TennisIDENTITY

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.

 

Pick an Australian Open Winner for a Chance at This Wilson Blade Lite BLX.

In celebration of the last days of the 2011 Australian Open, Wilson tennis has offered up this Wilson Blade Lite BLX tennis racquet to one lucky winner.

Visit TennisIdentity's Facebook page to enter. Who do you think will win the AO? Many of us thought we knew but Hello? Surprises every day.

Leave your winning choices, man and woman in a comment. Those with the correct answers will be pooled for a random draw.

Deadline to enter is Friday 1/28 at 3:30 am EST (7:30 PM in Australia). Good luck!

HEAD introduces Youtek Star Racquet line AND offers up a chance to win a hit with Agassi and Graf.

HEAD has recently introduced its new YOUTEK Star Series, a range of racquets designed to meet the more recreational player's needs, primarily, power, control and comfort.  Both Andre Agassi and Stefanie Graf have been active in the creation of the new line and are offering up some doubles action with them in Vegas baby should you win. Click HERE for the contest info. 

“After playing with HEAD racquets for over 16 years...it was great to be able to work with [them] to develop a racquet series that will help players improve their games, said Agassi. There are three racquets in the new line up:

The YOUTEK™ Three Star – (black) The base ultra lightweight model that features d3o™ which adapts to your individual shots and Inner QuadFace for more power. The Youtek Three Star is great for players who don't use a full swing to hit the ball. The oversized head (115 sq. in.) is forgiving of off center hits, $180 USD

The YOUTEK™ Five Star – (white) Also for players with shorter more compact swing styles,  the Youtek Five Star includes d3o,™ Inner QuadFace and Outer QuadFace for maximum power, 2 part Control Ring at 10 & 2 o’clock for more control, and MultiZone Grip™ for maximum comfort. Headsize 107 sq. in, $225.

The YOUTEK™ Six Star – (blue) The flagship of the line which includes d3o,™ Inner QuadFace and Outer QuadFace for maximum power, 4 Part Control Ring for maximum control, and MultiZone Grip™ for maximum comfort.  The Youtek Six Star is perfect for intermediate players with shorter more compact swing styles. Headsize 107 sq. in., $250.

Another feature of all three racquets is the MultiZone Grip™ which is a one piece slide on grip that offers greater comfort and control during play.  It has special sweat channels and different non-slip surfaces for maximum feel.

It's tough to pick a racquet and manufacturer -speak is not always so helpful. As with any raquet purchase try them out before you buy, but do try. Any intermediate who has been playing with the same racquet for "I don't know how many years" --  I know you're out there, try something new. You might find the new technology confidence boosting/game changing for you.

Find a retailer at HEAD or test drive and buy at Tennis-Warehouse.

If you are super curious, here are all the techie deets on the Star Series technology:

d3o™ is able to sense the needs of the player during different shots, providing more power on aggressive shots and more precision on touch shots.  QuadFace extends the stringbed at key points of the frame providing longer strings and an enlarged sweetspot resulting in maximum power.  QuadFace can include Inner QuadFace, allowing the strings to be more flexible before reaching the grommets for a more forgiving sweetspot, and Outer QuadFace which extends the outside of the frame to allow the strings to be longer for a larger sweetspot.  Another YOUTEK™ feature is the Control Ring which helps reduce string deformation for added control.  It is available in a 2 piece Control Ring at the ten and two o’clock locations for excellent control and is available in a 4 piece Control Ring adding the four and eight o’clock positions for maximum control.

Sock it to your Sweaty Blistered Feet. Win a Pair of drymax for Your Tennis Game.

If your feet get blisters easily, hurt, sweat or just plain ache while playing tennis, listen up. We're covering tennis socks this week:

Knowing that moisture is the athletic foot's biggest enemy, the folks at drymax have created a pretty amazing sock that removes sweat from the skin and keeps it away. Two layers of interwoven fibers are at work here. The skin side layer actually repels water; sweat is pulled away to the moisture attracting outer layer. The result? Dry feet, no friction, no blisters.  

Many wicking socks move moisture around until it evaporates, still leaving some wetness next to your skin. Drymax socks are designed to work with the new generation of breathable tennis shoes -- which is how moisture eventually escapes. They come in a wide variety of sizes (only white right now) with an instep hugging arch band and offer five densities of padding (not thicknesses) to reduce pressure in the heel forefoot and toe areas. No stink too thanks to an infused antimicrobial additive. They work well.

Bonus points -- these socks have codes on them (see the little red mark above at the toe?) so if you have multiple sizes in the house they are easy to match. LOVE that. Warning: Bleach and fabric softeners render much of all this good technology useless. At $9-15 USD per pair that's worth knowing.

LEAVE A COMMENT below this post to register to win a free pair of drymax socks. We're giving away 5 pairs. Names pulled by random draw. One entry per person. Contest closes May 28, 2010 5 pm EST. US only please. RT @Tennisidentity on twitter for an extra entry.

Find  a retailer at drymax or buy online at Tennis-Warehouse

All Tee'd Up. Babolat Teams with Sports Illustrated's SIKids.com for Tennis Promo.

To kick off the 2010 French Open and grow a little tennis awareness among kids Babolat is sponsoring a tennis T-shirt design contest on Sports Illustrated Group's SIKids.com.

The contest invites readers of SI Kids to draw their favorite tennis player— Babolat's hoping its Rafael Nadal, Andy Roddick, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Fernando Gonzalez, Caroline Wozniacki or Kim Clijsters—or any tennis inspired art for a chance to win weekly prizes including autographed Babolat tennis racquets and gear.

  “Our Team Babolat professional players are often role models for young tennis players, so with the French Open right around corner, we thought this would be a fun way to engage kids in the game of tennis,” says Susan DiBiase, marketing director of Babolat USA.

Submit art through a template on SIKids.com. Winners will be announced every week through the French Open, concluding June 6, 2010.

May 2010 Tennis Racquet Promos from Prince and Head.

If you're thinking about a new racquet (or a second for your bag), now's a good time with a couple of great new money saving promos going on:

From Prince: Now through May 15, 2010, get $25 back on any new EXO³ racquet (above $150 pretax) OR $50 back if you buy a  new EXO³ and a pair of Prince tennis shoes priced above $70 pretax. If you don't want the money, you can swap out the $25 for 3 sets of the highly-rated Prince Premier LT 16g string or the $50 for 6 sets of the same.

Learn more at PrinceTennis.com/SpringintoAction.

 

From HEAD: Now through May 31, 2010 Improve YOUR Game - Reward YOUR Feet.  Purchase a YOUTEK tour racquet and receive a pair of HEAD performance tennis shoes for only $25.

Learn more at HEAD promo.

Tennis-Warehouse is one online retailer offering both promos.

Babolat Promo Supports Andy Roddick Foundation. Win a Hit with the Man Himself.

Here's a chance to win a hit with Andy Roddick at the U.S. Open plus do some good for the Andy Roddick Foundation and the kids it works for.*

Put yourself in (buy) a pair of new Babolat shoes and racquet (at participating retailers). Your name will go into the drawing and a portion of the money you spend on the gear will go to the Foundation PLUS you will get a free Babolat club backpack.

If you just want to enter (no charitable component here) go to  babolat.com/advantagebabolat. You will also be eligible for weekly prizes. Brush up on some Roddick trivia before you visit as you will have to answer a few questions about the Texan in order to enter.

Hey your chance of that hit were nil before so its worth a shot ehh? This offer is valid now through May 18, 2010. All adult racquets, Pure Drive junior, Aeropro Drive Junior and adult and junior shoes are eligible for the promotion.

*According to Roddick's website. "[T]he goal of the Andy Roddick Foundation is to improve the quality of life and enhance educational and economic opportunities for all children based on the principles of respect for family, education and morality." Learn more here.

Psst. Win the 2010 Wilson BLX Tennis Racquet of Your Choice. Pass it Along.

 In honor of Justine Henin's return to the courts  and the start of the new tennis season, Wilson Tennis is offering you, dear Tennisidentity reader, the chance to win the new BLX racquet of your choice, a $220-280 USD value.

Pictured here Henin is playing with the new Wilson Tour BLX. This is an upgrade of her old frame, redefined with an improved level of feel thanks to new BLX technology. The BL stands for basalt which is combined to 9 other variables and in total 10 (X) elements are connected for enhanced feel. There's lots more BLX info here on Tennisidentity and on the Wilson site.

Other top ranked Wilson BLX users include: Roger Federer who uses the Six.One Tour BLX and Juan Martin Del Potro, the Pro Tour BLX.

Here's how to enter: Leave a comment below! Let us know which racquet you'd like to see in your hands! RT the post on Twitter for a second eligible entry.

We will give away two new BLX racquets total. Deadline to enter is January 31, 2010 6 pm EST. Please be so kind and...pass it along ;) Good luck. Your chances are better than any scratch card. 

  Click on the racquet for a larger image.
 
  

It's Rally Time Guys: Get Yourself to One of These Pre U.S. Open Tennis Events in the Heart of the City. Attendees include RF, the Sisters Williams, Bros Bryan and John McEnroe to name just a few.

With the U.S. Open just days away now NYC is buzzing with, well, tennis and the game's biggest names. If you are in the big apple over the next few days check out these opportunities to see the stars and grab a little court time yourself -- FREE. Yes, that is not a word usually associated with tennis in Manhattan but tis true:

Wednesday, August 26th

"DIRECTV ESPN U.S. Open Experience."

Location: Bryant Park at 42nd and 6th Avenue (temporary DIRECTV built courts)

Meet Venus and Serena Williams, James Blake, Bob and Mike Bryan, and John McEnroe. The honored guests will play exhibition tennis beginning at 11:00 AM through 1:00 PM. Afterwards the public can test their on-court skills with the help of on site USTA pros.

"Nike Tennis Pros Provide Tips and Guidance to Local Youth/2009 U.S. Open Styles Unveiled "

Location: 23rd Street and Broadway (temporary Nike built regulation court)

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams and John McEnroe will meet and challenge local tennis youths and the general public with the experience of returning a pro serve (machine fed). Appearance schedule: 10:15 am-10:45 Roger Federer, 1:30-2:00 PM Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal. Athlete styles for the U.S. Open will be revealed.

Sunday, August 30th

"Prince Presents the 2009 Central Park Tennis EXO³bition"

Location: Central Park Tennis Courts, 98th Street /Center of the Park

Prince players Gael Monfils, Bob and Mike Bryan, Daniela Hantuchova, Sam Querrey and more will be on hand to meet, greet and even play with fans. Win prizes and test out the new EXO³ racquets. 12 noon to 2 pm. Loads of freebies and good music.

Win a trip for two to the 2009 U.S. Open.

On the Baseline Tennis News and Grand Slam Tennis Tours are are offering up a chance at a trip for two to the 2009 U.S. Open.

This special Labor Day getaway package includes three days and nights at the Le Parker Meridien hotel and luxury suite tickets in Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Toss your name in the hat. I KNOW you want to go.  Learn more and register HERE.

Trip courtesy of: On the Baseline Tennis News and Grand Slam Tennis Tours.

"Racquet Up, America!" Buy a New Stick and Register to Win a Chance to Serve for a Million Bucks.

What would I do with a million bucks? Put a tennis court in my back yard, take more private lessons, travel to exotic tennis locales, buy a Stella tennis wardrobe every season...How about you?

Well, the TIA has my ticket (if I win that is). Buy any new tennis racquet (any brand, any shop) in the U.S. between July 15 and September 9, 2009 and you too could win a chance to serve for the one-million dollar grand prize, along with a trip for two to the finals of the 2010 US Open.

The serve for one-million will take place in New York’s Madison Square Garden on March 1, 2010 at Tennis Night. Also available will be other prizes totaling $10,000.

Register your new racquet at PlayTennis.com/million.

Win a Trip to the 2009 U.S. Open Compliments of Wilson.

As the Official Ball of the U.S. Open, Wilson is once again giving tennis fans a chance to go to the Open and win some great Wilson tennis equipment.

Look for specially marked 3-packs of US Open Wilson tennis balls for details or simply go to Wilson's 2009 US Open Sweepstakes site to register to win. The promotion runs now through August 7, 2009.

Good luck.

2009 U.S. Open Tickets on Sale Monday, June 8 but if you've got Am Ex you can get them now.

Tickets to the U.S. Open go on sale to the general tennis adoring public on Monday, June 8 at 9 am EST. This year's event runs August 31 - September 13, 2009.

No need to say more. I know you want to go. Visit US Open event sales or call 1-866-OPEN-TIX for more information.

American Express Cardholders can take advantage of the special advance ticket sale going on now through Saturday, June 6. Here's the link for that, but you gotta have the card.

Summer 2009 tennis ball promo from Penn. Get more than just yellow balls.

When shopping for tennis balls this summer be on the lookout for these specially marked 4-packs of Penn Championship ($11.99 USD) and Pro Penn+ ($15.99) tennis balls. Inside are gifts or coupons for freebies ranging from carabiner watches, HEAD tennis racquets, to tennis balls for a year! Every package has a little something inside.

Penn Golden Giveaway packages will be at major sporting goods retailers and pro/specialty shops nationwide in June.

For a past review of the Pro Penn+ check out our post here.

Racquet specials round-up, spring 2009.

There are some great new tennis racquets on the market. Check out these money-off specials on Babolat, Prince and Wilson sticks -- a little encouragement towards the upgrade you're hankering for:

Advantage Babolat-Advantage You. Get a $50 rebate with the purchase of any pair premium Babolat shoes plus a new racquet. Shoes included: 2009 Team range models (All Court 4, All Court 4 White, Clay 4, Lady 3) Propulse 2 and Lady 2. Racquets included: All Pure Drive, Aero, Pure Storm, Drive Z and Y line. Fill out the online form at www.babolat.com/advantage and bring to a participating dealer. For dealers call: 877-316-9435. Now through June 30, 2009.

Instant $20 off. Feel the love, from Prince. Instant $20 rebate off the purchase of any EXO³ racquet, now through June 15, 2009. Does not include junior and reduced length racquets. For dealer locations click here. Demo the popular EXO³ Red or Silver and get a $10 shipping rebate.

Trade Up to Wilson [K] Factor. Recycle, Reuse. Receive $30 off your purchase of a new model Wilson[K] Factor racquet when you bring in or send in your old racquet (strung and in playable condition, not more than 10 years old). Racquets will be donated to organizations in need of tennis equipment. Now through June 30, 2009. Visit wilson.com/tradeup for more info.

Tennis-Warehouse is offering all three promotions. Direct link to their Wilson trade up. Please visit the links above for other participating retailers.

2009 U.S. Open Tickets. USTA Members Only PreSale Begins April 18.

If you are a USTA member (and you should be if you live in the U.S. and play tennis)  you have the opportunity to purchase tickets to the 2009 U.S. Open before they go on sale June 8 to the general public. The offer runs 9 am EDT Saturday April 18 through 24 at 11 pm; USTA members only.

Call 1-866-OPEN-TIX or go to US Open  You will need a valid USTA number to take advantage of this pre-sale. Visit the USTA to join and get a number fast if you don't have one.

June 1 is the pre-sale date for American Express members

Speed Lessons by Novak Djokovic. Teaser # 1 of 6. Take the Test For A Chance to Win.

 Novak Djokovic and the crew at Head have come up with a little cartoon series designed to put a smile on your face and a burning desire to know what the heck Novak's new stick is all about.

Check out the first in in the series of six at Speed Lessons. Take the speed test (on the desk) and you might win one of ten Head SPEED racquets signed by the talented player and funny-man.

Enjoy. The racquets will be out in April/May 2009.

Chat With A Champion and Register to Win His Racquet. Rafael Nadal To Host Live Online Event.

 On February 5 Team Babolat star Rafael Nadal will host an online chat with fans. Rafa will hand-pick and answer pre-registered questions on February 5 between 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm EST live from Manacor, Spain.

Fans who register a question will be entered to win a Babolat AeroPro Drive racquet signed by the champion and receive an exclusive "making of" video as a gift.

Register at Chat-Rafa.

Wilson Launches New Visible FX Technology. Enter to Win a FX Racquet of Your Choice.

 

Wilson has just introduced its 2009 [K] Factor line of racquet frames incorporating cool, new generation technology, called FX. FX means [K] Factors multiplied. The new line utilizes a Quad Shaft construction in the throat area of the racquet, four shafts vs. the traditional two, translating to more stability so better control over your shots. Four key technologies are also incorporated, [K]arophite Black, [K]onnector, [K]ontour Yoke and [K]ompact center which contribute to improved feel, strength and stability. The racquets all offer a bigger than traditional sweet spot.

Seven new models get the new technology: [K] One.FX, [K] Three.FX, [K] Four.FX, [K] Zen Team.FX, [K]obra Team.FX (pictured), [K] Pro Team. FX and K Tour Team.FX. The [K}obra Tour and [K]obra Team FX are player's frames.The others fall into the game improvement category with varying head sizes and weights. The throat of these racquets is very unique looking with a vertical hole in each side allowing for the four shafts. Learn and see more at Wilson or test drive at Tennis-Warehouse. No Wilson sponsored tour pros are currently using these models just yet. List prices range between $180 - $300 USD.

Enter to win a free FX racquet of your choice by going to Wilson/FX, watching the quick video and then registering at the end where prompted. You must watch the video to enter. They are giving away one racquet a month. Good luck.

Pinot Noir, Fine Wine to Wear -- Win The LBH Outfit of Your Choice!

Big name players, big name brands, the two go hand in hand. Although we do LOVE the tennis apparel power houses, there are other growing brands that can add beautiful depth to your tennis wardrobe.

Pictured left is part of the Pinot Noir Collection by LBH offering high quality performance fabrication and a feminine but athletic fit. The dress here has a MSRP of $75 USD. The collection starts at $49.

WIN the LBH tennis outfit of your choice by sending an email to contests(at)tennisidentity.com. Please indicate the LBH outfit you hope to win and put LBH promo in the subject line. Tennis-Warehouse carries most of the collection or go to LBH.

Details:There is a $100 maximum retail dollar value on this offer. Currently available LBH styles at regular price only. U.S. addresses only. One entry per address. Entries for LBH will be accepted through November 20, 2008 at 12:00 midnight EST. The winner will be notified by email. Email addresses will not be shared.

Celebrating Guga, Brazil And Of Course Tennis

Bring flash and a a little Gustavo Keurten passion to your game with this Guga 10th Anniversary Crew from Diadora. The polo pictured here, $67.99 is similar to the one the Brazilian wore during his first Roland Garros Championship. The design is also available as a crew, $54.99. Get it at Tennis-Warehouse.

Look too at the silent auction going on now through October 31 to benefit Instituto Guga Kuerten, Gustavo's charity dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged kids in Brazil. Ponta dos Ganchos ,  a seriously stunning looking resort in Guga's hometown of Florianopolis is taking bids for stays in the resort's newest luxury sea-side bungalows. They have one fabulous clay court on the water and will bring in a pro just for you if you would like. Email the resort at  reservas@pontadosganchos.com.br for more information or to bid. Image Source

Special US Open Hotel Rate for Those Who Love Tennis and NYC

Bryant Park Hotel in New York City is offering a special US Open rate starting at $289 a night for two (plus taxes) on rooms August 25 - September 7, 2008. If you've stayed in the Big Apple recently you know this is a DEAL for an upscale hotel. The rooms have a distinctive, contemporary decor, including Tibetan rugs, goose-down duvets, all the latest tech amenities and then some. Beautiful!

If you are looking for fun in the city before or after the Open, check out this spot set alongside fashionable Bryant Park.  Learn more at Bryant Park Hotel but book the special rate by calling 1-877-640-9300 and asking for the "US Open 2008 rate." The rate is subject to availability and is not offered online. These will go fast for sure.

Special US Open Promo for American Express Card Holders

Tennis fans, if you carry American Express this is a good promo to know about. Am Ex members can purchase individual seats to the US Open before tickets go on sale to the entire tennis loving public, June 9. Even better, card members will receive one ticket FREE for every ticket purchased during the promotion's time period, 9 am EST, June 2 through 11 pm EST, June 7. Nice deal.

If you went to the Open last year you may remember these little hand-helds (pictured above) that allowed card carriers to see action from the outer courts, instant replays, draws and player bios while on the grounds. Let's hope they do that again. Very cool. For more information on this promotion, call 1-866-OPEN TIX or go to US Open.