TennisIDENTITY

David Ferrer renews with Lotto + a look at more 2013 fashion.

David Ferrer has renewed his contract with long-time sponsor Lotto Sport Italia. Four more years makes this a ten year commitment between player and brand.  The Spanish champion is on fire having won seven titles this year; he is now the world #5.

I love Ferrer's new look; it's all from Lotto's spring 2013 Matrix line. Saturated power colors with assertive flourescent accents. Nice on this impressively determined grinder.

Ferrer's shoes here are the Lotto Raptor Ultra III with ReactiveArch, a concave dynamic sole that flexes according to the natural movement of the foot. His racquet is the Prince EXO3 Tour (another very recent contract renewal).

Find Lotto apparel and shoes via lottosport.com. Tennis-Warehouse carries the shoes and some apparel. 2013 apparel is not out yet.

Taylor Townsend. Tennis dreams do come true.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

P.S - Blue becomes you.

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

Find it at Nike and Tennis-Warehouse.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prince tennis 2011. New racquets for a new year.

 

 

Prince tennis has announced its new performance racquets for 2011. The updated racquet line includes: Three EXO3 Tour models (EXO3 Tour 100 (16x18 string pattern), EXO3 Tour 100 (18x20 string pattern) and EXO3 Tour Lite 100) designed for more advanced players with faster swing speeds; and newly upgraded versions of the EXO3 Silver 115, EXO3 Blue 110, and EXO3 Red 105 models for beginner to intermediate players.

All six new EXO3 racquets will feature the distinct ThermoCarbon String Suspension Inserts (the larger holes) and will join the popular EXO3 Black, EXO3 White and EXO3 Rebel to complete the full 2011 performance racquet collection. 

According to Prince, EXO3 is a patented racquet design utilizing large holes and string suspension inserts that absorb vibration and deliver a larger hitting area compared with other frames of the same head size on the market. Strings are liberated from traditional, smaller grommets, allowing the strings to respond more freely, even at the outer edges of the string plane for balls hit off-center. 

"High-speed video shows that beginner and intermediate players are not the only ones who hit balls off center," said tennis guru Nick Bollettieri.  Pro athletes today compete at such an incredibly high pace,along the tightest of margins with very little reaction time - so nearly every ball they strike makes contact outside of the direct center string bed. ...[E]liminating grommets that limit string response...even out to the edge of the frame on balls players hit at full stretch or have less time to react to...allows players, at every level, to hit better shots, more consistently."

So who who's playing with what now at Prince?

EXO3 Tour: David Ferrer, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Sam Querrey, Albert Montanes, and Viktor Troicki.

EXO3 Black: Vera Zvonareva, John Isner, Shahar Peer and Marion Bartoli.

EXO3 Rebel: Gael Monfils, Mike and Bob Bryan.

Learn more at Prince or test drive or buy at Tennis-Warehouse or tennis retailers worldwide. Available January 17, 2011.

 

 

Vera Zvonareva Credits Switch to Prince EXO3 in Climb to #2 in World.

Vera Zvonareva has taken the world #2 spot in the WTA rankings and is crediting her new tennis racquet as a key element in her success. Since picking up the Prince EXO³ Black racquet earlier this year, Zvonareva has jumped twelve spots on the WTA Tour with two Grand Slam finals (Wimbledon and US Open) and a trip to the WTA  finals in Doha.

"This year has been very special for me.  I feel I have played some of my best tennis in 2010 and a big part of the reason for this was my switching to the Prince EXO3 Black ...at the beginning of the year" said Zvonareva.  I am more confident on every ball because this racquet gives me more power without sacrificing control - even on balls I might not hit perfectly in the center when I am on the run or stretched out...”

According to Prince, EXO³ racquets completely liberate the string from tight grommet holes – facilitating more string freedom and response – even at the edges of the frame.  This provides a larger, more functional hitting area, at any head size, giving players edge-to-edge playability.

Most recently, Zvonareva finished a perfect 3-0 in Round Robin play after her 6-4, 7-5 victory against Kim Clijsters at the WTA Tour Championships in Doha, Qatar. This is a career high for Zvonareva.

Learn more at Prince or test drive/buy at Tennis-Warehouse.

Albert Montanes, Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez + Sam Querrey, a Tennis Trifecta.

It was a big weekend for Prince, a hat-trick of sorts. Albert Montanes (pictured left) took down Roger Federer Saturday and then Frederico Gil in the finals Sunday in Estoril Portugal.

Montanes wore Prince's new Gold Collection spring 2010  apparel line; The top is the Prince GLM Crew -- all performance in CoolMax fresh FX. I especially liked him in the liquorice grey with lava version (see inset) which has coordinating shorts, $30. His shoes? Prince Rebel Black/White/Green, $99. His racquet is the Prince OZone Tour $179.

María José Martínez Sánchez, pictured right, also wore head to toe Prince for her win, in Rome. Pictured left at a news conference she sports the Prince Women's GLW Warmup Jacket, $48, in neon with white, also from the Gold Collection. On court she wore the women's spring GLW V-Neck Top in white with black and white with neon. The matching skort is $34.

Sanchez plays with the Prince EXO3 Black, $220. Here's a look at the Spaniard in action.

Oh yeah... and Sam Querrey (not pictured; sorry Sam) won in Belgrade -- according to the ATP, the first American to win a clay court title since 2003. Should Rafa be worried?

A+ all around.

Vera Zvonareva Picks Prince's EXO3 Black 100.

 
 Prince Tennis has announced that Vera Zvonareva is now officially on the Prince athlete roster. She has selected the new Prince EXO3 Black 100, $199 USD, as her weapon of choice.

“I trust Prince and the quality of the racquets they produce and know that the company is continually thinking about ways to take my game to a higher level.  When I first picked up the EXO³Black, I knew something was different, special about it, and the more time I spent with the racquet,  the better it felt to me.  I have already won my first title with it and am looking to make deeper runs at the bigger events this year, especially the Grand Slams.” Zvonareva joins Gael Monfils, Maria Sharapova, the Bryan Brothers and Shahar Peer, already playing with an EXO³.

There are currently fifteen different racquet models in the EXO³line of performance racquets, allowing players with different playing styles, preferences and skill levels the opportunity to take advantage of the technology.  There are eight models in the EXO³Tour Series (Zvonareva's racquet is one) designed for ultra-competitive players looking for control-oriented frames with more traditional weights and cross-sections. The seven models in the Thunder Series are designed for players looking for ultimate comfort with exceptional playability (that's speak for the rec player).

The dot on Zvonareva's strings? The mark of Gamma. She plays with Gamma Zo Sweet 17, $11.25 per package. This is a hybrid set with power monofilament for the mains and TNT2 for the crosses. Her outfit is K-Swiss.

Learn more or find a retailer at Prince  and Gamma or buy/test drive at Tennis-Warehouse.

Prince Announces New Lightspeed Footwear for 2010. EXO3 Users, Match'em To Your Stick.

Prince has announced the arrival of its new Lightspeed footwear, pictured here at the Australian Open on doubles duo, Johan Brunstrom (right) and Jean-Julien Rojer. Both are wearing the GLM Crew and Knit Short from Prince's Men's  Spring 2010 Gold Label Collection.

The Lightspeed will be available in two models, the Rebel LS, $110 USD, for men (pictured here) and the Poise LS, $105, for women. According to Prince, the new shoes are designed on a low-profile platform that keeps a player's center of gravity low for enhanced balance, agility and responsiveness. A key feature is a propulsion plate - a lightweight chassis built to transfer energy fluidly from the heel to the forefoot, resulting in quicker reaction time, better acceleration, and a sense of being on the balls of your feet. In addition, each shoe features Dri-Lex lining and Prince’s Shock Eraser Pro heel insert to deliver maximum impact protection.

The Rebel LS will be available in yellow/black/silver (above) which coordinates with the EXO³Rebel 95 racquet and black/white/green to go with the EXO³ graphite. Cool. I have to say, a little matching in your on-court style is deadly powerful looking guys. White/navy/silver is available for traditionalists. The womens version, the Poise LS comes in white neon silver. No matching racquet, well, maybe the EXO³ white 100.

Players also wearing the new line include: Marcel Granollers, Santiago Ventura, Rik DeVoest, Martin Damm, Filip Polasek, Johan Brunstrom in the Rebel LS and Kveta Peschke and Yvonne Meusburger in the new Poise LS.

Available at retail in February. Learn more or find a retailer at Prince or buy soon at 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.

Maria Sharapova Kicks Off 2010 with a Fresh 6-Pack and Racquet from Prince.

No were not talkin' beer here. When Maria Sharapova steps out at the Australian Open later this month she will be carrying the first piece from her 2010 Limited Edition Prince Sharapova Bag Collection, the six-pack racquet bag pictured below AND a new racquet. 

“With the bag, the Prince product development team and I decided to push the boundaries of traditional racquet bag silhouettes to develop a new look that incorporates my fashion sense, while at the same time providing the functionality that players need on-court,” said Sharapova. 

The six pack ($79) really doesn't look all that different here but it has a distinctly elegant feel in reality--click on the image to see detail. It's clean and pretty looking, constructed of a softer, lighter nylon cloth than is usually seen -- no sheen to it. The profile is raised, the royal blue sections have a slightly ribbed texture and the embroidered detail around the logo and Sharapova emblem adds panache. I like all the extra pockets so the little items we women carry don't all fall to the bottom in a messy jumble -- no thermal pocket though. Don't forget your racquets in a hot car.

Sharapova will carry this bag through the French Open before introducing a new color. The bag will also be available as a triple, $59.

Sharapova's newest weapon (with her above) is the EXO³ Black, $199 -- We're actually giving one away on Twitter -- This is one of the new frame offerings from Prince's 2010 performance racquet line and is set to hit stores January 18. I love the stealth looking matte paint job on this particular O³ upgrade.

“I picked up the EXO³ Black and immediately loved the sound the ball made coming off the string bed – something very important to me,” said Sharapova.  “I also felt as though I could generate the power and comfort I need on balls I have to reach for or are out of my traditional hitting zone, but was receiving additional control in the process." The lighter, new EXO³ Black Team is $179. It's not matte.

Learn more or find a retailer at Prince or test drive and buy soon at Tennis-Warehouse.

Prince: NEW 2010 EXO3 Racquets. Here’s Your Chance to be the First to Win One!

In January 2010 Prince is expected to release two of its newest performance racquets, the EXO³ White and EXO³ Black. These are enhanced versions of two of the most popular racquets of the past five years, the O³ White and O³ Speedport Black. Both new EXO³ frames maintain all of the qualities that made the O³ racquets popular and now feature new VISIBLE EXO³ technology.  According to Prince, the new frames enable faster racquet speed and deliver more power with a larger sweetspot.

Also being introduced is the EXO3 Black Team for players looking for a slightly lighter, more manuverable version of the EXO³ Black.

Before they hit the shelves, Tennisidentity.com and Prince are giving you a chance to be among the first to own one of these upcoming EXO³ racquets plus a new Prince racquet bag and hat!  Entry is FREE and couldn’t be easier! Here’s how:

 

Leave a comment under the Tennisidentity posting on Tennisidentity's Facebook page and/or retweet (RT) the contest announcement on Twitter/Tennisidentity. We will give away one EXO³ White on Facebook and one EXO³ Black on Twitter. U.S. addresses only please.
 
IMPORTANT: You MUST be a follower/fan of BOTH Tennisidentity AND Prince on Twitter OR Facebook to win through that vehicle. Winners will be chosen at random on January 15, 2010 5 PM EST. Here are the Prince links: Facebook, Twitter

Good Luck!

New Racquets in Hand, Bryan Brothers Get 2009 #1 Doubles Ranking with ATP Finals Win.

Bob and Mike Bryan end 2009 ranked the number #1 doubles team in the world. Just this past Sunday they captured the needed ATP World Tour doubles title to secure their top status with a win against finalists, Max Mirnyi and Andy Ram.

A late-season racquet switch to the brand new Prince EXO³ Ignite Team 95 (pictured here in Bob's hands) proved to benefit their game in the year's final month.

"To come full circle, do it in the last tournament, last match with so much riding on this one is huge,"said Mike. "We are feeling really great at the moment and attribute a big part of our most recent success, and achieving this goal, to our switch to the Ignite...[it allows] us to retain our power on serves and ground strokes, but carve out mid-court angles and shots at net. It is a more all-court frame -- something that suits our game and was exactly what we were looking for."

The 12.2 oz. advanced level racquet has a SRP $210 USD. Find a retailer at Prince or test drive/buy at Tennis-Warehouse. Bob's adidas shirt? It's from the US Open. Learn more here. His overgrip? Tournagrip.

   

Tennis players, think pink and support breast cancer research.

    
 
 
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and sadly most of us know at least one woman who has been touched by the disease. Athletes everywhere are supporting the cause. Did you see the pink cleats hitting the NFL turf this month? Tennis players you can help researchers find a cure too.

There are a myriad of pink breast cancer awareness items out there. I like the ones that actually give a portion or all profits to support the cure. These items fit the bill. Left to right: hot pink Prince Lighting XX string, $5.50; New Balance  tank, $37.99 and skort, $41.99 (from the Lace Up for a Cure Collection); Wilson 3 pack racquet bag, $27.95; Soar for the Cure tee, $20; New Balance Motion Jacket, $50.

Pink is a hot and much loved color on court. Make it work for others too. Find these items and more at: Tennis-Warehouse, Shop Komen.com and tennis retailers.

Tennisidentity.com has made a donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure in honor of tennis friends who have battled or are battling breast cancer.

Bob and Mike Bryan Sign Exclusive Contract With Luxilon String.

 

Luxilon today announced the signing of Bob and Mike Bryan, the world's number-one doubles team and two of the most successful players on the ATP tour. The 31 year old twins will now use Luxilon Big Banger ALU Power Rough string exclusively.

“Everyone at Luxilon is thrilled to have Mike and Bob on our team,” Nico Van Malderen, President of Luxilon said. “Luxilon has proven to be a key ingredient for Tour players’ success and we are proud to offer the #1 doubles team a superior product.”

The 16 gauge Big Banger ALU Power Rough, $15.75 USD  is a great choice for a string breaker but is not as resistant to breakage as the Big Banger original 130. The monofilament construction of the string enhances feel and control over the ball and the rough texture makes it particularly spin friendly.

It's difficult to determine what string most players are using from a distance but Luxilon is said to be one of the more popular brands on the tour. Roger Federer, for example, used Luxilon at Wimbledon.

The Bryan brothers use: the Prince O³ Speedport Black racquet, Tourna Grip original over grip and wear adidas. Pictured here they are in the adidas Men's Summer Competition Crew, $39.99 and Summer Competition short, $37.99.

Learn more or find the gear at: Luxilon, Prince,  adidas and Tennis-Warehouse.

Shahar Peer and Amelie Mauresmo Usher in New Summer Reebok.

WTA players Shahar Peer and Amelie Mauresmo wore some of Reebok's newest for tennis at Wimbledon. I personally love this line in all its simplicity and comfort.

Pictured left on Peer is a two piece group, the On the Move long bra top, $45 and skort, $40 in white. The set is very similar to the newer to market Summer Move Racer Tank, and Summer Move Skort which are available in cucumber green and lilac (gorgeous color). Similar pricing.

The Summer Move skort has a fun two inch pleat with ruffled edge on the back hemline. The matching open back top has an artistic mesh racer design adding feminine flair to an otherwise fairly straight-forward style.

The new Summer collection also offers a dress and ventilation panel blocked two-piece as well.  (both Summer Club). The collection tops all have the racer back, a super flattering neckline and longer top length.

I played in this line on a particularly hot day and found that, despite killer humidity,  the Playdry fabric really did its job. I never felt overheated or encased in fabric.

Peer's shoes are the Reebok Rematch, MSRP $90 USD and her racquet, the Prince EXO³ Red 105.

The pieces are not on the Reebok site but are available at Tennis-Warehouse.

Image: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Sport, Sony Ericsson WTA

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.

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.

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

Prince Premier LT 16 Rated #1 Overall Synthetic String Ever by the U.S. Stringer's Assoc.

 Racquet Sports Industry (RSI) magazine has just reported that Prince Premier LT 16 has been chosen as the #1 overall synthetic string ever tested by the United States Stringers Association. Wow. That's quite a statement seeing as the team has tested 124 kinds of synthetic string over the years. "With Premier LT, the excellence was virtually across the board," reports RSI's March issue. "The only other string we've tested with similar across-the-board scores is a natural gut."

Prince Premier LT is a multifilament string offering Linear Technology for great control, comfort and touch, like gut but without the price tag. It was included in my recent article on string choices in on THE BASELINE. Premier LT 16 is an excellent choice for players with a tendency to tennis-elbow. It is also the recommended string for the Prince EXO³Red 105 and EXO³ Silver 118.

MSRP: $16 USD per package

Learn more or find a retailer at Prince or buy at Tennis-Warehouse.

David Ferrer and Gilles Muller Fresh for Spring in 2009 Lotto

David Ferrer and Gilles Muller have freshened up for spring with new 2009 Lotto. Bright white is always a classy looking on-court choice that makes sense under the sun. Lotto has added signature pop with color blocked accents of aqua blue. I love the "epaulets" on Ferrer's shirt. No word yet on the to-be-released apparel line's fabrication and prices. We'll let you know.

The similar looking Lotto Men's Effect Crew and Polo are currently online at Tennis-Warehouse. 

Both Ferrer and Muller are wearing the Lotto Syn Raptor X-treme Speed tennis shoe, MSRP $125. Learn more at Lotto.

Images: Ray Giubilo

 

Shahar Peer Keeps Cool in Reebok's Latest On-Court Designs

 

Shahar Peer wears Spring 09 Tennis from Reebok. Totally technical and well thought out, these are pieces designed to play in when its hot. The Trinergy High Impact Bra top ($50 USD) is a fitted, long length, high performance bra for intense workouts. The high neckline provides coverage and the deep scoop back cools. There is an adjustable detail across the back for custom fit and support. Shelf bra and loose bodice below means this will not cling to a tummy. With the top Peer has paired the OTM Tennis Skirt ($40). It is a semi-fitted skirt with a different but complimenting light graphic print and features an internal compression short. Anti-bacteria, anti-odor, UV protection are built into the Play Dry fabrication of both pieces. Nice cool look and feel for a very hot court down-under.

Find a retailer at Reebok or get Peer's look soon at Tennis-Warehouse.

Image: Sony Ericsson WTA/Getty Images

Prince Unveils its EXO3 Racquet Line for 2009.

 

Prince has announced EXO³ its 2009 high performance racquet line. EXO³ features a patented Energy Bridge^TM which suspends the string bed, expands the sweet spot (83%bigger than usual) and delivers a 26% increase in spin(ability), a 50% reduction in frame vibration and 25% more control. These are not a cosmetic upgrade from last year's O series.

The hot looking line-up includes four models and six frames: EXO³ Silver 118, EXO³ Red 105,  EXO³ Graphite 100, EXO³ Graphite 93, EXO³ Rebel 95 and EXO³ Rebel Team 95.

Two of the line come with calfskin leather grips for a little new school meets old school attitude, a nice touch.

The racquets range in price from $180 USD for the Rebel Team 95 to $300 for the Silver 118. Check out the new site Prince has set up dedicated to the EXO³ line. You'll find everything you need to know about the line there -- in particular, how to match one of these racquets with your game.

Find a retailer at PrinceTennis or demo and shop at Tennis-Warehouse. The racquets begin hitting US stores January 15.

Gael Monfils uses the EXO³ Rebel 95. Our team loves it too.

Image courtesy of Prince Tennis.

 

 

Calling all Prince Fans. New Racquet Technology Coming Our Way?

"Can you feel the energy," Prince asks. From the looks of this little clip something good is brewing for 2009. A new technology and racquet line maybe?  Watch here. We'll keep you posted.

The Totally Tricked Out Prince T22's Are In

Add sting to your game with the T22, the aggressive evolution of the Prince men's T10. Aside from being quite radical and bee-like in their anthracite and yellow transformation, these are lightweight, supportive and highly breathable tennis shoes. Air mesh panels set all around the foot (even on top) ensure ventilation. Their fit is glove-like, possibly a little too much so for a very wide foot. Great support and stability for lateral movement. Also in white and navy for the more traditional guy. $89.00 USD. Buy at Tennis-Warehouse or find a local retailer at Prince.

A Racquet Bag One Step Closer to Being Fine Luggage

Maria Sharapova's bag, like Maria, did not make it to the US Open. It's a nice one. Simple, sleek and classy, ladies it goes with anything you wear. The Prince Sharapova US Open bag comes in two sizes, a six pack ($100.00 USD) and the 3 pack ($90.00). You really don't want a smaller bag than that. It's nice to be able to pack everything in one place: balls, towel, hat, sunglasses, etc. Why do tennis racquet retailers make those single bags anyway? 

These black and white beauties are well thought out. The six pack has one climate control racquet pocket, a removable wet/dry bag and an outside pocket for storing cell phone and keys. The purselike flap on top and embroidered Sharapova crest renders it attractive luggage, not just any old racquet bag. Buy at Tennis Warehouse or find a retailer at Prince Tennis.

"My life is pretty much packed into my racquet bag." New Number, New Bag

Jelena has a new ranking and a new bag. Her jump to #1 is official on August 11.

She still plays with the Prince O3 Speedport Pro White but has changed bags and will now carry the new Prince Pro Team 100 Bag (see below) which comes in black and green and black and white. JJ will sport the latter which, of course, matches her racquet.

The bags (3, 6 and 12 packs) are sharp with athletic piping and accents of durable black patent, fully loaded, top-quality. Note: only the 6 and 12 packs have the thermal foil lining that is crucial to temperature control. Nikolay Davydenko will carry the black and green model. Prices have not yet been released. The bags will be available in mid-September at Tennis-Warehouse . Learn more soon or find a retailer at Prince.

Prince Extends O3 Speedport Black Line with Two New Versions

Building on the success of the original O³ Speedport Black, Prince has just introduced two new versions of the popular racquet so that more player types can enjoy it.

Alongside the O³ Speedport Black (used by the Bryan brothers) is the new O3 Speedport Black Team, a lighter, more maneuverable version. This racquet may appeal to the competitive junior player who likes the feel of the original black but needs something lighter. This stick is available in grip size zero (0).

The O³ Speedport Black Longbody is designed for more advanced players who want a longer frame for reach and court coverage as well as to generate even faster racquet head speed, (so more power and spin).

All Prince O³ Speedport Blacks are customizable with string port inserts that add to hitting feel. They call it the SpeedPort Tuning system. There are numerous color choices too. No fewer than 2,400 possibilities to make your O³ Black uniquely yours.  Learn more or find a retailer at Prince Tennis. Online purchasers can go to Tennis Warehouse to demo or buy. The new versions should be in shortly. MSRP $220.00 USD on all models.

Grand Slam Time for Prince's Aerotech

Prince is making its presence known, appearing head to toe on twenty-eight Roland Garros players this year

Pictured here is Albert Montanes in the very comfortable, breathable Aerotech Comp ss crew 2, $40 USD. It comes in six colors; Montanes wears national blue. The shirt has mesh panels built into the underarms and down the back. The shorts are the Aerotech comp short 4, $35. Again, breathable with anti-static technology so they don't cling and rub.

Montanes sneakers are from the new Prince Men's O Series. His are the OC-1s, $110. Optimum cushioning and breathable synthetic leather make these super comfortable for dynamic players. Pictured below is the new OV-1 with a darker look; a trend we're seeing a lot of on the home courts.

Learn more or find a retailer near you at Prince Tennis. Tennis-Warehouse carries some of the Aerotech line.

Davydenko Praises New Racquet in Post-Match Interview

• According to today's post-match interview, Nikolay Davydenko attributes some of his success in reaching the 2008 Sony Ericsson finals to his new racquet, the Prince Ozone Pro Tour. It is the same cosmetic used prior to Miami but this version has an 18 x 20 string pattern as opposed to the Ozone Tour's 16 x 18.
• Davydenko indicated that he had felt much more control over the ball with the denser string pattern offered by the new version of the Tour.

This racquet is recommended for 4.5+ level players and is currently retailing around $179.99 USD. Find a retailer or learn more at www.princetennis.com. You can also see reviews and demo the racquet by going to www.tennis-warehouse.com. Make sure you type in Prince Ozone Pro Tour. Image provided

Aerotech for Men -- Same Fabric, Lots of Juice

We couldn't leave out the men. Prince's Aerotech line has been recently seen on the likes of Albert Montanes pictured here in the Aerotech Trend Crew 2 ($45) and Trend Short ($40) and Vincent Spadea.

Dry-breathable fabrics, anti-bacterial properties and UV protection make this line one of the most technical, tennis-savvy fabrics on the market today.

Go to www.princetennis.com to find a retailer or go to www.tennis-warehouse.com.

Check out our women's Aerotech post, also April 4. Image Provided.

Smart Tennis Whites Served with a Citrus Twist

Twenty-seven world class athletes, both WTA and ATP, are now wearing Prince's new Aerotech collection. This line, now available at retail, offers an advanced fabric and construction system that has spot-on ventilation/cooling zones, antibacterial properties and UV protection. The whites are fabulously bright and the citrus accents in the Gold and Silver Groups add tangy bling. Oh yeah, it's comfortable too.

Pictured here is Vania White wearing the Aerotech trend racer tank ($40 USD) and trend skirt ($45).

Visit www.princetennis.com to find a tennis retailer that carries the line, or go to www.tennis-warehouse.com. Check out our men's Aerotech post, also April 4.

Image provided.

Coming soon -- Sharapova's gold bags by Prince

 

Thinking about upgrading your racquet bag? Go for the gold. It's hot on Wall Street and now on court thanks to Maria Sharapova who carried hers in Melbourne along with the tournament title. The racquet bag pictured here holds six racquets -- certainly more stick than any recreational player needs, BUT use the space for stowing your warm-up pants and jacket, towel, water, snack bars and change of shoes. You won't need to carry another bag. This line is designed to feel a little purse like, with a printed interior lining, quilted patent accents, pockets and pouches that zip and snap keeping your personal essentials quite organized. The cell phone and iPod (or other) pockets are placed on the outside of the bag making them super easy to access.

The Prince Sharapova Gold 6-pack retails for around $120.00 U.S.D. and will be available in March. Watch for the whole collection to roll out: triple racquet bag ($100), over shoulder tote ($50), bowling bag style tote ($60) -- see right -- and backpack ($70). Who doesn't feel good with a little gold?

Find a Prince retailer near you by visiting www.princetennis.com. You can also pre-order some of the line now at www.tenniswarehouse.com