TennisIDENTITY

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.

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. 

 

No Djok. Novak Djokovic's UNIQLO Apparel Now Available.

Novak Djokovic hit New York today to help launch UNIQLO's new tennis line. Made for the court, the apparel is modeled after the tennis fashions created for Mr. Djokovic. Until now the brand for tennis was only his.

Pictured Novak stands with UNIQLO's creative director, Naoki Takizawa (left) and US CEO Shin Odake at UNIQLO's 5th Ave. store in NYC.

“We are very excited about introducing the Novak Djokovic replica tennis line first in the U.S., and to coincide our launch with the start of the U.S. Open. We hope the new line will be popular with our customers and tennis fans alike,” said Odake.

UNIQLO's performance (anti-microbial, no cling, wicking DRY-EX, absorbant pockets etc.) tennis line will include 10 items, zip neck polos,$50 USD, shorts $50, a warm up (jacket $60, pants $50) plus accessories like hat, socks and wristbands and will be available in the U.S. on August 27. 

I suspect that rec. players would prefer to wear exactly what Djokovic wears but this is a good start and the price point is fair for a pro-related brand.

For now you can find the line at the UNIQLO 5th Avenue Store, the 34th Street Store and Soho Store in New York City. More retail options are expected shortly.

Novak Djokovic's UNIQLO apparel. Can't touch this.

Looking for Novak Djokovic's tennis apparel? Stop looking. It's not available, anywhere. 

Djokovic is what's called a brand ambassador and although he makes his UNIQLO tennis kit look pretty darn good we tennis playing masses are not going to get our hands on it anytime soon. Bummer.

Anyone interested in seeing this stuff at retail pronto, let us know in a comment below. 

Novak Djokovic partners with UNIQLO.

Whatever the deal was with Sergio Tacchini (and there was much discussion), it's over. Novak Djokovic has partnered with UNIQLO, a brand of Japan's Fast Retailing, and will be the brand's global ambassador.  The agreement, currently set for 5 years, was announced today. 

“I am honored, and also very excited," said Djokovic, "...UNIQLO is a cool brand with strong roots in Japan, a country whose culture and way of life I respect. I have a personal philosophy which I call ‘Be Unique,’ and this is based on my strong passion, drive and eagerness to keep improving myself. I am passionate about being the best possible tennis player, as well as the best possible person, and I have a continuous desire to help people, especially children, who have been less fortunate than I.”

Djokovic will collaborate on future lines and is said to have had a say in what he will wear when he steps on court in Paris at Roland Garros. A custom designed t-shirt is planned for select UNIQLO stores, the proceeds from which will go to the Novak Djokovic Foundation.

Tadashi Yanai, Chairman, President & CEO of Fast Retailing, commented on today’s announcement saying, “...We will use the most innovative fabrics and technologies to develop match wear that can contribute to the performance of a globally recognized and respected sports person like Novak [Djokovic]. At the same time, UNIQLO will incorporate latest fabrics and technologies to co-develop with him the ultimate functional apparel that can be worn, and enjoyed, by people all over the world.”

Looking forward to seeing the line! Here's a first peek at him in the brand.

Find it at Uniqlo.

 

Kei Nishikori of Japan to Wear UNIQLO tennis apparel.

IMG Worldwide recently announced that Kei Nishikori of Japan (currently #82 in the world) has signed a 5 year apparel agreement with UNIQLO Co. He wore the line for the first time earlier this year at the Aircel Chennai Open in India and is currently wearing it at the Australian Open. The shorts mirror the shirt's design. It's a straightforward, clean look.

Nishikori trains at the Bradenton Florida IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy and is coached by Dante Bottini and Brad Gilbert.

UNIQLO Japan plans a more detailed announcement at the end of the month. The tennis apparel is not yet available in the US but may be later in the year.

Getty Images. Image reproduced with permission from IMG Tennis.