TennisIDENTITY

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

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

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

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

A hot new leather tennis racquet bag for the 1%

Wilson's newest leather tennis racquet bag is a beauty. For the person that covets high quality craftsman leather accessories, this is IT for the court, a real executive's tennis bag.  It also comes in a 3 pack (one main pocket) if you don't require as much extra space. 

The new for 2012 bags are constructed of full grain leather. The interior is  lined with a beige nylon fabric (wipe it clean if needed). An outside pocket is the spot for keeping smaller items: keys, phone, etc. There are a few smaller organizer pockets inside the 6 as well. There is no wet/dry bag so add a plastic bag  (how gauche) to keep clay and sweat from ruining the nice interior.

The price? The six pack (two compartments) will run you $600 and the 3 pack, $500. That's where that 1% might figure in. No pro is scheduled to carry this bag in 2012. It really looks Roger though doesn't it? Go ahead, you be the man (or woman).

Wilson will  monogram the strap on the bag at no extra charge if you send in an enclosed card and strap after purchase.

Find a retailer at Wilson or online at Tennis-Warehouse.

 

Obsession: Maria Sharapova's new tennis racquet bag from HEAD.

Maria Sharapova has a hot new tennis bag. Gone is the racquet shaped bag she's been carrying (although you can still buy it). This one resembles a relaxed yet luxe quilted duffle with two sections.

Accented with gold hardware and lettering (MS and Head), leather tassels and sky blue interior it's pretty and sophisticated, a well thought-out user-friendly tennis bag that will appeal to the style conscious woman who never carries a mega branded bag (horrors!). The racquet section like the traditional racquet bag is thermo protected and holds 3 racquets.

One flattering color, black will go well with any tennis outfit. That interior BTW matches the HEAD Instinct S racquet Sharapova is swinging with. The bag retails for $100.00 USD.

Find a retailer at HEAD or buy at Tennis Warehouse or tennis retailers selling HEAD worldwide.

Here's more if you need it:

 

Cortiglia introduces the Tahoe.

No I'm not talking SUVs, but a tennis bag by Cortiglia, maker of some seriously sophisticated looking tennis totes. Just out, the Tahoe. Tennistas will love, love the sleek, elite, contemporary style of this new racquet bag. 

Resembling a fine, yet sporty handbag, with convenient over-the-shoulder or cross-body strap, the Cortiglia Tahoe Messenger bag is a well thought out, easy access tennis bag. The orange lining for example, just one of the many details, makes finding small items easy.

Right now the Tahoe comes in only one color scheme, grey and white as shown here. It's 16" high x 12" wide, has two interior pockets and one large exterior pocket for beverage and balls. The white portions are leather and the grey are nylon. The bag can hold up to 3 tennis racquets. Metal feet on the bottom protect from the court.

Smart bag, smart look.

The Tahoe retails for $395.00 USD at Cortiglia.

 

Andy Murray's racquet bag at Wimbledon. Express your love.

Andy Murray's tennis bag at Wimbledon deserves a little attention. It's the concoction of HEAD tennis and is available only to one lucky person (plus Andy of course).

If you've been following Murray's game you may have noticed his racquet bag filling up with messages the deeper he got into the tournament. Today -- sigh -- was the last day (but I do love Rafa too so I was very torn).

HEAD has been pulling fan messages off of its Facebook page and adding more to the bag every round.

Leave a message for Andy and be entered to win a replica of the bag.

The drawing will take place after Wimbledon.

 

Wilson debuts new Roger Federer Limited Edition Racquet Bag at Wimbledon.

Roger Federer has a brand new tennis bag for Wimbledon, the Wilson BLX Tour Federer Super Six Pack LTD. It's designed specifically for Fed. Wilson players and big RF fans carrying multiple racquets (or a lot of gear) will love this limited edition memento of Roger’s 16 Grand Slam titles. 

About the bag: Thermoguard and Moistureguard compartments protect up to 12 racquets from cold or heat. The bag also contains a large pocket to hold shoes and apparel as well as an accessory pocket for cell phone and keys. There are backpack straps and a fully padded back for comfort. Roger's "signature" of course adorns the bag. No PVC's for a healthier world.

You can't tell from the larger image but the red is metallic which is really sharp against the black and white. Nice high quality racquet bag: $110.00 USD.

Find a retailer at Wilson or buy at Tennis-Warehouse.

Look for the special promo going on with this bag, a chance to win more of Roger's gear.

 

Tennis bags for style sophisticates.

One of my particularly stylish friends walked on court the other day carrying this tennis bag; I find it covetable in a way only hand-bags and shoes can be.

It's the Maggie Mather tennis tote in fuschia. Gorgeous color and quality. It comes in 9 incarnations but my favorites are the fuschia, teal, orange and black. Designer/owner Lynne Burns said she made the bags "for the player that wants a tennis racquet bag that works with what they have on, the person not interested in something big and logo-emblazoned." That's a lot of women according to what I see especially on adult USTA courts. Easy access totes are very, very popular and not all are as good-looking as this one.

The super sturdy but elegant fabric bag has a pocket to hold two racquets of any size, a large interior pocket (lined with zebra stripe print) as well as side pockets to hold on-court essentials and personal items. The bag goes over the shoulder and stands open nicely; nothing floppy about it.MSRP is $96 USD

New in the line are Maggie Mather racquet bags. See one in macaw green below. These stylishly hued and purposefully built bags can hold three racquets, a can of balls, a jacket and personal extras. MSRP 129.00 USD.

The racquet bag is a good option if you are travelling or need to keep your racquet handles away from the elements.

Find the bags at Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers nationwide. Use the contact info at Maggie Mather if you want to see where you can find a retailer near you.

Official 2011 Babolat Roland-Garros tennis equipment announced.

Two historic French brands have teamed up to offer a new Roland Garros range created by Babolat. The line-up includes tennis racquets, tennis bags, balls, over grips and more all themed with the color of the French Open's clay courts. Mais oui, yes they are sharp looking.

The Aeropro Drive French Open is the showpiece and comes in three Roland Garros versions to suit your ability: Aeropro Drive French Open, $199 unstrung (Nadal and Tsonga use this stick), E Sense Comp French Open, $99 strung (lighter of the two adult racquets), Aeropro Drive Junior French Open $140 strung.  Head sizes are the same on all three. Differences are in weight and construction. All are cosmetic updates to existing Babolat frames.

The Roland-Garros tennis bag comes as a six $60 or twelve pack $80, both have the isotherm racquet compartment which protects your string job from big temperature changes. There is also a back pack for $40 and club bag. New themed tennis balls, over grips and dampeners are also part of the collection.

Find the line soon at Tennis Warehouse or find a local retailer at Babolat. Available May 2011.

 

 

 

Maria Sharapova's got a brand new bag. Win one for your game.

Of course Maria Sharapova's new racquet deal comes with a fresh tennis bag. A tennista like Maria could never carry last year's bag.

Pictured here at the Australian Open Sharapova walks on court with her one-of-a kind HEAD racquet bag. No this bag is not available at market yet but now through January 31, 2011 you can try and win one over on HEAD's facebook page. Answer a few Maria centric trivia questions and you too might be able carry this bag on court.

Watch for the Maria Sharapova line of HEAD racquets and bags later in the year. 

BTW here's the scoop on her apparel line.

 

 

Bag yourself an upgrade. A Tennis Racquet Bag for the Impeccably Style Savvy.

If a logo-emblazoned tennis bag doesn't fit your style aesthetic take a look at Cortiglia. The company has released a line of luxury court bags that are as upscale as you can get without spending thousands.

Cortiglia's bags are made in Italy, constructed with lightweight but sturdy leather and canvas adorned with handcrafted hardware. The C monogrammed dust cover each comes in is the first sign that you've got a high-end bag.

Pictured above is the patent-leather Belvedere, $435 USD (here in Nero -- the red one is gorgeous too), and just under that, same image, is the Marina design, $465 (also Nero). Below image is the Sonoma, $425 (in Bianco/Blu Marino), a funkier bowling bag kind of look.

Each style comes in multiple colors. All neatly accommodate two racquets, a Blackberry/iPhone or other, keys, wallet, a light jacket, towel, visor and a few cosmetics. I wouldn't put shoes in these because of the fabric lining (unless of course you pop them in a separate bag).

Steffi Graf has the Marina Noir and another recently made Oprah's O list.

Each Cortiglia bag has a full, durable zip opening making it easy to take essentials in and out. The fabric lining, a bright tangerine, makes it easy to spot little items inside (click on any of the images for a closer look).

 

Solid metal feet protect the bottom of the bag from the court.

 For the woman who simply cannot compromise on quality and style at any time these are ultra chic.

Available online at Cortiglia.

Does Your Tennis Bag Stink? Here's How to Fight it.

If you or your court-mates cringe every time you open your tennis bag take note of these solutions that work hard to fight sport-stink:

Stuffitts shoe savers (left) are 100% cedar filled shoe stuffers that remove moisture and eliminate shoe odor, drying your sneakers 8 times faster than air drying alone (according to the company). Simply insert these faux little feet into your shoes after a workout and smell the difference next time you go to use them. $24.95 USD.  Use the sizing chart to get the right size. Find a retailer or buy at Stuffits or here on amazon

Try using a separate bag to hold sweaty clothes and shoes inside your racquet bag. A plastic grocery bag works just fine.  Do not simply stuff your wet gear in a compartment to deal with later. If it's in its own bag, even if you forget about it, rank odor will not permeate everything else you have packed.

If your bag just wants a little overall and ongoing freshening, toss in a Fresh Wave Pearl Pack. These 3" x 3" mesh packs contain what looks like crystal beads, little odor eliminators that don't use harsh chemicals or headache inducing scents to mask stink. Each lightly fragrant pine/clove/cedarwood pack "scrubs" the air in your bag for 30 days. A bag of 5 packs retails for $15.95. Find a retailer at Fresh-Wave or here on amazon

One more option, wear odor-fighting apparel. Everything helps in this category. I've reviewed a lot of it here and will  continue to make note of it as I see it.

Bag check. Racquet Bag Must-Haves for the Serious Tennis Player.

What's in YOUR racquet bag? With no pro entourage to cover the details, the serious player needs a well-stocked tennis bag, ready to handle just about any situation that could arise at a match or tournament.

Mario Llano, director and owner of  Rhode Island Tennis Academy, suggests every tournament player use a 12 pack bag (like the bag pictured right) with three compartments, one for racquets and the other two for the essentials listed below. In a tournament setting, you might play two, sometimes three matches in one day. The list looks long but all too often the devil is in not having the details. Llano recommends:

• Between 2 and 5 ready-to-play racquets depending your level (intermediate USTA level, 2 racquets; pro player 4 or more)
• Extra Overgrips
• Tennis Sneakers
• Flip-Flops or comfortable shoes to wear between matches
• Running sneakers
• 2 extra t-shirts or tops
• 1 extra pair of shorts
• 2 extra pairs of good tennis socks (Thorlo, drymax, etc.) 
• Underwear (nothing better in a third set than to come out dry all over)
• Jump rope
• Sunglasses
• Hat/visor/head band/hair elastics and clips
• Snacks -- energy bars, banana etc.
• Water/sports drink/ sport drink packages (bring a cooler for this)
• Extra packages of string
• 3 good tennis balls
• String savers
• Vibration dampeners
• Towel
• Wrist bands
• Thera bands or Rip cords (exercise bands that help you warm up shoulders especially)
• First aid kit with: flexible fabric band-aids (they are really good with sweat or on humid days),tape, scissors, ace bandage, antibiotic cream, acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
• Ankle brace
• Nail clipper
• Chap stick.
• Sunscreen (lotion for before and stick so you can reapply during a match without getting your hands greasy)
• Score cards (in the juniors, some kids carry a set of score cards in case the court doesn't have them)
• Extra contact lenses (if you wear them), contact solution and wetting drops for contacts that dry out in heat
• Small pad of paper and pen in case you feel like writing something you don't want to forget about an opponent during the match
• Tissues

Make like a scout and be prepared.

Python On Court. "Where did you get that?"

Court Couture, maker of tennis bags akin to fashionable handbags, has just released its newest bag, the Cassanova, in python. This line has a curved top opening as opposed to the straight one on the Savanna I looked at last year.

If you are a fashionista off-court take a look at these luxe looking tennis bags.The white sings spring/summer, fresh with a white outfit. The python print on the patent faux leather is huge in accessories this season. Gold toned signature hardware adds a designer's touch.

The Cassanova Python comes in White and Gray, $189 USD. The over the shoulder bag can hold two oversized racquets and comes with a removable cosmetic case. It also comes in mock croc in a multitude of colors. 

Inside you will find multiple pockets to hold, court towel, water, cellphone, keys, and more. It's not really big enough for a full change of shoes/clothes but perfect for a friendly game and then off to run errands.  I like that you can wipe the bag off easily which means that setting the white bag on green or red clay is not a problem.

Find the bag at CourtCoutureTennis and Tennis-Warehouse.

Tennis Nets and Windscreen Reincarnated as Earth Friendly Tennis Bags.

Old windscreens and nets have taken on a new and useful life reincarnated as roomy tennis totes. In Atlanta Georgia one court maintenance company alone takes 50,000 linear feet of windscreen to landfill every year. Enter iflydesigns.

Their Matchpoint bag pictured left is fully lined with tennis windscreen underneath the colorful exterior. The Tiebreaker (not pictured) is almost 100% recycled, just windscreen and netting, kind of cool for the hard core recycling enthusiast.  A flat bottom helps the bag keep its shape. These are lightweight, well constructed bags for carrying your gear or shopping with your passion at your side.

The bags retail for $75 USD. Visit iflydesigns to learn more, find a retailer or buy. P.S. the blue/green stripe is gorgeous.

Cole Haan's New Racquet Bag. Exquisite Style With a Touch of Green.

Maria Sharapova is the face of Cole Haan's new ad campaign and one of their new bags this season is this swish little retro styled tennis bag. The Cole Haan Dylan racquet bag is made of canvas trimmed in chrome-free vegetable leather and is comprised of Bionic yarn containing fibers made from recycled plastic bottles. Each bag incorporates eleven recycled plastic bottles. Nice effort.

The bag hosts 6" and 12" shoulder straps (the 12" is detachable), zip closure tennis racquet holder, cell phone and PDA pockets and lots of monied class. Check/measure your racquet head before you buy. Oversized heads will not fit as the opening is 11" wide and 14" long.

Learn more or find a store at Cole Haan. Retail only for this baby. For the tennista who simply must tote designer, $550 USD.

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.

Ame and Lulu's Racquet Bag Adds Pretty Prep to Your Game

For the woman who just doesn't go for logo laden tennis gear, this is a fun, casual option. Pictured here is one of Ame & Lulu's tennis totes made from cotton canvas fabric. The fabric pictured here is kimono. There are a variety of gorgeous, eye-catching prints, complemented by a solid bright interior. The versatile tote is canvas on the outside but quilted so soft against your body and definitely ample. You can fit a racquet in the interior velcro pocket. Another compartment holds a jacket and change of shoes. Five outside pockets hold tennis balls, water, energy bars, anything you want to grab quickly between games. The straps are long enough to throw over your shoulder comfortably.

Check out the vibrant collection in its entirety online at Ame & Lulu. The Tennis Tote runs $98 USD. They also make a more traditionally shaped racquet bag with strap, $112.00 and a cosmetic bag set, $56, in every print. These are quality bags, luxurious, borderline preppy. You can picture them on the well tended clay in the Hamptons.

There's a New Bag in Town and the Wilson Players Among Us Want it Bad

Roger's got a brand new bag and we like it a lot. Wilson players this is the new limited edition super six pack you saw Federer carrying at Wimbledon and that you'll see with him through the 2008 US Open. The bag has Thermoguard and Moistureguard compartments which are great on and off court in the summer's heat; your hot car is no longer the enemy. The Swiss flag motif bag sports an embroidered Federer autograph while offering your precious sticks and string jobs terrific protection (as well as ample room to store essentials). MSRP $120.00. Visit Wilson to find a retailer near you or buy now at Tennis-Warehouse.