TennisIDENTITY

Temp rising ASICS tennis for men.

Summer's ahead and ASICS has got an edgy men's tennis collection ready for release in the heat of it (7/1). Pictured are the men's Resolution polo in shocking orange $55, and GEL-Solution Speed shoe in new black/neon orange and silver $130 (avail 6/1).

Conservative guys, be brave, when paired with black, grey or white this hue looks quite handsome. Even king conserv Roger Federer wore the color recently.

The new collection includes 8" Resolution shorts and 7" Court shorts. Check too the Resolution jacket $80 USD. HOT.

Link here to info on the tennis racquet in the pic.

Find it all at asicsamerica.com, Tennis-Warehouse and asics tennis retailers in the US.

 

A first for #1. Novak Djokovic wins Monte Carlo.

Sunday Novak Djokovic won his first Monte Carlo Masters title by beating Rafael Nadal (8 time MCM champ). "I cannot be happier than I am in this moment knowing what I've been through the whole week, actually two weeks, right after Davis Cup, trying to recover [ankle injury] and make a decision to play or not to play," said Djokovic.

"If somebody told me 10 days ago I'd be winning the trophy, I wouldn't think it's so realistic, to be honest. I went through pain, I went through a big challenge, mentally, physically, emotionally, and in the end it was getting better as the tournament was going on..." 

The guy has a mind of steel.

“It's a very joyful moment for me because I've wanted that trophy badly all my life, especially in last six, seven years that I've been spending my time and living here between the tournaments in Monaco. This is a great confidence boost before the rest of the clay court season, definitely." 

Djokovic uses a HEAD YouTekTM GrapheneTM Speed racquet, $200 USD.

Tip: If you do not consider yourself a high-level player, consider one of the other HEAD YOUTEK Graphene models like the Graphene Speed MP.

 

A summer tennis dress to dye for.

 EleVen's Summer Miami Dress oozes the season's magic combining tie-dye and bare skin in a distinct yet not so hippie way. Way cute for tennis and certainly multi-talented come those carefree beach and bike days. Venus Williams recently wore the poly/lycra creation of her own design in Miami. It's got a flattering halter neckline but adds a cross back which keeps things in place while you move on court.

The new dress is $88 and part of a larger summer tie-dye collection which includes a skort $68, power capris $49, a bra (which you will need with this dress) $54, tank $64 and jacket, $100. 

Find it at elevenbyvenus.com, Tennis Warehouse and boutique tennis retailers selling EleVen.

Eliza Audley plays with optical art.

So you're a dresser on court. Quick peek here at some of my favorite looks from Eliza Audley's spring 2013 tennis fashion collections. Clean elegance with a dash of drama. Head turners, every one.

Top pic is the Op-Art inspired Over-the-Moon Tank and A-Line skort. Right is the Polaris dress from the same group. 

Above is the new Zinnia Tank Dress, a body enhancing design that skims without clinging (like all Eliza Audley silhouettes), allowing your body to move freely.

All performance and priced from $92 for a tank to $132 for the dress. Dynamic energy here and decent built in bras in the top two to boot. The Zinnia is a BYOBra option.

Find a retailer at ElizaAudley.com or buy at Tennis-Warehouse.

 

Janko Tipsarevic rocks spring Fila + a peek at the new Sentinel

Really, is there anything this guy doesn't rock? I've been quietly loving Janko Tipsarevic's spring kit which debuted back at Indian Wells. It's unassuming and not too uni when color separated as above.

Pictured is the men's Spring Collezione Printed Crew, $46 in white, black or jasmine green and Spring Collezione Short, $38 in black; it also comes in white.

Tipsarevic's kicks are the new Fila Sentinel which will hit retail in June, available in a variety of color combos. Rave reviews from Janko on these apparently.

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

Technical problems in tennis fashion.

"To each her own" as the saying goes, so I usually point to what I like and leave the tennis fashion I don't to other tastes. Technical issues cross both the loved and not however. Although many of tennis apparel's past problems have been addressed with assets like fabrics that breath and fight odor or bonded seams that don't irritate, there is still work to be done:

1.)  Quite a few of us need sun protection and want tennis apparel that is flattering, all performance, lightweight AND sun protective. True, brands market UV fabrics, but here's the deal, UV protective tanks, tees and shorts are useless. Help us. Our skin must be covered and we are red faced, zipped up in long sleeves and leggings designed for cool weather play. And yes...we do have to play outside in the sun. 

2.)  Cute strappy tops don't work with standard bra styles, so something built in and functional is necessary. Yah that design is cool but put an out-of-the-drawer sports bra under it and I’m positive that’s not how the designer envisioned the look. Only a handful of brands are getting this right but for the small chested only.

3.)  Flimsy shelf bras suck. We need functional bras that include light padding. Thin performance fabrics are remarkably revealing. Brands should scrap the basic shelf bra altogether and we'll wear our own (design to fit over it or see above). Some people actually cut shelf bras out to avoid the double elastic of shelf and regular bra. 

4.)  Make tennis shorts complete with built in compression shorties or ample pockets. Tennis shorts that cannot hold at least 2 tennis balls are not useful.

5.)  Love the skirts with leggings. Keep ‘em coming but remember, we are not starving models and solid light colors make our legs look like sausages in short skirts. Surely there is some design trick that can help minimize the problem.

That's it (for now). Looking forward to seeing what rolls out next and please...someone make something decent for the sun soon.

 

Athletic DNA, chillin' long and loose.

Athletic DNA's Spring 2013 men's line is all about attitude and comfort, something young U.S. guys want in everything they wear. Look around any American high school or college and you'll see legions of loose fit graphic tees, hoodies and long, draw-string shorts. Are you going to get this group into a tidy, close fit RF polo and button shorts. I think not.

What these guys wear for chillin' is what they want for the court. Problem is, that look is not meant for exertion. Enter Athletic DNA with to the knees baller shorts, edgy graphics and airy performance fabrics that hang just the right way without getting in the way of game. 

Logo Tee above, $40; Tournament Short above, $54; Nitro Performance Tee (left), $56; and Viper long sleeve, right, $44.

Good for the gym too.

Find it at AthleticDNA.com and Tennis Warehouse. 

Video: What Novak wears down there.

 

Novak Djokovic is now pitching UNIQLO's AIRism line, something he wears on and off court but we'll never see. It's performance underwear that's lightweight, soft, heat releasing, odor fighting and apparently quite comfortable. I haven't checked their women's line out myself. 

"The fabric always stretches to fit my most strenuous moves. With this on, I can concentrate on my game...." says Djokovic. 

There you have it. New and out from under cover.

Find it at UNIQLO.com and in UNIQLO stores worldwide.

Pretty country club chic for the courts. Amy & Lulu's new Tennis Tour Bag.

Put some prep in your step as you travel to and from the tennis court with this new Tennis Tour Bag by Ame & Lulu. Sooo country club. The main external pocket can hold two racquets and the zip top gives easy access to all your extras. Carry by the handles or use the removable shoulder strap.

Made of water repellent canvas, 20" wide x 15" high x 8" deep, 20 oz., $148.00. Embroidery is an option and is $30 extra. Three pretty colors combos are available for spring/summer. My fav, Villa, is above. 

Find it at ameandlulu.com.

30:fifteen. A new tennis fashion brand hits the courts.

Another young designer is making her mark in tennis fashion. 30:fifteen is a new for-tennis line by Emily Tonkin, a style savvy Brit, fresh out of California's Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM).

"I play tennis myself," says Tonkin, "and I always found it hard to find cute, stylish, comfortable, affordable outfits for the court. When I did further research I saw there was a gap in the market for quality, comfortable, stylish and affordable tennis wear and thought I could try and fill that gap."

Tonkin recently released a performance collection that is divided into four personas, Alethia, Anna, Sue and Jane, with six total looks, cuts and shapes. Each focuses on flattering a different body type and features design elements that take the eye away from that problematic for many, tummy area.

Look for a pleated skirt on one style, good for those with wider hips; cross back detail, on another that minimizes broad shoulders. A high neckline on yet another is designed for those players needing chest coverage and more options for support.

Pictured are the Sue Dress (top pic) $90 USD; Anna Top and Skirt (middle) $45 top, $60 skort; and Alethia Dress (last pic) $105.  and,  

Coordinating shorties are $25.

Cute line. I love the chalk base with colorful brights for spring/summer. The collections also come in black.

Available online at 30fifteen.co.uk

Stir up a signature Sapphire Ace, Miami style.

Here's a signature Sony Open cocktail recipe for the armchair tennis traveler. Mix, turn up the heat and enjoy the tournament:

Sapphire Ace Collins

1 ½ oz. Bombay Sapphire Gin*

¾ oz. fresh lemon juice

½ oz. simple syrup

5 raspberries + more for garnish

club soda

Directions: Muddle (mash up) raspberries, gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a collins glass. Top with club soda and garnish with fresh whole raspberries.

*recipe courtesy Bombay Sapphire

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.

Found on Facebook. Jelena Jankovic debuts a winning design for the court.

A first went down in pro tennis fashion Friday night at the Sony Open. Jelena Jankovic wore a tennis dress designed by a fashion student who submitted her design to Fila on Facebook.

Samantha Swank, pictured below, is a junior at East Stroudsberg University, PA who received her associate's degree in fashion from the Art Institute of Philadelphia. She won Fila USA's 2012 Facebook design contest. 

If you click that last link you will see the designs of the two finalists in the contest; Swank's pink dress won. 

On Friday night Swank sat courtside in Miami at Sony Open Tennis to watch her beautiful design debut, play and win, on fashion's largest international runway (in physical size).

Very cool. 

Sloane Stephens romps in Miami.

©Sony Open Tennis

Sloane Stephens hit Miami wearing Under Armour's new Tennis Romper. The look is big street style this season and speaks to summer, girls and, have to say it, skipping. Stephens' game puts new use to youth's playclothes however; this romper apparently facilitates pounding out forehands.

The one piece outfit has a cinchable waist, t-back, and built in shorties, a casual but put together look in Jade River green, $70. Snaps at the shoulders make for easy on and off. No worries about that shirt coming untucked.

Fun, young look with all sorts of performance built in. I love the accents of bright tennis yellow -- all custom accessories for Sloane.

Find it at UnderArmour.com

Antigua to supply tennis fashion to the 2013 Family Circle Cup.

Another thriving golf fashion retailer* has stepped on court. Antigua's tennis line, launched in 2012, grows this year with an even wider variety for men and women.

Check it all out at Charleston's Family Circle Cup (March 30-April 7) where Antigua will have a retail shop and outfit officials, volunteers and ball kids for the second consecutive year. 

The styles? Traditional with a twist.

These are performance basics that mix easily with other solids through the seasons. The new for 2013 colors are deliciously punchy without the neon factor. The women's cuts are for the player who appreciates a modern but modest silhouette. The men's styles are loose fit. Above left is the Optimal Tank in Sea multi, $45. Right is the the men's Action Tee, $50.

Also in the tennis performance line are a variety of tops, tennis skorts, warm ups, hoodies and shorts. Mesh, stretch and breathability are built into everything. 

Team/club captains, you can have your logo or name embroidered free on any Antigua group apparel order. Yah, that's a good deal.

Above in grey is the Epic Short Sleeve Polo, $50. The open sweetheart placket is a flattering alternative to the more boxy traditional style so if you avoid polos, like me, give this one a try. The Women's Smash Jacket (above in white) is softly lined, warm and comfy, $66, and the Bright Violet tank is the Optimal like in the top picture. 

Find it all at AntiguaTennis.com.

* Antigua also holds license agreements with the NFL, Major and Minor League Baseball, NHL, NBA, PGA Tour, US colleges and universities and more.

Fila in bloom at Indian Wells.

Second in a series highlighting tennis tournament sponsors.

It's spring in the California desert and blooming alongside the bougainvillea and poppies was Fila, BNP Paribas Open sponsor, with color filled eye candy of their own. Take a look:

Top to bottom: the Fila shop at the tournament; ball kids on court; a selection of Indian Wells tournament apparel for men; and, women's Heritage collection including the Carwash dress. Below, a farewell from a few tourney volunteers.

Till next year... 

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.

Jelena Jankovic debuts Fila's new Carwash dress.

©Getty Images

Jelena Jankovic debuted the new Fila Heritage Carwash tennis dress yesterday in Indian Wells. Sassy little drop skirt on this one. What look like pleats are really strips of fabric that sway and bounce as you move on court, just like the carwash before it went touch free. Unique place for a fashion brainstorm ehh?

Left is the dress in white without the sweater. It has a t-back and built in bra. Sleek, pretty and most of all fun to wear.

Jankovic popped the new Heritage Sweater on over a blue version of the dress above. The effect? Vintage varsity cheerleader, classic but very fresh and yes...peppy (haven't used that word in a while).

The dress is $90 and the sweater, $80. 

Find it at Fila.com and Fila retailers worldwide.

Solfire. Art and soul for your tennis game.

Art and soul combine beautifully in the Spring 2013 Solfire tennis fashion line. The unique new collection jams with color drenched passion culled from the paintings of Solfire founder and artist Brendan Murphy. 

Each of five shirt designs speak to who you are, or strive to be, on court. Top and above left is the women's Lion tank that emanates strength and agility. River, above right, delivers a dynamic flow of beauty and elegance.

Other graphics include: Breathe, a wild horse, that speaks of powerful movement and grace; Hummingbird expresses precise control and speed; and City, urban attitude and bold strokes. Womens tanks and coordinating skorts are are $48.

Men's collection performance shirts include crews in all of the above art elements except Hummingbird, $50. Shorts are $48. Watch for Solfire on Bruno Soares in Indian Wells. 

What inspires your game?

 

 

Maria Sharapova puts her HEAD Graphene Instinct to the Ultimate Racquet Test.

 

Silliness, but whatever, I need entertainment until I get to Indian Wells. Watch for an appearance by Novak Djokovic.

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.

Bryans, Fish + Djokovic team with Redfoo, Jeremy Piven at 9th Annual K•Swiss Desert Smash.

Looks like guys' night out was extra entertaining with the addition of RedFoo and Jeremy Piven. Pictured at the 9th annual K•Swiss Desert Smash at La Quinta Resort are the bros Bryan, Mardy Fish (welcome back), Redfoo, Piven and Novak Djokovic. The annual event/party benefited the Variety of the Desert. 

The highlight of the evening was an out-of-ATP doubles match, Piven and Djokovic battled Redfoo and Mardy Fish. (Djokovic/Piven won).

Looking like triplets, the Bryans and Fish wore the K Swiss Men's Oz spliced crew in fiery red. The shirt features cooling mesh inserts on the sides and back, $40 and men's woven training short, $43.

Not sure what Redfoo is wearing. I like the socks tho.

Spring 2013 fashion from Tonic Tennis by Martina Hingis.

Tonic's Martina Hingis signature tennis collection continues to grow. Below is a quick video showcasing some of Hingis' newest Spring 2013 looks as well as a bit of history on the player's stellar career. 

 

The new Tonic Spring Flux Adjustable Tank, $69 (with built in soft cup bra) and Spring Swift Skort, $79, are among my favorites this season. The shirring on the tank is a flattering touch for those who don't like their performance tops tight around the mid section. Side drawcords can lengthen or shorten the body as well.

Find it online at Tennis-Warehouse and Tonic retailers.

Fila serves up a special BNP Paribas Open accessories collection.

Ready for desert tennis California style? Fila is with this special edition collection designed for the BNP Paribas Open. Included in the group are: a lined French terry backpack, $40; a lined canvas tote with removable matching wristlet, $49; French terry bucket hat, $24; and, comfy memory foam flip flops (great for after play) $30.

File this gear under tennis lifestyle. I love the punchy tournament colors on white and French terry fabric that stipulates lounging at a retro infused Palm Springs resort. Fab tournament mementos.

Only at the BNP Paribas Open.

New from ASICS, tennis racquets.

ASICS has expanded its commitment to tennis with the introduction of tennis racquets. The collection has its sights set on the club player with three oversized models: ASICS 109, 116 and 125.

Key elements are, long main strings, a fan-shaped stringing pattern, and a teardrop-shaped frame that is wider than most OS racquets on the market (esp. the 116 and 125). The result is a larger center radius that is forgiving of off-center hits and offers power and spin assist for those who do not use full, fast swing technique. Left is the 109 which is the smallest head size (109 sq. in.).

"We continue to increase our brand beyond running and demonstrate our passion for all sports," says Kevin Wulff, CEO of ASICS Americas.  "... Our new racquets will give the adult players the competitive edge they desire." 

The racquets will be sold unstrung and are recommended for use with new ASICS Resolution 16 or 17 gauge or ASICS Challenger 16 or 17 gauge string.

ASICS racquets will be available in specialty tennis and pro shops as well as online retailers soon, $189.    

Denise Cronwall, tennis fashion designer on the rise.

Floridians have kept activewear designer Denise Cronwall a tennis fashion secret too long. We want in. Girls, if you like your on-court look fitted, fun and kinda' flirty, take a look at this line.

"Guided by a feminine aesthetic and a love of elegant curves, textures and accentuating details, I design boutique style activewear for gracious women that like to express their elegance and style at all times,"  says Cronwall.

Sublimely soft, the fabrics are a dream to put on. The looks are edgy, a hint of Free People style here, but tennis-sensible and absolutely for the courts (the tops for example, have a lightly padded bra built in). Above is the Black Vintage Razor Back Top and Skirt, $85 USD each.

Cronwall's tennis presence is on the upswing and not just among those that play and lunch. Germany's Mona Barthel recently won her first premier title at the Open GDF Suez in Paris wearing the collection's Boho Dress, above, $136 USD, prompting the designer to rename the dress "Mona in Paris."

Italy's Camilla Giorgi wears the line as well.

 Above is the Royal Porcelain Top and Skort, also $85 each. All are part of the new 2013 Spring Collection which is in stores now and online soon.

Secret's out. More info at DeniseCronwall.com

Growing tennis in the US. USTA adds Jr. Development Programs. Athletic DNA thrives.

USTA Player development continues to add to its roster of Regional Training Centers. New dev. programs include Five Seasons Sports Club of Northbrook, Ill. and The Smiths in Indianapolis, Ind., bringing the total number of USTA Certified Regional Training Centers to 17.

Above Tim Smyczek plays a point at the Challenger of Dallas tourney at T Bar M Racquet Club which has renewed its contract with the USTA training program. Smyczek has trained within the USTA program in Boca Raton, Florida.

Other noteable players using USTA training centers include: Sam Querrey, Rhyne Williams (who won the Dallas tourney Saturday), Denis Kudla, Steve Johnson, Jack Sock and Bjorn Fratangelo.

"As we continue to see positive results out of players who train at USTA Certified Training Centers, we are excited to be working collaboratively with these programs and their coaches to develop future American tennis stars," said Patrick McEnroe.

Parents who can't relocate their lives for their kid's dream are excited too.

Keep an eye out for rising players wearing athletic DNA. The brand continues to make inroads with young tourney playing juniors with loose fit energized style that exudes cool. The brand sponsored at the Dallas Tourney. I'm looking forward to seeing their 2013 line. Tim is wearing one of the new colors above.

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.

Prime time for Vika and Novak.

Not for the court, but these wristwatches might help you feel like a tennis champion. Here's what we spotted on Victoria Azarenka and Novak Djokovic in Australia: 

 

Vika's timepiece is the sporty Citizen Ceramic Eco-Drive Chronograph featuring 32 tiny diamonds, $695 USD. 

 

 

 

Novak's is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Arnold Schwarzenegger The Legacy Chronograph, $47,200. Yup, that's correct.

It's nice being #1 ehh?

Lacoste renews partnership with Australian Open through 2018.

First in a series spotlighting tennis tournament sponsors:

Lacoste has renewed its partnership with the Australian Open. The contract comes on top of repeat nods from KIA and other key AO sponsors. Our Happy Slam is undoubtedly thrilled.

“Lacoste is a valued partner of the Australian Open and we are thrilled to have signed a new five year deal with the brand,"  said Steve Wood, Tennis Australia CEO. 

I love the impact "the Crocodile" makes in Oz. The colorful uniforms, tennis fashions, retail shops and tasteful branding add punch in a beautifully calm sea of blues. Pictured are a few images from around the 2013 grounds.

 

Djokovic's toolbox and win at Aus Open.

 
Congratulations to Novak Djokovic who earned his third consecutive men's singles Australian Open title and sixth Grand Slam Sunday.

Tennis coaches often refer to building a "toolbox," meaning your repertoire of shots and tactics on court. Clearly, Djokovic's toolbox is complete, a veritable workstation packed with the best in speed, footwork, fitness, recovery, shot making and mental strength.

Amazing stuff watching it all come together match after match. His stick, a key part of said box of course, the just-out HEAD YouTek Graphene Speed Pro.

NOTE on apparel: Love the jacket here. Unfortunately, it's not available, neither is the shirt, nor the shorts...not at the moment anyway. Bummer. We got excited last year when UNIQLO  offered up some of Novak's US Open apparel at two stores in NYC. Hoping that they work through the kinks and get the stuff out there. 

 

Spring 2013 tennis fashion by Lotto: Radwanska, Makarova, Ferrer & Almagro

Lotto launched its Spring '13 line at the Aus Open. First up, the ladies:

Agnieszka Radwanska and Marion Bartoli wore Lotto's eye-catching new SS 2013 Natty Line dress, a sleek, curve conscious silhouette cut with silky performance fabric inset with jacquard in the same color rose. 

Ekaterina Makarova wore the Natty skort paired with a short sleeved top.

Cute shorts in this group too:

The men:

David Ferrer wore the brand's new LED line. The top comes as a polo and a crew, $60 and $55.  The graphics express the movement of a tennis ball and a spray of gradient lizard green (looks yellow to me) highlights this dynamic looking top. LED shorts are $45.

All performance and Deep Dry Tech. Great energy. 

All images © Ray Giubilo

Find a retailer at LottoSport.com or visit this link for the women's line.

US readers: Lotto tennis apparel is making its way back into the states. Find it all very soon at Tennis-Warehouse and other tennis specialty retailers.

Rafa is back (on your iPhone).

The new Rafael Nadal Tennis Academy app has launched. Our MItennisA champ has teamed with Vstrator to create a virtual, hand-held academy where aspiring players can learn how to play like the Spaniard.

The app offers very good, short tutorials that break down Rafa's swings, serves and volleys using video analysis technology. 

There are stroke isolating clips that you can use to compare your own strokes with those of the champion by uploading a short clip of you on court (use your phone to capture).

“What I...like of this app," said Nadal, "is that you can be on the courts down the street, at your school or tennis facility, with your friends, coach and teammates and get the info and coaching necessary from my point of view. It’s easy and I am sure that it will help improve your game.” 

 A section of insights from Rafa are just fun to watch. As always he says he is "nothing special." So charming. 

Find the Rafael Nadal Tennis Academy in the iTunes store, put on your headband and vamos. 

$4.99 to watch and learn from Rafa on your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad. A pricey app maybe, but the tips are excellent + I'd pay anything to watch him play right about now.

Sloane Stephens and the look that downed Serena.

©Getty Images

This is what it took to down Serena Williams at the Australian Open: passion, conviction and poise. It's all here. There was a lot of D across the net, and likely in Stephen's head. I'm told she grew up idolizing Williams. Despite it all, the young gun dug deep and rose above. Next stop Victoria Azarenka.

Get the look (the passion is all DNA): Can't really because Stephen's kit is all custom Under Armour (UA) for her/by her. PIctured is the Sloane Sweet Spot Tank, Shadow Visor and Wristband. Her skort has custom detail as well and the shoes...sorry guys, no to these exclusive, custom-built UA MicroG tennis shoes too. Yes I did/do covet it all.

Similar items at retail are the UA Inner Intensity Tank and Basic Skort. The wristband and visor are available but not in the colors that served Sloane so very well.

A budding designer like Maria? So far so good but we want it too!

Find some of it at UnderArmour.com, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers selling UA.

Oooh la Lacoste. Taking tennis to a berry cheery place.

Lacoste's saturated color is a reboot for the body and soul. In case you missed any of their yummie, berry-infused fashions on court  in Australia, here's a quick recap.

Yes indeed, a few players chose white; I would have had a hard time turning down color but what better than tennis' earliest hue in the hot sun? 

©Ron Angle

©Ron Angle

©Ron Angle

@Ron Angle

Not all of the above tennis styles are available everywhere. Check Lacoste.com, Lacoste stores and Tennis-Warehouse for men or women.

HEAD's new Graphene Speed (vs. an Audi R8 LMS GT3)

Novak Djokovic's newest weapon has been unveiled. In December I had a chance to check out a new HEAD tennis racquet that was fully disguised in black and labeled only G. Here's how it looked back then in stealth mode, and here's how it looks today as the HEAD Graphene Speed. 

Great racquet. I have had a lot of fun with it. The one in my pic is the Rev model, $190. Djokovic uses the Pro (he's the Djoker and I'm realistic), $200.

Case in point, Djokovic proved he could serve a ball faster than an Audi R8 LMS GT3 race car on Melbourne's Sandown racetrack at the stick launch. Me? Thrilled to place the ball in the service box with a good degree of heat on the reg.

Fila men break from the grey in Australia.

There's a lot of chat about the amount of yellow and grey on court this year in Australia. I hear you. Great stand alone styles but at times it really looks like a club team tennis party (until you watch them play of course). Really bizarre.

For those who need a little color diversion, take a look at the Fila sponsored men. It's all red, white and blue.

The Men’s Heritage Collection, above on Andreas Seppi, features two crew silhouettes, two polos, a short, jacket and pant.  Luxe looking and iconic in feel these classic performance styles harken back to Fila's fashion archives. Janko Tipsarevic, Carlos Berlocq and Horacio Zeballos also wear the line.

Fila’s Heritage Collection retails from $45 to $70 and can be found late January at fila.com, Tennis-Warehouse and specialty tennis retailers world wide.

Ana Ivanovic and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga; more adidas fashion in Oz

Rounding out coverage of the remaining adidas styles hitting the Australian Open are two of my favorite players/personalities Ana Ivanovic and Jo Wilfried Tsonga.

Above, Ivanovic (who at the moment is on to round 3), wears the spring adizero dress in vivid yellow with tech grey, $85, and the adizero Tempai II, $120  (also worn by Angelique Kerber) .

Tsonga sports the adizero polo, $65 in white with vivid yellow and spring adizero short, $50 in tech grey. I love this particular shirt/short combo; you can see some of the other pieces in the new group on the adidas guys here.

Find the men's looks here and women's styles here. adidas.com and adidas sport shops also sell the complete lines.

Mirror, mirror and a cam. Selfie Sunday with Murray, Verdasco + Kerber.

Must have been selfie Sunday. Andy Murray, Fernado Verdasco and Angelique Kerber had some fun with their Australian Open looks in adidas' dressing room recently:

Above: Murray wears adidas' semi fitted barricade crew, $58 and barricade 9.5" short, $45. His shoes are the barricade 7.0 in black and yellow, $125. Verdaso wears the men's spring adizero crew in vivid yellow, $60 and adizero short in tech grey, $50. His shoes are the adizero CC Feather II, $125. Kerber wears the spring adizero dress in vivid yellow with tech grey, $85. It comes with a bra and shorties (great deal). Her shoes are the adizero CC Tempaia II in white and yellow, $120.

Good looks, fun pics. 

Find the men's looks here at Tennis-Warehouse and women's styles here at Tennis-Warehouse. adidas.com and adidas sport shops also sell it.

Tomas Berdych signs with H&M.

Yes, you read that correctly, H&M, nirvana for the style and budget conscious fashionista, is getting into tennis apparel. Tomas Berdych has left Nike and will now wear the Swedish brand on and off court. 

No word yet on any of the new tennis styles. They are still on the drawing board and Berdych is apparently weighing in. I suspect a women's line will come soon as well and who might that ambassador be?

Very curious to see how much performance H&M can pack into their court apparel while keeping true to their low prices. 

Julia Goerges serves up Fila.

© Getty Images

Julia Goerges has jumped courts leaving Nike to wear Fila. Above in Australia, she looks powerful pretty in gorgeous ocean blue based separates from Fila's spring 2013 Center Court Collection. This is a big group that offers a variety of flattering tennis styles to suit every woman's fit/style/coverage needs.

Strategically placed color cutlines, above in white and black, actually help carve a waist for those that don't have the one they dream of. The group also comes in a white base.

Take a look at Goerges' digits. Coordinating manicures have become a big part of tennis kits. 

Find it soon (early February) at Fila.com, Tennis-Warehouse and Fila tennis retailers worldwide.

 

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.

 

Maria Kirilenko back in again with Stella McCartney.

Surprise, surprise, Maria Kirilenko is back wearing Stella McCartney. The announcement was made today at the adidas Stella McCartney barricade line launch in Melbourne. 

Back in 2008 Kirilenko was the only WTA player wearing adidas by Stella. She was then moved to adidas' Barricade line. Have to say she looked snazz in both but her petite frame is perfect for the designer range.

Alas, adidas Barricade and adidas by Stella McCartney have merged and Maria is back. Lovely.

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. 

Barbora Zahlavova Strykova shines in new Spring 2013 by Wilson tennis.

Color becomes summer and the season is full on down under. The confident cyan/jade/white combos in Wilson's new Guts n Glamour tennis group are going to look refreshingly cool in the Aussie heat.

Find the set and coordinating pieces with a jade (as on Barbora Zahlavova Strykova here) or cyan base. Watch for the group in action at the Australian Open.

Wilson continues to put out thoughtful tennis styles. This set is lightweight and super comfy; even the bra elastic has a moisture absorbing, soft material to keep it from sticking and digging in. 

Liquid stretch, moisture management, anti microbial protection, decent built in bra...yup it's all there. And, the perforated fabric inserts bring one of spring's biggest trends to the court, florals (check out the back, left). Tip: Buy a size up in the top if you like a looser fit around your waist.

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

Milos Raonic. New Year. New Deal. New Balance.

© Getty Images

Milos Raonic has shed his croc adorned tennis apparel, turning head and toe to New Balance.  Check him out above at the AAMI Classic at Kooyong in Melbourne today. Raonic might very well be the brand's first foray into tennis sponsorships.

Wide footed tennis players love New Balance for their footwear; they very simply have the biggest selection of wide-width tennis shoes out there.

Clearly New Balance now wants more than than a foothold on court; the new colors and designs above suggest some fun ahead. A rising Raonic, currently ranked #15 in the world, should bring good attention to the fitness brand. 

Pictured he's wearing a pair of New Balance's MC 996 D. More info on the new apparel line to follow.

 New Balance plans to work with Milos to launch a  special tennis focused collection of footwear and apparel in August just before the US Open.

Find the brand at NewBalance.com, Tennis-Warehouse and New Balance tennis retailers worldwide.

 

Sneak Peek: Spring 2013 adidas by Stella McCartney Barricade.

Pictured is a sampling from the adidas by Stella McCartney Barricade tennis collection announced Monday. "Running yellow" is featured here but the items also come in solid white with touches of grey.

McCartney's newest performance fabrics are buttery soft, breathable and very thin, suitable for the heat coming their way in Australia. Gorgeous stitching, and not just one style, create pretty, body defining seams. Panels of mesh keep heat prone areas well ventilated and soft pleats add femininity to the tailoring. I love the backs of both the skirts and tops.

The tennis dress, $120, is a fit/go if you are in fab firm shape. The separates are more forgiving; buy a size up to achieve a smooth (less hugging) line against your body. 

I'm going to go for the white cap sleeve top $60, long sleeve $70, skort $60, coordinating visor, $25, and adidas Barricade 7 shoes, $120. 

Kudos to Ms. McCartney for bringing more WTA players into her house of tennis fashion and for building shorties into her tennis skirts and bra into the dress. Next wish, pretty please, modesty inserts for all built in bras. 

Find the line at adidas.com, adidas sport performance stores, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis specialty retailers worldwide.

Announcing adidas by Stella McCartney Barricade; Wozniacki, Petkovic + Robson to wear new tennis collection in Australia.

adidas has just announced a new tennis fashion collection, adidas by Stella McCartney Barricade, a group that merges two formerly separate collections, adidas by Stella McCartney and adidas women's Barricade.

Pictured  are Caroline Woziacki (above top) and Andrea Petkovic wearing the new line. Laura Robson will also wear the label. Comprised of structured dresses, separates and tennis shoes, the new adidas line comes in a palette of pastel yellow, blue and white with accents of silver and grey. The line is inspired by Stella's own RTW collection which uses feminine lines that flatter and enhance the female form. 

I'm going to be checking out the styles in the next day or so and will report back on that fit/flatter. I'm particularly curious about that panel of color over the mid section on the dress (left). Love the looks of the warm up jacket and long sleeve though; these are absolute spring necessities and a nice way to arrive on court looking put together.  

Find the line at adidas.com, adidas sport performance stores, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis specialty retailers worldwide.

VIDEO HERE. Stay tuned; more to come...