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Li Na on Cruise Control. The Love Game Tank and Skort from Nike.

 
Li Na of China has been wearing this two piece set in Australia and Wednesday she actually did serve up a love game or two (much to Venus William's dismay).

Pictured left on Li is the new Nike Women's Cruise Love Game Tank, $60 and Cruise Love Game Skort, $60. The top is white with sapphire blue, the bottom dark obsidian with accents of sapphire.

The Cruise Collection also offers skorts in blue sapphire or white and a top in sapphire (inset pic) if you prefer a more of a monochromatic line. I would prefer it myself personally. A white skort would be much more slimming for the rec gal with the white top. I would also like the sapphire set -- To each her own however. Na needs no assistance in slimming and her choices coordinate nicely with her racquet.

The top has a built in bra with cups for modesty -- no worries on chilly days. Mesh panels insure ventilation.

Li plays with the Babolat Pure Drive Cortex. Her shoes are the Air Zoom Mystify.

Buy at Nike or Tennis-Warehouse.

Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal Poppin' Fresh in New Nike Tennis Brights.

In a sea of blue, out pop Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal ablaze in blue's most of complementary colors,  orange. Not surprising these power hitters opted for bold at this year's Australian Open. They are authorities in the tennis temple and natty dressers to boot.

Williams wears the Nike Love Game Women's Tennis Dress in sunbeam and white, $90.00 USD; it looks a hint yellow here (right)  but it's more of an orange. The dri-fit dress has built in support (with cups) and mesh ventilation panels on the back and neatly hidden in the midsection between the stitched design. The neckline is super flattering. This is a good choice for women who hate to play with sleeves but want to stay underwraps. ok comes as separates as well. Cute touch with the white panel inside the hem -- only can see it when you move.

The dress in one of the many pieces in the Nike Sunburst group that mixes a number of styles in sunburst, black and white. Pictured left is the sunburst Break Point jacket, $90. Williams wore the white Sunburst Woven Jacket, $80 on-court first round.

On her feet? The Nike Air Max Courtballistec 2.3 Womens Tennis Shoe, $120, also in sunbeam and white. Her laces? Nike RED, $4.00 (Lace Up. Save Lives.). Her racquet? The Wilson [K] Blade Team.

Nadal is wearing the Nike Rush and Crush Mens Tennis Shirt in orange blaze and white, $60, with the Rush and Crush men's shorts in the same color combo, $60. Everything is Dri-Fit. The shirt has UV protective properties, built in ventilation and chafe free seams. The shorts have a 12" inseam and built in ventilation panels.  His tennis shoes are the Air Max Courtballistic 2.3, $120 in white/black/orange blaze.

Not sure myself about this head to toe ensemble. Certainly love color on the guy -- the more energetic the better. It kind-of works for me. Street fashion is mixing prints these days and here's the trend is in all its mixed-up glory; at least the colors coordinate. Maybe I'll get used to it. The bandana and wristbands, aster pink, $15 and $10 respectively. Picture these on him with a white shirt and black shorts.Now, that's what I'm talkin' about. Hot. 

Nadal's racquet? The Babolat Aero Pro Drive.

Find a retailer or shop for the looks at Nike,Wilson, Babolat and Tennis-Warehouse.

Blue Rendezvous. Roger Federer's 2010 Australian Open Style from Nike.

 
If you're in need of a a little mid-winter escape, take a gander at Roger Federer's tennis fashion for the Australian Open 2010. Blue on blue meets white here and makes me think of the Greek islands -- definitely warm weather colors that are so "easy-pleasey" to these grey weary eyes.

 Federer wears the Nike All-Court Men's Tennis Polo, $80 in Marina Blue and the traditionally tailored looking All Court Men's Woven Tennis Shorts, $60. His tennis shoes are the Nike Lunar Vapor Tour, $120. The shirt, which has a subtle striped pattern woven within the blue, has the little RF symbol under the placket -- yes, they've finally added it for us average Joes! Also now available, is the All Court Men's Tennis Jacket (pictured right), $120, a beauty zip-up warm up, also RF emblazoned. This jacket will look good with anything...go for it.

Roger had a great 2009...there's a lot of discussion regarding 2010. As always time will tell.

Federer plays with the Wilson Six.One Tour BLX. Register to win one here.

Find Federer's looks at Nike and Tennis-Warehouse.

Nike Introduces the Maria Sharapova Collection. Tennis fashion created by a Fashionista + Champion.

Today Nike announced the Maria Sharapova Collection, a line of high-performance tennis dresses and two piece outfits ready to roll out across 2010. Maria for the tennis masses. “It’s really incredible to be able to bring these looks that I love to so many women,” said Sharapova. “I am equally excited about working with the design team at Nike to see how much more innovative we can get crossing fashion-forward designs with high performance fabrics and silhouettes.”

First down the court-way is this beauty center-court dress, $110 USD. It's a lightweight two layer dress Sharapova sketched herself. The base is comprised of a Dri-Fit solid blue slip dress with printed mesh overlay. The mesh incorporates a blue, green and yellow watercolor print that will look perfect in hot, sunny Melbourne. The overlay features a high neckline with ruffled edging. Two rows of elastic define the waistline and cross in the back. See detail right. Watch her discuss the dress here.

Other pieces in the collection include two skorts and performance tanks. One skirt has a Turbo Green top layer with a contrasting Vibrant Yellow base layer while the other skirt features a Cool Mint top layer and a contrasting White base layer. Each piece will retail for $60. The detailing is very feminine.

The performance tops complement the skirts, as one design features a dominant color of Vibrant Yellow with a hint of Turbo Green around the straps, while the other piece is predominantly white with Cool Mint accents. They're listed as the Golden Set Tank and Skort in some places. Does that mean you'll get a golden set (no points lost in an entire set)? If Sharapova wore it she'd get one on me for sure. Four up and coming WTA players will wear the group this year: Kai-Chen Chang of Taiwan, Julia Geoerges of Germany, Anastasia Pivovarova of Russia, and Madison Keys of the U.S.

Her tennis shoes are custom, not available.

Sharapova's racquet? Learn more here. That racquet bag will look great with the new dress.

Find Maria's line soon at Nike and Tennis Warehouse.

A video retrospective of Sharapova's past Slam dresses is here.

Wearing new Nike Holiday, Serena Williams tops the 2009 WTA charts.

Serena Williams recently claimed the prestigious 2009 end-of-year Sony Ericsson Championship title. She ends the year as the world's number 1 female tennis player, both on-court and at the bank. In 2009 she earned $6.5 million in prize money (the largest amount ever earned by a female player in one season).

What she wore to end her big year? New Nike Holiday. The two piece set was a fall nuts and berries color scheme if you will-- like Rafa she always looks fab in big color. The red is not as orange as it appears in the image, it's more true and warm; the draped, wrapped fabric works to nicely soften her muscular frame. 

Details:Top, the Nike Women's Holiday Master Athlete Tank, $65 and bottom, Master Athlete Skort, $65, light hot red with mahogany. The top has a built in light support bra with a length that gives good tummy coverage. All Dri-Fit, UV protective fabric. Other pieces I like in this group are the Holiday 3/4 Sleeve Top also in Mahogany (it's got some nice feminine styling to it), $65 and the Holiday Athlete Tank, $60. 

The new colors go with the Nike Air Max Mirabella with Hot Red, $82.

Serena's weapon of choice? The Wilson [K] Blade Team, strung with Wilson Gut. She carries the Wilson Grand Slam Bag.

BTW guys, there is some great new Nike winter gear for men in the same mahogany brown. I've seen it on Roger Federer. Ladies if you like polos, get this in a small size and pair it with a pleated white skirt. Cute in a very preppy way.

For more info on Serena's big year visit the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour site.

Look to Nike, Wilson and Tennis-Warehouse for more information.

The wearin' of the bull. Rafa Nadal's bull feather light cap.

At last it looks like Rafa will get his own line signature line too. First out is what I prefer to call Rafa's bull-fighter hat, officially named the Nike Bull Feather Light, now available in 100% recycled poly with adjustable dri-fit headband. The Nike swoosh sits on the right side of the visor; $22 USD.

Me'thinks these will be hot. Cooler than RF? You be the judge.  Get yours at Tennis-Warehouse. I don't see it on the Nike site yet but I'm sure it's on the way.

Nike spark reignites Rafa's game in China.

 
Rafael Nadal made a successful return to the court earlier this week with a first round win at the China Open. Always true to color infused style, he wore the Nike Men's Winter Bold Master Polo $60 USD (same style and design as at the US Open) in Green Spark and the Men's Winter Woven Long Short, $55 in Obsidian Navy and White, a very loose and baggy fit short; 23" length to knee, zip and velcro closure.

On his feet, the Nike air max court ballistic 1.3 $120 with green (the NYC worn yellow versions are already on sale). The exact shoe Nadal is wearing in China appears to be custom (or available overseas) BUT a cool version of it is currently at retail, see above. The white headband with the green swoosh isn't out yet either but keep an eye out. I'm sure it will hit shortly. The black and white versions look a little less "package" anyway. I'd go with those to avoid looking like a total wanna be.

Find the look at Nike and Tennis-Warehouse.

Game. Set. NYC. The Women of Nike: Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Victoria Azarenka and Na Li U.S. Open Style Report.

Serena Williams stepped out in her U.S. Open 2009 style at Nike's Game. Set. NYC. yesterday. Pictured left she wears her magenta Nike Sphere React Cool Athlete/NYC Day Dress, $100. The ensemble includes a glossy black bowling bag emblazoned with pink NIKE lettering and color coordinated shoes, the Nike Air Max Mirabella, $82. 

Her night dress is a color reversed version of the same, black with magenta ruffle. Her dress was inspired by cocktail party attire with soft pleating at the neckline and a starburst pin tuck detail at the back. I didn't get a chance to ask her but I'm sure the jewelry is from her new HSN line, Signature Statement.

We were also surprised by visits from Victoria Azarenka and Na Li who demonstrated a pre-match warm up to the crowd wearing some of Nike's newest lines.

Azarenka wore the taxi cab yellow that Nadal  plans to wear as well. This top is not currently available. There are other versions in the same yellow. The skirt is the women's fall trend woven skort, $55 in black. Flat jeans-like pockets on the back make this look like a all-around skort, not one just for tennis.

Li wore the looser than usual Dri-FIT Fall Women's Athlete Tank, $60 in China Rose and Athlete Women's Skort in black, $60. Check out the cute pleat window at the back of the skort.

Finally last but certainly not least, the lovely, Maria Sharapova, whose face adorned the fence both in and outside the city street tennis court...was absent. Only a glass case filled with her day and night styles called attention to her upcoming looks. Perhaps there was no use promoting her new styles since none of them will be available at retail. That me'thinks is a shame because I really loved most of it. The over-adorned dancing prairie maiden is gone. Enter a fashionable New Yorker. Maria is going to look beautiful. Soft pink with asymmetrical lines in electric yellow for day and deep navy with silver for night. Silver accents in the jacket and headband.

 

 

Find the looks at Nike and Tennis-Warehouse.

Images: Karin Burgess

Game. Set. NYC. The Men of Nike: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Gael Monfils U.S. Open 2009 Style Report.

Roger Federer kicked off Wednesday's Nike Game. Set, NYC. event with an appearance in his U.S. Open 2009 attire. The event was a benefit for a number of  NYC area youth tennis organizations and a chance to show off what's coming up style-wise for the Open. The new  line takes inspiration from the streets of NYC, the setting for the unveiling.

Pictured left, Federer wears a knit Nike Dri-Fit Tennis Polo in bold red with black collar, $65. The shirt boasts an all over embossed dot pattern inspired by the subway signs of New York. The shorts are his standard length, black with zip front and belt loops. The black fabric has a very light herringbone weave. Available (without loops), $50. Federer plans to wear the black with red collar version of the shirt at night matches. His jacket? Likely not available. Not sure why since just about everyone is looking for it.

His tennis shoes? The lightweight flywire supported Nike Zoom Vapor VI Tour Men's Tennis Shoe, $115, Roger's are embossed with a red trophy on the tongue and heel with the number 5. The red on white stitching is especially awesome looking on the day versions. The night ones are black with red. Get yourself or your guy a pair of these beauties.

Rafael Nadal's look for the U.S. Open is inspired by NYC taxi cabs and yellow it is -- can you see whose picture is behind him? The top is the close fitting Men's Fall Double Bold Polo, $60. His shorts, not pictured, are a street like charcoal gray Men's Fall Woven Long-short with a line check pattern, long, light and loose, $55. His teal blue headband and wrist bands add even more pop. "Color is good." said Nadal of his look. All performance is good too and these fit the bill.

His shoes? The new Nike Air Court Ballistec 1.3 white black and yellow, $120.   Love the look in its head-to-toe glory but I didn't mind the hot pink shirt version either.

His jacket will be the Eugene model in yellow with blue stripe -- no word if that will be available at retail.

"Focus and believe in yourself, said Gael Monfils who surprised the kids by slipping in between sessions to hit and show off his style too. He wore a sleeveless Dri-Fit top, $55 in  white with black -- the design picks up the dot pattern as well. It's sharp. His shorts are the men's fall athletic 10" woven short in glass blue, $50.

Monfils will be wearing the same tennis shoes as Nadal.

Find it all (some items not yet available) at Nike or Tennis-Warehouse.

Images: Karin Burgess

Nike Releases New Collection of John McEnroe Inspired Tennis Apparel. Yes, I am serious.

 

Celebrate the man who drew a whole lot of attention to the game when he was the big man on court. Still the main man in my book, John McEnroe today still has a mean game AND blows everyone out of the tennis commentator water.

Just out, Nike tees to show your love. Left the Nike Ace T-Shirt and right, the Men's Zone T-Shirt, both $30 USD (ouch)...but they are Dri Fit and Johnny Mc, and pretty darn cool...That retro movement just keeps on rolling doesn't it? There's other stuff too but these are my favs.

Available at Tennis-Warehouse and soon on Nike.

Tommy Haas' Wimbledon Wardrobe.

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.

Find the gear at K-Swiss, Head and Tennis-Warehouse.

Image: Haas Sets for a Return, June 29, 2009 courtesy LIFE.

Nike's angels. Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams at Wimbledon 2009.

There's a whole lot of tailored going on at Nike tennis these days, at least when it comes to outerwear.  I'm talking specifically about Sharapova's Wimbledon jacket and S. Williams' coat. Stepping on court both women are buttoned up in fashionably constructed military and business classics.You saw Federer's jacket too.

The jackets however cover two different fit-for-angels tennis dresses. Not an epaulet or stiff detail in sight. Nice contrast.

According to Nike, Maria worked alongside the development team to come up with this dress that combines aesthetic appeal and performance. It certainly is a lot less fussy than her dress in Paris.

Different textures and inset shapes combine to create volume at the bottom of the dress, which enables better motion and easier leg movement. No-sew construction of the shorts and back of the dress reduces friction against the skin and eliminates excess fabric and bulk. It looks comfortable and has some great back detailing.

 Maria’s warm-up jacket is a structured Old World Russia military style providing a striking counter-balance to the free form of the dress.

No word yet on whether or not these pieces will be at retail. It is doubtful based on Nike's track record with Maria-style this year.

Serena's trench coat is a showpiece. This season Nike re-masters it with a nod to a traditional English Macintosh. The detailing includes a double breasted lapel front and English Mac-inspired gun flaps at back which release heat while she warms up.

 The trench is customizable and the bottom skirt can be removed. Serena will wear it two different ways, with an elongated handkerchief hem to conceal her dress underneath, and also as a cropped length biker-style silhouette. She will wear this while walking on and off of the court, as well as for her pre-match warm-up. Hugely doubtful this will be available at retail but it's cool.

Serena’s dress, on the other hand, is about soft tailoring. The beauty is in the simplicity, but viewed up close it has extreme attention to detail. There are saddle stitched seams strategically placed throughout to ensure a great fit. A drop waist elongates the torso, and the bottom hem features a small bustle with mesh box pleats at the back of the dress.

I personally love white on the tennis court and often think that simpler is better when it comes to fashion.

Editor's after-note: Confirmed. Serena's dress is the Athlete Court Dress, $100 available soon at Nike and Tennis-Warehouse. Her coat, Maria's jacket and Maria's dress, just for them.

White, Gold and Glamorous. Roger Federer at Wimbledon.

 Roger Federer's clean Wimbledon style is an ideal match for the traditional look and feel of the prestigious event. A Wimbledon "twitterer" equated his jacket to a Sgt. Pepper kind of look which indeed it is but oh-so-polished in bright white and his usual accent at Wimbledon, regal gold. Altogether it is a bit much for the eyes. It works better in this image without bags and headband.

 The warm-up jacket is inspired by a jacket in the Nike Sportswear line, the M-65. It’s a modern interpretation of a classic military silhouette from 1965. The intricate hand crafting and uniform collar provide Roger with an almost untouchable look as he walks on and off court.

Roger’s polo (the Dri-FIT Court Men's Tennis Polo, $65) is made with moisture-wicking Nike Dri-FIT technical fabric. An embossed herringbone pattern gives the shirt texture up close. It's light and comfortable, quite a beautiful athletically inclined shirt. Nothing heavy about it although the formal look might make you think it is stiff.

The gold accents which begin in and outside  the shirt collar and swoosh continue down the shorts in a style alluding to a sharply tailored tux. The gold is muted, not glittery glam.  

Roger’s Wimbledon outfit is completed with a coordinating vest and trousers (costume even for him), which can be worn in different ways depending on the weather throughout the tournament. They both incorporate Nike Dri-FIT technology that wicks moisture away from the skin. The look is very Roger, refined and regal. Classy to the core. A man on a mission and proof positive you can look powerful in white.

Top and shorts ($50)  will be available at Nike or Tennis-Warehouse. The jacket is custom. Not available. Shoes of gold, Nike Zoom Vapor VI Tour, $115. Bandana, $15.

The calm before the storm. Roger Federer waits in style.

 

Roger Federer waits to play Robin Söderling, who's homeland equates his Roland Garros performance with "dunder och bråk," thunder and lightening. Söderling certainly has a wilder on-court style than the Fed who's look always reflects the calm and precision that is his very intelligent game. Time will tell. Another storm ahead Sunday.

Pictured here, Federer wears the Nike Summer Classic Open Polo, $65 in sterling blue with classic charcoal and accents of team orange. The shirt has a subtle tonal herringbone woven into the body-mapped dri-fit. The shorts are the Summer Woven Short, $45 in classic charcoal, more of a traditional cut short with zip fly and hook closure but all performance. Swoosh bandana, $8.

If you are looking for the jacket Federer has been wearing in Paris, the stunner white one with the RF logo and accents of orange and blue, alas it belongs only to the court's prince. It is a beauty and if it does become available, you my friends will be the first to know.

His new Grand Slam Champions Bag champions bag is available however. The six-pack bag is adorned with the country flags of all of the Grand Slams. The bag offers thermoguard and moisture control protection, and pockets lined with gold for better visibility inside. This is a great feature as little stuff can really can be hard to find in those deep dark pockets, $80 USD.

Roger's stick? Wilson [K]Six-One Tour strung with Wilson natural gut and Luxilon big banger. Find it all at Tennis-Warehouse or visit Wilson and Nike.

Image: Getty Images Sport/Ryan Pierse

Prince players Monfils, Sharapova and Bryan bring it on with raw determination and style.

True to their racquet sponsor's motto, Gael Monfils, Maria Sharapova and the brothers Bryan have been ruling the courts at Roland Garros. Monfils, fueled by Parisian passion, has stepped out with an unbelievable game; determination to chart top again has had Sharapova fighting (unfortunately just went down to Cibulkova); and the Bryan brothers, seemingly untouchable, are driving their way towards an eighth Grand Slam title.

Their collective weapons? All Prince. Monfils is using the new EXO³ Rebel 95, $189 USD (one of the Tennisidentity team switched right over after using this stick only one time), Sharapova and the Bryans are using Prince's O3 Speedport Black, $199. This is a new racquet for Maria who previously used the Speedport O3 white.

On-court style: Monfils wears Nike apparel, the Nike Men's Summer Athlete Sleeveless, $55 in electrolime and navy Summer Athlete Short, $45.

Sharapova, also in Nike, has been wearing a special edition dress made just for her. I'm not sure I'd love all that extra fabric anyway.

The Bryan brothers, always adidas. The shirt, adidas' two toned Men's Spring Competition Zip Crew, $43.99 in cyan blue and black, the shorts, Men's Spring Competition 9" short, $35.99.

Find the looks, racquet to shorts at Tennis-Warehouse, Prince, Nike and adidas Tennis .

Editors note: Stay well Maria. It was good to have you back.

In RF we trust. The Roger Federer tee.

You've got Roger's hat, you can now have his signature Nike RF tee. Available in black and white (shown here), white and black and white and sterling blue, 100% cotton, $40, this is one great looking (and hopefully inspiring) practice shirt.

Be one with the Fed. Tennis-Warehouse carries the tee group. It is not on the Nike site.

Tourna Grip introduces Tourna Tac. Victoria Azarenka takes it to task at Roland Garros.

 

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.

Learn more at Unique Sports, Nike or Tennis-Warehouse.

Image: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Sony Ericsson WTA Tour

Raphael Nadal at Roland Garros. Pure Passion in Pink.

 

Yes, real men wear pink. Case closed. Howard Fendrich, AP Tennis Writer quoted Raphael Nadal as saying, " It's better than dress the same color every week, no?" Absolutely, we all nod in awe. Rock on. You are the man.

Pictured here in first round Roland Garros action Nadal switched things up again with more than a little dash of the vibrant pink being used fashion industry wide for pop. The top is Nike's Summer Bold Open Polo, light rose with electrolime stripe $60; the shorts, Bold Open Men's Tennis Shorts in charcoal $55; signature bandana $15 and wrist bands $10 in electrolime. His shoes, the Nike Air Max Courtballistec 1.3 classic charcoal vivid pink and white $120 which he appears to own in all color combinations.

I'm not sure many tennis mortals can pull off this look in its entirety without appearing a little presumptuous but grab what you can and what works for your game.

Rafa plays with the Babolat AeroProDrive Cortex.

Find his gear at Nike and Tennis-Warehouse

Image: Getty Images/Matthew Stockman.

Who likes short shorts? We like short shorts. Spotted at a tournament and here on Alona Bondarenko.

 

When it comes to junior tournament play the hands-down outfit of choice among girls is short shorts and a fitted tank. Many manufacturers cut their shorts a little higher on the waist than the girls like so they flip over the waistband and almost everyone has a tag sticking out their back. Kind of funny.

In all honesty low-cut shorts are a better on-court look for most anyone -- they're sleeker and a whole lot hipper than high-risers. Wear them with a longer cut top and you'll have no belly baring problems.

Looking for low cut (not dangerous low but below the navel) proves to be challenging in a sea of shorts but the Dual Knit Sport Shorts by K-Swiss pictured here on Alona Bondarenko ($42 USD) fit the bill. Other performance oriented low cut, short tennis shorts include: adidas Women's Spring Court Short ($29.99), Nike Women's Basic More Power Knit Short ( $45) and Prince Women's Spring Gold Tour Short ($29.99). All have built in compression shorts which make it easy to stow that extra ball when serving. No need to flip over these waistbands girls.

Find the look at Tennis-Warehouse, Nike, adidas Tennis , and K-Swiss.

Image: Getty Images/Clive Brunskill -- Sony Ericsson WTA Tour

Na Li Wears Nike's Slam Group. Court Style in a Beauty Blue.

 

Looking for an instant court style update? Bring on the blue. Na Li of China, pictured above in Madrid, wears the color of the moment in an athletic yet elegant combination from Nike. Li's top is the Women's Slam Athlete Tank, $55 USD in white with medium blue and purple chalk.  The skort is the Women's Slam Athlete in the same colors, $55. This outfit is available in three other color combinations as well. All Dri-FIT poly spandex. Super comfy.

The skort's tamed pleats are what really caught my eye. I love the smooth top over the textured bottom -- a softly modernized version of a tennis classic. The ensemble is absolutely head turning, and that blue? Who does not look good in blue?

Li plays with the Babolat Pure Drive Cortex. Find her look at Nike and Tennis-Warehouse. Her intensity? Sorry not for sale.

Image: Getty Images/Clive Brunskill -- Sony Ericsson WTA

Spotted at a tournament: Nike's New LunarLite Speed for Women.

New from Nike, the hot looking LunarLite Speed in black and pink. This shoe looks razor sharp in combination with an all black or white outfit.

LunarLite foam and Flywire technology combine in a tennis shoe built for speed. The shoe is both super light and supportive. The herringbone tread pattern on the outsole means great on-court traction and translation to cross-training fitness regimes. DragonX in the sole means added durability. Good news for hard-court players who used to burn through their beloved Nikes.

Nike also makes the Lunarlite Speed in a vivid pink/neo turquoise/volt combo that I think has a more junior look to it -- a little less sophisticated, but you be the judge. $115 USD.

Check them both out at Nike or Tennis-Warehouse.

Victoria Azarenka Electric in Electrolime.

 

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?

Find a racquet retailer at Head or shop Nike or Tennis-Warehouse.

Image Matthew StockmanGetty Images. Sony Ericsson WTA Tour

Juan Martin Del Potro. The Gear That Powers His Game.

 

Juan Martin Del Potro rocked Miami by denying world #1 Rafael Nadal the chance at his first Sony Ericsson title. The shorn and sleeveless Argentine is a hot one to watch in 2009. Just last year he rose from top 40 to top 10. The guy's got game (and lots more..those eyes for ex.).

Del Potro plays with the Wilson [K} Six One 95 racquet, $200 USD.  He recently signed a long-term contract with the brand so expect to see him stocked in Wilson from strings to bags for a good long time.

Del Potro's look at the Sony Ericsson includes the Nike Summer Athlete Sleeveless in mint green with classic charcoal and white, $55 and Nike men's summer athlete shorts, 21" in dark obsidian (navy), $45. Bandanna style headband in navy. Nice to see someone still working the exposed biceps.

Find a racquet retailer at Wilson or buy Del Potro's gear at Tennis Warehouse.

Serena Williams Channels Inner Power in Neon Orange.

 When Serena Williams turns it all on you've gotta love her stunning intensity. Pictured here Serena nails a key point at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami.

Colorful, powerful and glam, Serena commands notice, in neon or not. Will she stay at number 1?  Looks like she's got it in her for sure.

Ms. Williams wears the new  Nike Women's Summer Athlete Tank and Skort, each $55 USD, offered to us mortal players in bright coral orange and vivid pink with soft pearl accents. Serena's exact version is not available.

Look for Serena's court-wear at Nike and Tennis-Warehouse. You'll have to find the signature bling elsewear.

Image: Al Bello/Getty Images

Road Warrior. Spotted at a Tournament. The RAFA tee.

  Mine are junior tournament weekend warriors and there are thousands out there across the country. Every weekend, driving, playing, losing, winning, waiting, eating and drinking out of coolers, and driving home again late at night stopping for a quick dinner at the nearest Subway. If your kid wins, you do it again Sunday.

The players are impressive in their focus and drive (especially the teens who are passing up a lot of social time for the game). Some parents are less so but most are simply driver warriors who have given up weekends to "do tournaments."

And so begins an occasional highlight of a junior player's wardrobe item that pops out of the blur that is junior tournament weekends. Check out this dri-fit  RAFA tee. Loved the U-12 guy who stepped out wearing this and the signature headband. $30 USD. at Nike and Tennis-Warehouse.

Maria Sharapova's Look at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells.

So nice to see Marie out there again (nothin' wrong with doubles), as always looking stunning in a Nike designed ethereal looking cocktail style skirt and athletic fit top -- loved the pale gold and bright white combo. 

Sorry to report that the new outfit is not/will not be available at retail. This one's for the comeback  girl only --  better luck next time Maria. See you in Miami?

Marion Bartoli Wins in Monterrey Ushering in a New Collection from Nike.

 Marion Bartoli of France took the trophy at the Monterrey Open which concluded Sunday in Mexico. This was Bartoli's fourth Sony Ericsson WTA tour singles title. 

Bartoli wore the Nike women's spring woven skort in white, $50 USD and the fitted, racer back spring seamless tank in vivid pink with white accents. Both pieces are part of Nike's spirited Spring 09 collection which offers a coordinated selection of black, white and that gorgeous pink, sure to cure any pinkaholic's craving. Yes, performance all the way.

This comfy skirt would also look great with the spring open tank, $60 USD which has a very current asymmetrical neckline.  For those who like a little sleeve, this collection has you covered. Very now and I've got to say cheerful; we could all use a little of that.

Next stop Indian Wells.

Buy the new collection at Nike or Tennis-Warehouse.

Image courtesy of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour.

V is for Victory. Rafa's Winning Jacket and What the Fed Wore.

 

Rafa stands tall as he is hit with a blast of red powder to promote Nike's V is for Victory Campaign and the iconic Eugene Track Jacket he wore at the Australian Open (see below). The jacket, with 26-degree chevron, front zips and a rib that sits on the collar, cuffs and waist, will be in stores February 6.

On Roger, left, the Australian Nike kit that took him to the finals: the Men's Tennis Polo, $65 USD in concord and white (the white accented version is not available online). Tonal pinstripes add a touch of class to the performance polo. The shorts are the white Nike Athlete Woven Men's Tennis Shorts, $45. Again, Roger's exact model, with blue stripes, is not available online. Super close versions are however, so check them out if you are a fan of Fed's classic/cool style.

Buy at: Nike or Tennis-Warehouse. Items not available online are at Niketown locations.

Top image: Rankin

Bottom Image: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Serena Swings From Artsy to Classic for a Win at the Australian.

 Today Serena took the Australian singles trophy and with it the number one spot on the WTA tour. Her winning dress is the classically styled light photo blue Nike Dri-FIT Women's Day Dress with accents of liquid lime, $90 USD. It is from the OZ Open Collection. She  wore the same dress in white for doubles with Venus, with equally winning results. The dress offers a fitted, every-body flattering cut with sleek lines and softly structured skirt. The wider straps provide nice up-top coverage for the more well endowed woman. It comes in charcoal and vivid pink as well.

Serena wore a promotional version of the dress early on in the tournament (see image below). The print was designed in collaboration with 1/1 studio in Los Angeles, a design company that fuses art and fashion into one of a kind apparel.

To create the print Serena was given a questionnaire and punch card which was connected to software.  The software then interpreted and responded to Serena’s choice of answers and generated designs. The design on the dress is a still of a design which was created and instigated from her input. The dress is made in a Nike performance fabrication that was then digitally printed with classic charcoal and enhanced with the electric neo turquoise. Very cool but one of a kind so no go for us on that one. Find the Day Dress at Nike or Tennis-Warehouse.

Top image: Lucas Dawson/Getty Images. Bottom image: Torsten Blackwood/AFP/Getty Images

 

In Color and Step With Rafael Nadal. More on the Man's Gear.

Rafa's Australian kit apparently has two footwear options, the Air Max Breathe Cage II that I mentioned here on January 27 and the Nike Air Max Court Ballistic pictured left, $120.00 USD -- they run a bit large so go down a half-size when ordering. The shoe includes LunarLite and DragOn X technologies which make the shoes light and durable.

These beauties, of course, go perfectly with the full -on charcoal, neon turquoise and volt color combo Rafa is wearing but would also look really hot with a dark shirt and pair of long white shorts (try the Nadal long check tennis shorts, $55.00); just in case you are hesitant to recreate Nadal's on-court look in its entirety but simply must have a piece of the action.

Check 'em out online at Nike or Tennis-Warehouse.

Synchronized Tennis Anyone? Plus, the 411 on eleVen by Venus Williams.

 

Cool shot ehh? Venus has worn two different styles so far at the Australian. Both are from her signature eleVen line, a fitted lemon yellow dress with hot pink shorties (pictured here) and a more classic white style with yellow trim. Where to buy?  Unfortunately Venus' very affordably priced eleVen tennis line is not immediately available now that Steve and Barry's (the exclusive retailer of the line) has gone under. There are rumblings, however, of a new retailer. I've been told an announcement is forthcoming soon. We'll let you know when and where.

  Images: Ron Angle

Rafael Nadal Dominates in Vibrant Style at the Aussie Open.

I was waiting to see if he'd switch back but no, the sleeves and striking new look are working just fine. Pictured here at the Australian Open Rafa wears the Nike Crew Reinvent Open tee in classic charcoal and neo turquoise, $55 USD. The shirt is made of super soft Dri-FIT fabric in a medium tight stretch fit. The shorts? Nadal Woven Long Checked Short, a surf-inspired dark short with transparent gloss check print -- look really close and you'll see what I'm talking about. The shorts sit stylishly just above the knee and feature side pockets, a Velcro closure and Dri-FIT inserts for a comfortable feel when it's hot.

Nadal's choice of shoe? The Nike Air Max Breathe Cage II which offers durability and support for the man's pounding game. The Nike DraGon cage, the shoe’s definitive characteristic, provides protection against abrasion and support during lateral movements.The shoe offers superior cushioning  and  HeatBlock, which stops court surface heat migration--a nice bonus in 120 degree heat.  There are a ton more great features. Believe me this is one shoe designed for big game in high heat, $115. Complete  the look with Nike Pro Wristbands and bandana in Volt. 

I have to say, Rafa is one fashion forward dude.  According to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, right now "... fashion designers [are encouraging] hopeful attitudes with lively colors, while sophisticated, grounded hues address the need for stability in times of economic uncertainty." Is this not Nadal's look? I do feel better watching the guy play... for lots of reasons.

Buy at Nike or Tennis-Warehouse. The shorts are only at Nike retail stores at the moment, but keep checking back online.

Image: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

New Year, New Look for Rafa?

Rafa has changed his on-court look for the new year! Well, at least in Abu Dhabi. Nadal hit the Capitala World Tennis Championship courts wearing a short sleeve polo. Yes, the guy is playing wearing sleeves. Is he testing the change prior to the Australian, or just showing us he's not as predictable or superstitious as we tennis writers have suggested?

Pictured here he's wearing the new Nike Dri Fit Bold Stripe Men's Tennis Polo, $60.00 USD in tour yellow, white, concord and chlorine blue. The shorts are Nike Dri-Fit Woven Long Mens Tennis Shorts, $55 in white. All are available at Nike. Image: Karim Sahib/AFP/Getty Images

Quick Sister, Get Yourself a Pair of These.

Athletic foot candy? Not at all. Ok, I do love the way these look but there's a boatload of technology packed into these babies. If you train for your tennis game, sprint, twist, stretch, lunge, you want the new Nike Women's Zoom Quick Sister+ that rocks with every twist and turn in your off-court regime. Here's why. DiamondFLX technology in the outsole allows for multi directional support and flexibility. Turn the shoe over and you can flex and roll the sole in every direction, no resistance. They are also super light because of flywire construction (also new). Added bonus, the Quick Sister is Nike+ enabled so you can track your workout via your iPod nano.

You'll be jonesing for every one of the delicious colors. Pictured here is Italy blue/white with volt and blue sapphire. I have the black/white with vivid pink and metallic silver versions and ADORE them. $85.00 USD. Available December 26 at Nike. Sorry guys, this one's only for the sisters.

Federer's Tennis Master's Cup Choice.

No matter what happens on court Roger Federer looks cool and collected. It's no wonder so many emulate his style. Win or lose, he is a master and, admit it, we all like to hope that the latest pro pick will work a little magic for us as well. Just like a kid on Halloween, put on the suit and you are Superman.

Pictured here is the Nike Men's Winter Master Polo, $65 USD in dark obsidian navy with university blue. It's made of 100% dri-fit and comes in three other color combinations but this one is our fav. Roger wore it for his final round robin match against Andy Murray in Shanghai recently. Not the win RF wanted but as always he looked great trying. Rest well Roger. We're looking forward to '09.

Look for Roger's shirt at Tennis-Warehouse or Nike.

Image: China Images/Getty Images Sport

Day 3 Video Highlights and On Court Fashion from Doha

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

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

Get The Look. Gavin Rossdale On Court.

We've heard Gavin Rossdale is a player. How good? Well he showed his stuff at the Chris Evert/Raymond James Pro-Celebrity Classic this past weekend in Delray Beach Florida. Above are some of his on-court style choices for the event; easy going, loose and super casual...dude. No collars on this guy. Looks like the actual faded grey shirt color he wore is not U.S. available at the moment, but the shirt is Nike Men's Winter Core UV Crew (there is also a version called the Basic Core UV Crew), $35. We found it in five different color combinations including the cornet red above. The shorts are Nike Power shorts, $45 in black obsidian, and the headband, the very cool Nike Swoosh bandana, $8. Not everyone can pull this style headband off, but give it a try because those who can look way hot and court savvy.

Gavin's racquet choice? Babolat. Pull the look at Tennis-Warehouse or Nike.

Image: Getty Images/Wire Image Chris Gordon

Women's Warm Ups for Fall/Winter. Chuck that 80's look.

It's getting chilly; time to build warm-up attire back into our games, at least here in the US. The look of most matching warm up tops and bottoms can be a little 80's high-school track-meet, not something a tennista would feel great in running errands after the game.

In a search of new warm ups that compliment in a more sophisticated sort of way we offer up two hot ones. This first is the slimming Nike Women's Holiday Border Jacket ($65 USD) and Pant ($60) in fashion current mulberry purple and silver.The Holiday Border also comes as a white jacket and charcoal grey pant. Very sharp. The pants are cut low with a wide band, yoga style. Roomy outside ball pocket.

Also pictured is the adidas women's Fall Competition Hoody in vibrant mono pink ($54.99) and Fall Competition pant ($46.99) in white. These pants have more of a traditional athletic look to them, but their styling and slim cut keep the look current -- not puffy. Performance is a given with these brands. Learn more or buy at Tennis Warehouse, Nike or

adidas Tennis

Spotted at the Open. Serena's Got A Brand New Bag.

This is the bag Serena Williams carried on court alongside her racquet bag into the US Open finals; superbly spicy with her red cocktail dress that really was (in our opinion) one of her most classy outfits yet. Pictured here is the Nike Re-issue Travel Club bag, $80 USD available at Nike. Modeled after a classic bowling bag it would look sharp on any court (or after) alongside anything from Nike's Autumn Red collection (among which is Serena's red dress, $100). Yup, the bag is truly a fashion item, but for the tennistas out there, an essential one. The autumn red collection of apparel is available online at Nike and at Tennis-Warehouse.

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.

Made for Maria. US Open Dresses for Night or Day. We Would Like to Have Seen Her in These.

These appear to be what Maria Sharapova planned to wear nights and days at the US Open. They would have looked lovely with her blond hair. Dri-Fit fabric and built in sports bra make these frocks player friendly and the mesh overlays, pleats and velvet accents add Maria-esq glamour. The dresses are available to play even though Maria was not, so take a look and give one a try.

The Nike Women's Maria NYC Night Dress runs $110 USD and the Maria NYC Day Dress, available in white and concord grape (pictured here), is $95.00. Look for both at Tennis-Warehouse (listed under Nike Women's Apparel) or Nike. Get better soon Maria. We miss you.

Roger's First Look at the Open. More Than Just a Touch of Grey.

Roger's first round US Open style choice looked a tad too grey. This top would have looked hot with white shorts rather than the matching grey ones, a combination that verged on "jammies." Love the pieces, just not the mono-chromatic color combo.

The shirt is the Nike Men's Fall Sphere Manhattan Polo in smoke (also comes in cornet red, black and white) with white swoosh and cornet red accent at the neck, $60 USD. Special cooling fabric is built into the upper back and pintucks down the front add a style step up from the basic polo. It's a DriFit/Poly/Spandex  fabric. The shorts are the traditonally styled Nike Men's Fall Control 9" short, $45, quick dry fabric, terry lined pockets. Nice shorts, very comfortable.

Get Roger's styles at Tennis-Warehouse or Nike.

Nadal Making a Style Change? Not at the Moment.

According to today's Wall Street Journal, Nike is actively trying to get Nadal to change his on-court style, possibly go to a more "mature" look. He is listening, but changing? Not at the moment. The look works; he's number one and he's not changing. Maybe after the Open. The image here was taken from the practice courts at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Definitely no sign of change. Even on practice day, he's wearing the tried and true gear.

Nike and other retailers do well when athletes change it up. Maria Sharapova wears a different outfit to every major as does Serena Williams. The guys change it up a lot less; Nadal even less so. Check out Matthew Futterman's original article here online at the WSJ.

Type Raphael Nadal in our Tennisidentity search box for our reviews on Rafa's style choices.

Rafa's Olympic Shirt

It's a new version of the same Rafa sleeveless but this one, seen here on the man at the Olympics, does not appear to be available to those not ranked in tennis' top echelons. The closest we can find to it is the Nike Dri FIT Power Sleeveless Men's Tennis Shirt in Cornet Red, MSRP $55 USD or the Fall Dri Fit Power Crew (in cornet red with del sol yellow accents) that is actually even more similar -- only it has short sleeves and (like the sleeveless) no back graphic. A similar headband is offered as the Nike Pro Bandana in cornet red with del sol yellow, MSRP $12 USD. Guess we can't wear the emperor's new clothes this time around but we can get close.

The items noted above are available now at Tennis-Warehouse or Nike.

Image from Yahoo Sports! Credit: Behrouz Mehri/AFP/Getty Images

Rafa's New Wimbledon Winning Shorts

Rafael Nadal always looks sharp but he hasn't changed much style-wise in the past months, aqua-blue sleeveless in Miami, same top in green in France, white in England. We did notice a change in his shorts however, which are looser fitting than the summer global 3/4 "toreador" pants he's worn in the past. Maybe he requested an unrestrictive fit around the knee as they are both taped every match these days. Well the looser fit stepped right up for him didn't it? Rafael Nadal won the hard fought Wimbledon match up vs. Federer wearing the new Nike Dri-FIT longer length men's short. They have an elastic waist, are 13" long and come in red, black and white, MSRP $ 55 USD. A patch of chamois is built into the back leg for wiping sweaty palms during play. Nice touch. Rafa's fav top is Nike Dri-FIT Power Sleeveless, $55, offering Dri-FIT fabric and UV protection. Learn more and find both pieces at Nike or Tennis-Warehouse.

Serena's Power Choice at Wimbledon

Serena's Wimbledon choice looked sharp and flattered her strong physique. The top is the Nike Women's NYC Court Tank, MSRP, $55 USD. The little mesh insert in the scoop neck top is a great feminine touch. There is a support bra built in and mesh ventilation in back. The 13.5" skort is the zip back Nike Women's NYC Court Skort, $55. It is also available in black. The pleats are overlayed on a woven, stretch skirt. Shorties are built in. Both top and bottom are made of Dri-Fit performance fabric and move and breathe beautifully. Very nice.

Learn more or get yours now at Nike or Tennis-Warehouse.

Roger's Style at Wimbledon

We've seen Roger in action recently wearing the Nike London Men's Polo Shirt, $65 USD paired with the Control Men's Tennis Short, MSRP $45 USD. The gold accented version of the shirt is only available to Roger. He has also teamed the 9" shorts with the uncollared, Men's Fall Control UV crew $45. His current sneaker of choice is the Nike Air Zoom Vapor V, $115.

As you can see from the blended images here, the man's Wimbledon style hasn't changed much over the years (ok, he has cut his hair). The performance built into his clothing has however. All of Roger's new pieces offer a classic look for the tennis purist who doesn't want to miss out on the benefits of the newest performance technology. No word yet on when/if the new gold trimmed RF sweater and white slacks will be available. We'll let you know. For now, look for most of Roger Federer's choices and learn more at Nike or at Tennis-Warehouse. P.S. -- There is a funny, very un-Roger Bond-like video on the Nike site, here.

The Nike Roger Federer Hat, a Great Choice for Fan and Function

Become one with the Federer entourage. Available in black, navy, and white. Not only is this the hat of choice for Roger Federer fans it is also a great performance cap, breathable, adjustable and lightweight with Dri-Fit fabrication. The RF is embroidered, not printed. Classy, just like Roger.

It's the Nike Roger Federer Hybrid hat and retails for $22.00 at Tennis-Warehouse.

"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

Sharapova's Nike Paris Dress

In theme with the 80th anniversary of Roland Garros, this little number reflects a hint of flapper style with an athletic twist; the mesh upper body and top-to-bottom Dri-Fit fabric will keep you moving comfortably, cool and dry in battle. The princess seams and pleat detailing are decidedly feminine.

This is the Nike Women's Summer Paris Dress in dark obsidian navy with chalk accents, $100.00 USD. It has a built in bra. You will need to buy shorties. Get yours now at Tennis-Warehouse or Nike.