istanbul.

There is a lot to like in Nike's Holiday tennis collection and it's getting play times-4 in Istanbul at the TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships.

Pictured left Maria Sharapova wears the new Rival Knit Tennis Dress from her personal collection. It uses asymmetrical color blocks of blues and blue grays and has a cooling open t-back, $110. Built in modesty cups make finding a bra to work with the design unnecesssary.

Artistic, casual look for a tennis dress and beautiful colors together. Good length.

Victoria Azarenka, below, wears separates from the larger Nike holiday group not named after Ms. Maria.

Pictured is the Nike Holiday Set Point Graphic Tank, $55, in imperial purple with vivid grape. There is a light graphic woven into the fabric. Shelf bra only so those well endowed will likely have to find a bra. See the top in all pink inset right. The skort is a ruffled edge coordinating Set Point Skort, $55.

Other players wearing Nike holiday group in Istanbul include Petra Kvitova and Li Na; everyone in something different. It's a large group dominated by pink and purple hues. I prefer my pinks muted with heavy doses of deep sophisticated colors like black, navy and purple like Azarenka wears here, but there are those who adore full on pink. For you there is plenty here. 

Congrats to the players who made it to the finals. Great group. Good luck in 2012 to all.

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

 

 

New for fall/winter tennis, a skort and legging in one.

A few years back, a small tennis apparel company that is no longer, hit upon the idea of a "skegging," a skort and legging in one. It was popular and is again now. Fueled by the growth of the look for yoga, the big guns in the tennis biz are taking notice.

What woman doesn't love the comfort and flexibility, not to mention warmth, of a legging come cooler temps? But on court with a close fitting top? Not a recommended look. Cover the top of the legging with an attached skirt however, and now you're talking.

For warmth or to cover their thighs, rear-end or knees, these skort/leggings are big on rec courts.

Pictured top left is Fila's version with full length leggings, $65 USD. All performance stretch fabric with an upside down ball pocket on each hip (no bulk added without the ball). Fila also offers item this as a capri which hits just below the knee, $60. With a low wide waist band and slit skirt, this is a slimming look. A great alternative to wearing sweats.

I haven't seen this one in person but Nike offers a similar design as a capri as well (see image right, $65), as does adidas (see left), who makes the combo in colors other than black, $30. 

Find them all at Fila, Nike, adidas, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers worldwide.

 

 

John McEnroe and a smiling Serena dedicate refurbished tennis court in NY

Serena Williams joined John McEnroe yesterday to dedicate a refurbished-by-Nike tennis court* at Brooklyn New York's Decatur Playground.

The event images appear a tad surreal given Ms. Williams' unforgettable rage on court at the USO finals. Publicity stunt? Maybe (if not, really really good timing) but I do think Serena's heart is in this cause. Really cute pic below. 

Anger management issues aside, for now some deserving kids and adults get a chance to play our game close to home and that's a good thing. 

*The new court surface is made out of ground-up Nike shoes.

 

Donald Young, bright as his bling. New racquet from Prince.

Donald Young (USA) remarked in his press conference yesterday that he enjoys wearing bright colors when he's feeling good. My guess is he's feeling pretty d. great right now. Fitting that he's wearing Sonic Yellow, sonic alluding to the speed of light (hence the printed soundwaves). The guy has wheels...and attitude.

Awesome to see him rising to the Open occasion. Left is his Nike Showdown Frequency Crew, $45 USD. Flash next to his big bling, slightly off-center cap and killer smile. 

Right is the Sonic version former US Open Champ Juan Martin delPotro (Argentina) wore, the Nike Showdown Frequency. The optic magic didn't serve my Argentine as long as the Donald. Perhaps he needs diamond studs??? No, NA. 

Both shirts are Dri-Fit with flat-lock seams for comfort. I like the Showdown Taped Men's shorts, $50 to go with the tops. Really sharp in a not-to-matchy sort of way.

Find it at Nike and Tennis-Warehouse.

Racquet note: Donald Young has switched to a Prince tennis racquet. According to Prince, Young tested Prince frames in December 2010 for the first time. He chose the EXO3 Tour 100 (16x18) to keep for longer testing. He played with it in Washington at the ATP 500 for the first time and reached his first career semifinals of an ATP event.  

Currently in the 4th round of the US Open, I'd say the racquet is doing good things for his game. No word on an official contract at this time.

Roger Federer at the US Open. Tennis fashion day and night.

Like Rafa, Maria, Serena and Novak, Roger Federer will wear one look for day and one for night at the US Open. Usually it's just a color change that makes the difference in the am/pm changes.This year, however, Roger will change color AND shirt silhouettes.

I know...rock my world, but it is different for Roger who is fairly tame with his styles. For the last few years Roger has steadily worn white, red, blue or grey for Slams and he does not break from that trend in '11 NY.

Day, Federer will wear a seamless bright sport red crew, $75 USD; night, a more serious, very city grey polo, $80. Only the thin red racing stripe down the back and on the collar alludes to the intense energy being expended on court (see shirt under video).

Below Janice Lucena of Nike presents the RF adorned styles:

 

Here's the night shirt: It's handsome and would look great with black or white shorts (the challenger men's short goes with these shirts, $50).

Roger will wear the polo with the same anthracite grey shorts striped with red but he's Roger and can do stuff like that. An inset pic of the shirt back is right.

Federer's tennis shoes are the Nike Lunar Vapor 8, $120. Stealth looking. Lightweight for Roger's dancing feet.

 

Find it all at Nike, Tennis Warehouse and tennis retailers worldwide.

Day and Night. Serena Williams at US Open. New Nike for the court.

Serena Williams will look the powerful patriot this year at the US Open in two dresses, red for day (left) and blue for night.

Against the white lines on court the looks are a nod to that waving glory but in a decidedly non-kitchy way. 

This dress, $90 USD, has a built in shelf bra but the wider shoulder straps allow for a supplemental one (for those who need it) without it showing.

Below Janice Lucena of Nike presents the looks:

  

I like the unfussy, Godet pleats and framed sweetheart neckline, so flattering on someone with a strong looking upper body.

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

Day and night at the US Open. Rafael Nadal in new Nike.

 When you play high voltage tennis like Rafael Nadal you need a bright kit. This one's hot. I like that it doesn't have the look of a uniform. 

Pictured left is Rafa's US Open day look, the Ace Rafa Court Crew in treasure blue $65, and white short. Both are replicated for night play in white (right) with sonic yellow and solid black shorts.

The print is a sublimated graphic that resembles shot-spot hits clustered into court lines. The back and sleeves of the shirt are set with fully breathable mesh - no print on back. A thin line of sonic yellow runs down each side. 

Here's a detail pic on the crew:

The shorts are mens Ace woven, long, like Rafa likes 'em, $66. 

Nadal's tennis shoes are the Air Max Court Ballistic 3.3, $125, extra durable in the toe area and branded with Rafa's signature bull and battle cry. They come in a variety of colors including the blue that matches the day shirt. 

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

Click here for a video on Rafa's US Open 2011 look.

Nike tennis is in the customization game. Shoes for style, fit + surface.

 

Never one to be outdone Nike is now offering customized tennis kicks. U-pick durability, fit, traction, width, color and message. One surface tough to shop for in the US is grass. As they say, "there's an app for that" here $145.00 USD.

Zoom Breath 2K11 iD at NikeiD.com. Find them under mens or women's tennis.

Serena Williams plays and wins her first US WTA tournament since 2009.

She's baaaack! On just her third tournament back after a year-long break from the game, Serena Williams took the title at the Bank of the West Classic in Stanford, CA This was her first WTA tourney in the US since 2009.

With this win Serena jumps from Number 169 to Number 79 in the world, moving up 90 spots. The new ranking, which will likely continue to improve, lends some reprieve to the top players on tour who might have faced Williams early on at the US Open has she hovered around the lower ranking.

Congratulations Serena and also to Marion Bartoli who played impressively all the way through the tournament.  

Both Williams and Bartoli wear Nike and selected outfits from the brand's Fall group. Serena's top is the Smash Classic 3/4 top in hyper verde, $60 and smash pleated skort in black, $55.00. Bartoli wore the blue glow set point tank, $50 (with built in shelf bra) and skort in the same color, $50 giving the look of a dress with the comfort and versatility of separates. Pretty colors on both.

Find the looks at Nike and Tennis-Warehouse.