TennisIDENTITY

Philipp Kohlschreiber works new Wilson in Rome.

 

© Getty Images

Philipp Kohlschreiber is wearing new summer collection Wilson in Rome. An orange based version of this look is planned for Roland Garros but I do LOVE this ace of a flint grey and lime combo. 

The so-called "Well-Equipped Crew" and short are made of ultra light, liquid stretch fabric and zoned mesh which work to keep you well cooled. I'd like this top with white or black shorts even better. The polo, left is a more conservative option.

Find it at Wilson.com, Tennis-Warehouse and Wilson 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.

Wilson unveils new Blade tennis racket series for 2013 (and newest Wilson recruit).

Wilson has introduced the 2013 evolution of the Blade racket series. Engineered for hard hitting players wanting to maximize control, spin and feel, the new sticks feature Wilson's Amplifeel handle technology for optimal feel and enhanced modulus graphite construction for added control. A sleek, black and silver cosmetic completes the changes for this series.

Included in the group are the Blade 93™, Blade 98 (pictured left and also available in 16x19) and Blade 104™. Used by 75 percent of Wilson’s Next Gen team, the rackets will be available at retail December 1.

Players using these racquets include: Milos Raonic, Gael Monfils (NEW to Wilson), Laura Robson, David Goffin and Elina Svitolina (the latter three being part of Wilson's NextGen team).

“We have seen very strong results from our Next Gen players this year with the Blade,” said Renaud Vallon, global tour director for Wilson. “Laura Robson reached a career high and won Olympic silver; Elina Svitolina won her first WTA Tour title; and Filip Peliwo and Genie Bouchard dominated the ITF Juniors. These players are the future of our sport and we look forward to following their successes in 2013 with the new Blade series of rackets.”

Find more at Wilson.com. Test drive and buy at Tennis-Warehouse and Wilson retailers worldwide.

Giveaway: Roger Federer's signature Wilson 15 pack tennis bag

Here's your chance to win a Wilson Federer 15 pack. Tweet the message below (in green), follow, and you are entered. 

"Win THIS hot Federer tennis bag http://ow.ly/cc9cA RT+follow @WilsonTennis + @TennisIDENTITY End 7/25 5 pmEST US only"

Easy!

This is a Twitter promo only. One winner will be chosen by random draw. Sorry dear international friends, US addresses only for this one. You must follow @TennisIDENTITY and @Wilson Tennis in order to be eligible to win- We need to be able to notify you if your name is drawn. One entry per Twitter account.

Vika victorious (and in gym shorts, OMG).

Congratulations to Victoria Azarenka who took home the 2012 Australian Open women's singles title and climbed into the #1 spot on the WTA tour...wearing track shorts (ha!).

Certainly there is much to say about Azarenka's game but what about those shorts people made such chat of? At an event where the latest in up-court dress is expected, track shorts and a tank are completely unexpected, something you'd wear on a practice court or just about anytime. Could there be a  little method to the "madness" here...usually is with Nike.

I rarely see anyone in a tennis dress. Far more wear separates/skorts and if young and buff, short shorts. Vika's are built for tennis with an interior compression short and a flip over waist band that states "Love Tennis." 

Azarenka also remarked that she was comfortable.  Ever heard it said, you've got to practice like you want to play? So why change it up and wear something unusual for match day? Smart thinking maybe.You can't argue with a win like OZ. 

Pictured is the Nike Tie Break Graphic Womens Tank in mega blue, $58 and white Tie-Break Knit Tennis Shorts, $55. Both are part of Nike's 2012 Spring Group.  Azarenka's racquet is the Wilson Juice 100.

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

 

 

Feliciano Lopez. Now available in Wilson.

Although Feliciano Lopez is out of the Australian Open I'm happy to note (albeit belatedly) that the Spaniard is now wearing Wilson. I'm certainly not saying he looked bad in Joma (not possible) but boo for us, the brand was not available in much of the world. 

Pictured here during an early round AO win, Lopez wears the hot looking new Wilson Laser Speed Crew (check out the back) and Laser Speed Short, white with orange blaze and pool. His shoes are Wilson Tour Ikon. Stick? Juice 100.

Best of all, the line is available worldwide. Have to say, some designers are going way to nuts with all over prints these days. This one is a keeper.

More love for Feliciano Lopez here.

 Find a retailer at Wilson or buy soon at Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers worldide.

 

A new stick for Vic. Victoria Azarenka juices her game for 2012.

Notice anything different in this shot of our WTA world #3? Yes, a new tennis racquet. Victoria Azarenka, has switched, from long-time sponsor Head, to Wilson. She will use the new Juice 100 BLX to kick off 2012 and has signed a long-term partnership agreement with the company (not including apparel). 

“I’m extremely excited to be changing to Wilson’s new Juice racket. The power and spin that I feel with this racket is insane and I look forward to seeing what I can do with it,” said Azarenka.

Azarenka will also carry a matching new blue Wilson Tour tennis bag and use the company's Emotisorb shock absorber.

“Vika’s talent is undeniable, and she has been one of the tour’s most consistent performers,"said Renaud Vallon, global tour director for Wilson."...“She is a very powerful player, with a dynamic personality and we are ...thrilled to have her join the Wilson family.”

Let's go! More Vika. Sounds good.

 

Wilson tennis introduces new Steam and Juice racquets for 2012.

Are they legal? the campaign asks. Wilson tennis has just introduced its new Juice and Steam racquets and is using social media to launch them. Check out one of the Steam videos featuring Kei Nishikori and Petra Kvitova below::

 

The tongue-in-cheek campaign appears to be the focus of this launch (always fun watching pros goof around) but I'm most interested in what these new sticks are going to do for my game. 

The Steam series includes the Steam Pro BLX, weighted and balanced for power and spin for use by more experienced players (used by Kei Nishikori), and the Steam 100 BLX, a lighter-weight, version of the same (used by Ernests Gulbis and Petra Kvitova).

The Juice series is available in Juice Pro BLX, offering what Wilson says is a modern feel for big hitting power and spin.  The Juice 100 BLX has Wilson’s Amplifeel grip system and is designed for a wide range of players of all levels and ages; the Juice 108 BLX, with a larger head size and lighter weight design, also features Amplifeel. This racquet is for someone who prefers a larger sweetspot. You can read more about each racquet here. 

Are you thinking what I am? It does appear that Wilson may have made some tweaks to the BLX with weight, head size and cosmetics, but not too much else appears to be going on in terms of  real new technology. BLX users, take a test drive and let us know what YOU think. 

The Wilson Juice and Steam will be available at retail January 15. 

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.

 

Wilson serves up spring/summer '12. An interview with ace tennis designer Claire Ortiz.

Wilson has just released its third full tennis fashion collection, since its revitalization. "Future Modern," as it's called,  will be worn by the 18 players now wearing Wilson on tour. Anne Keothavong, Alex Kusnetsov, Jarkko Nieminen and those pictured here are just a handful.

Wilson's fashion growth can be credited to Claire Ortiz, Global Apparel Director, and her team:

What aspects of designing for tennis do you enjoy most? I love the beginning stages, the research that goes into the colors and designs. I hit trade shows, auto shows, fashion shows all over the world and spend a lot of time researching fabrics and colors. It's 3 to 4 months before designs are put to paper.

Where do you pull inspiration from? I pull trends from all over the world. I love looking at what designers like Alexander McQueen and Chanel do, for example. Their crafting, detailing, pleats, turn of a cuff, or use of color is always wonderful. I'm a stickler for beautifully crafted products.

Isn't it hard to incorporate these kinds of fashion details into performance products? It's challenging. Yes, we want our garments to be beautiful but the technical component to the pieces is critical. I want an athlete to put something on and never have to adjust it, no matter how hard they are working. A detail can be lovely but if it's going to irritate in any way it cannot be incorporated. I want my garments to feel as if they are not there. 

Has fabric technology changed the design process? I spend a lot of time choosing materials and do exhaustive fit testing. I'm always looking for new fabrics that will make the athlete more comfortable and the options are growing. New to our 2012 lines are liquid stretch and 3 color burnout which translates to ease of movement and seamless construction. When added to an already lightweight and breathable fabrication the technology makes a big difference to the athlete.

Do your athletes get to offer their input? Absolutely, and there are some that have more opinions than others. Philipp Kohlshreiber has some very specific ideas about what's cool and trendy and Melanie Oudin lends a young freshness to what we put together. 

Do you see big differences worldwide in what recreational players wear on court? Color is viewed differently in different regions. Latin America loves color as does Spain, Italy and France. In the US, color is accepted; women  enjoy it and it's growing on men. Car colors have always been most comfortable with American guys but as auto manufacturers move into brighter hues, so do US men.

Fit is a little different worldwide. US men tend to like their clothing looser than their European counterparts. Women are really the most progressive gender and have a broader acceptance within the women's range worldwide.

What about age? How do you design for the wide variety of ages playing tennis?10 -15 years ago the perception was that women were not young at age 35. That notion is gone and women are working harder to stay fit and they want to feel good about themselves. They want fashionable and fun and choose what feels and looks good no matter the style.

Check out the collection as it rolls out soon at tennis retailers worldwide including Tennis-Warehouse. Me? I'm getting that Sweet Spot set no question.

Find a retailer at Wilson. VIDEO of the line in action here.

 

Melanie Oudin and Jack Sock BELIEVE in Wild Cards and having fun.

Sometimes it's best not to plan ahead. No expectations. Melanie Oudin may have found her groove again, in doubles...mixed doubles. Wildcards, Oudin and Jack Sock (ATP tour newcomer), won the 2011 US Open Mixed Doubles Championship Friday. Their most impressive win en route? Over defending champs Liezel Huber and Bob Bryan (both #1 dubs WTA and ATP).

Hugs and smiles all around. American tennis ain't so bad. 

It's been a tough few years since Miss Oudin rose up out of the juniors and into the spotlight. Remember BELIEVE? Apparently Mel does once again and on the very same stage no less. Sock helped for sure.

Mixed doubles is a tough game at the recreational level where many men in particular struggle to temper their serves and strokes so as not to appear rudely aggressive. No worries at higher levels where everyone just blasts away at their very best. Sock and Oudin say they were just having fun.

Their looks? Oudin wore the new Wilson Fall Village tank and skort in union gold, white and pool blue; both pieces are $45 USD each. Fresh and pretty, the ruched bodice and flirty skirt adds femininity to the a comfy athletic cut. Sock wore all adizero adidas -- same look as Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

Find Oudin's look at Wilson, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers world wide.

Petra Kvitova. Tennis fashion at Wimbledon.

Petra Kvitova is into Saturday's Wimbledon women's 2011 finals. Everyone knows her opponent, Maria Sharapova; fewer know the young Czech. The blond southpaw is definitely one to watch.

Kvitova has been wearing the two piece Smash Classic tank and pleated skort by Nike. Both are $55 USD. Classic white and deep obsidian navy. This set is part of the beautiful group that includes Serena William's dress for Wimbledon.

Check out Kvitova's manicure that matches the navy in the outfit. Pretty total-picture pull-together.

The top does not include a bra and finding one that will stay hidden with this beautifully open neckline is a challenge. If you find one, please leave a comment below.

I'm hoping for a good battle between the statuesque 6 footers. If you are watching on tv, you might want to turn down the volume. This should be a loud one either way.

Kvitova's racquet? It's the Wilson Tour BLX

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

 

 

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!

Philip Kohlschreiber Introduces Spring Wilson 2011 Tennis Fashion for Men.

Philip Kohlschreiber wore the new-for-Spring 2011 Wilson Collins Crew and Brisben Shirt at the Australian Open. Pictured here, as at AO, he wears it in white, intense lime and bark brown, all laser cut, no sew seams, with a nice soft feel and body mapping for heat management. The Brisben polo in the group is sharp as well. I actually prefer it over the crew.

The unique design and color combination (also in red, black and white) here give this look energy on its own. The brown very effectively tones down the dash of bright.

I've heard differing opinions on this color combination but for a guy that just doesn't feel right in a solid jazzy bright but wants something a little more modern than a straight-forward solid, this is a good and very comfortable option. That said, these shorts would, of course, look great with a solid white shirt.

Look also for the matching Collins hoodie and Flinders pant to pull it all together.

Available soon at tennis retailers worldwide.

Head, shoulders, knees, toes + racquet. Melanie Oudin goes all Wilson tennis.

Melanie Oudin has left adidas to hang with her long time racquet sponsor Wilson. Oudin will begin wearing her new Wilson court-drobe and footwear in 2011 and will continue to play with the Blade, although switching to a new pink cosmetic in the Blade 98 Pink BLX.

 “Wilson has always provided me with the latest technology and...best racquets for my game,” said Oudin. “After meeting with the team, I knew that Wilson had both style and design...created for high performance tennis players.” Wilson's 2011 collection combines visual energy and dynamic color with intrinsic technical features that ensure their products both look good and move well.

“Melanie’s energy on the court and winning personality are exactly what Wilson represents. We know her style and authenticity as a player is a perfect match for us," said Claire Ortiz, Global Business Director of Apparel and Footwear (and the person who designed the line).

First big stop in '11, the Australian Open. 

Pictured top left, Oudin wears the new La Divine Tank, $48 and Skirt, $45. Her tennis shoes are the black and pool combination 2G Tour Vision, $110. This is her day combo for the Australian. For night she may wear the La Divine dress in deep lavender, $72 (I say may because she's really not a dress girl and she may go with the separates in the purple hue).

Pictures right she's wearing the Garden LS pullover, $50 and woven shorts, $40. For more info, check out my earlier posts on the apparel line and racquets.

No more shoe slogans... She'll have to write it them on her hand. I'm gonna suggest, Let's go!

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

 

Roger This. 1 Slam, 1 Championship, 1 masters, 1 500 and 1 250 in 1 year.

In addition to winning the ATP World Tour Finals for the 5th year in a row, Roger Federer has achieved one Slam, one Championship, one Masters, one 500 and one 250 tournament in 2010. Post U.S. Open, Federer's record is an impressive 21-2.

Federer grabbed this, his career 66th title with his trusty Wilson Six.One Tour BLX racquet in hand.

His shirt is the Nike Men's Winter Victory Masters Polo in Challenge Red (it also comes in a more subdued purple color called daybreak), $80 USD. You're paying for the mojo that is inherent in the RF on the sleeve.

Not happy you took down my sweet Rafa, Roger but congrats.

The jacket Rog wore to and from the court is the Winter Victory, $120 in a very handsome anthracite. I liked.

One sec; let's not take away from Rafa's year here, a successful and historic sweep of all three clay court ATP World Tour Masters1000 events and three Grand Slam titles; not shabby, not at all.

 Find the racquet and apparel at Tennis-Warehouse. Keep in mind Fed wannabes this racquet is best for those NTRP 5.0 and up. Take a look at the other Six.One sticks in the group. Same cosmetic, maybe a better fit for your game?

Wilson Tennis introduces 4 new racquet strings for 2011.

Taking into account the varied playing styles of today’s game, Wilson has just introduced four unique new string offerings for 2011:

For players with arm discomfort (like tennis elbow), new Shock Shield string has a gel filled core which helps reduce shock and vibration. The construction eases tension for comfort and control. The string works in combination with the new Shock Shield Hybrid grip, as well as Shock Shield vibration dampener, made with IsoZorb Gel for maximum comfort.

For those looking for a durable synthetic gut, Red Alert is Wilson's newest offering. With a slightly textured surface, Red Alert provides increased bite and the high molecular weight nylon coating creates durability more than 2 times the comparable synthetic gut string. The company says that the triangular shaped monofilament wraps create a crisp feel on every shot.

The newest member of the NXT family, NXT Control combines polyester and nylon fiber bundles with polyurethane. The polyester fibers offer control while the nylon fiber provides power.  Polyurethane bonds the fibers together and offers the shock absorption and comfort that NXT strings are known for.  

The new SGX 16 is composed of a high energy core surrounded by bi-directional X-bands for a soft and comfortable feel. Available in a variety of colors (lime pictured here), the traditional synthetic gut suits all playing styles and abilities.

Although Roger Federer prominently graces the packaging of all four of Wilson's new 2011 strings, he will not be using them himself. The master uses Wilson Champion's Choice (a hybrid 16 g. 1/2 set Wilson Natural Gut and 1/2 set Luxilon ALU Power Rough that runs around $29 bucks a set-- pricey for string breakers on a budget).

Prices coming soon on the Wilson newbies. Learn more at Wilson or find the string soon at Tennis-Warehouse.

Wilson Tennis Reveals 14 New BLX Racquets for 2011.

 

Wilson tennis' BLX brand proved to be hot. The company has announced 14 new BLX models developed for players of all levels and playing styles. BLX racquets were first introduced in 2010 and the newest additions to the line are engineered with the same basalt fibers, touch-ability and feel.

The cornerstone of the new-for-2011 BLX line is the Blade Family of racquets. The Blade Series features five new racquets including the Blade Tour BLX, Blade 98 BLX (pictured above left), Blade Team BLX and Blade Lite BLX. The Blade 98 BLX is also available in an agressive pink cosmetic (see right).  New to the Blade Family is the Blade Lite BLX, a 100” headsize, a 10.2 ounce racquet geared toward a wide range of players.

Wilson athletes will make the switch to a new Blade BLX racquet in January.  Twenty-five of the players will be sporting the new Blade 98 BLX Pink. How hot have I told you that pink is on-court? Here is proof.

Leading the Blade Team of players are Serena and Venus Williams. They will debut their new Blade Team BLX racquets at the start of the 2011 season. “I know Wilson will always provide me with the best racquet with the latest technology,” Serena said recently after trying her new BLX racquet. “This upgrade will help enhance the feel of my game going into 2011.” I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she plays. I really do miss her on court.

Rounding out the player frame offerings for 2011 is the Pro Lite BLX, part of the Pro Family of racquets lead by Juan Martin Del Potro. This new frame, the Pro Lite BLX, is geared toward younger players and those seeking a light weight competitive model.

In the All Around and Game Improvement categories, Wilson will also introduce 8 new models including Justin Henin’s new Tour Limited BLX (pictured above right).  Designed in cooperation with Henin, this frame is an extra half inch in length (27.5”), providing powerful shots from deep in the court. The Coral Reef BLX, Tidal Force BLX and Bold BLX finish out the All Around category.

The return of the legendary sledge hammer frame is the Cierzo Two BLX. Completing the the Game Improvement category are the Stratus Three BLX and Tempest Four BLX providing maximum power in a comfortable, high value, lightweight frame.

 For a guide to which racquet might be best for your game, look here. Available in January 2011. Retails run $190-300.

Test and buy soon at Tennis-Warehouse  and at tennis specialty retailers worldwide. 

Philipp Kohlschreiber is Newest Convert to Wilson Apparel and Footwear.

Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany, currently ranked #32 on the ATP tour, has traded in his 3 striped ensembles to be a head-to-toe-to-hand Wilson player. He will debut Wilson's newest lines for men beginning January 2011.

“Wilson is the brand I trust with my equipment [he currently plays with the Six.One 95 BLX] and has helped me throughout my career." said Kohlschreiber. "I’m excited about their renewed focus on apparel and footwear and that I am able to be a part of the new program.”

This signing is another strong card in a growing hand of players (10 pros and 15 juniors) who wear the brand on court. Since Fall of 2009, when they brought in a new design group, Wilson has consistently delivered a tennis collection for men and women that is fashion forward, comfortable and technical. I look forward to showing you what's in store for 2011.

“We are extremely excited to have Philipp as part of our team,” said Claire Ortiz, Global Business Director for Wilson Footwear & Apparel. “We are looking forward to working closely with him on our product initiatives as we work toward creating the highest level of core and elite performance footwear and apparel product.”

Wilson Renews Tennis Racquet Contract with Japan's #1 Kei Nishikori

Kei Nishikori, Japan's #1 male tennis player has signed  a multi year agreement to continue his long-time sponsorship by Wilson Racquet Sports. Nishikori has been playing with the brand since he was 10 years old. He is now 20.

“Kei is a dynamic player with an aggressive style...,” said Massimo Calvelli, Global Tour Director of Wilson Racquet Sports.  “This partnership represents a significant piece of our overall marketing strategy.  Kei has a strong following in Japan and the local region and his influence on our overall sales is key and integral to the brand.”

Nishikori is currently playing with the Wilson Tour BLX racket*.

*This is a 4.0 + player's racquet.

Wilson's Spring/Summer 2011 Apparel Line Hits the Runway.

The U.S. Open provided the perfect backdrop for the introduction of Wilson’s new 2011 Spring and Summer line of apparel and footwear at the W Hotel New York last week. The collection, for both men and women, is full of color, graphics, and geometric details giving a fresh and exciting burst of energy to every piece.

“Inspired by fashion trends, innovative materials and smart design, the 2011 collection represents a comprehensive offering with pieces that are created for high end performance. We have combined visual energy and dynamic color with intrinsic technical features that ensure our products look great and are truly made to move on the court," said Claire Ortiz, Director of Apparel and Footwear for Wilson.

I'll be on the look out for who's wearing what come January. The new line ships worldwide January 2011.

WTA and ATP pros currently wearing Wilson include: Taylor Dent, Anne Keothavong, Jarkko Nieminen and Marta Domachowska. Mandy Minella wore the currently available  (and great looking) Tea Lawn Dress at the US Open vs. Venus Williams.

Roger Federer as Shrink. Touch, Feel and the Wilson BLX.

As we build towards Wimbledon tennis racquet makers continue to up the attention to their lines and stars. Next in the line-up, Roger Federer and the Wilson BLX, in the "Feel More" campaign by Wilson. "The first step to getting better feel is admitting you need better feel" say the print ads.

Check out the couch. I hear we will be seeing more of this awesome settee (said to symbolize the psychology of our very heady game). Enjoy.

 

Blue Rendezvous. Roger Federer's 2010 Australian Open Style from Nike.

 
If you're in need of a a little mid-winter escape, take a gander at Roger Federer's tennis fashion for the Australian Open 2010. Blue on blue meets white here and makes me think of the Greek islands -- definitely warm weather colors that are so "easy-pleasey" to these grey weary eyes.

 Federer wears the Nike All-Court Men's Tennis Polo, $80 in Marina Blue and the traditionally tailored looking All Court Men's Woven Tennis Shorts, $60. His tennis shoes are the Nike Lunar Vapor Tour, $120. The shirt, which has a subtle striped pattern woven within the blue, has the little RF symbol under the placket -- yes, they've finally added it for us average Joes! Also now available, is the All Court Men's Tennis Jacket (pictured right), $120, a beauty zip-up warm up, also RF emblazoned. This jacket will look good with anything...go for it.

Roger had a great 2009...there's a lot of discussion regarding 2010. As always time will tell.

Federer plays with the Wilson Six.One Tour BLX. Register to win one here.

Find Federer's looks at Nike and Tennis-Warehouse.

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.
 
  

Wilson Tennis Announces New 2010 BLX Racquet Technology.

Wilson has just announced its newest racquet technology, BLX. Roger Federer will debut BLX with the Six One Tour BLX in Abu Dhabi January 1 (pictured, $230 USD). Juan Martin del Potro will use the Pro Tour BLX ($210).

Both player's new racquets are considered "low power" which means you have to generate your own like Fed and del P do. If you seek power for your game you may want to check out the more lightweight Cirrus One BLX ($300) or one of the others noted as medium power. There are fourteen new racquets in the group each a little different to accommodate player needs.

So what's BLX? The new racquet is engineered with basalt fibers combined with proprietary frame, grommet and grip technologies. Basalt is a natural volcanic rock that can be used in manufacturing and made into ultrafine gold fibers. Basalt fibers are woven longitudinally with Wilson exclusive [K]arophite Black to create a very advanced composite. Like noise-canceling headphones that filter out unwanted external noise, basalt added to the matrix of the frame knocks ou unwanted extreme frequencies in the racquet. BLX, the new Wilson racquet technology delivers a cleaner feedback and better sensation.  (BL) stands for basalt which is combined to 9 other variables and in total, 10 (X) elements are all connected together for what Wilson calls "PERFECT FEEL."

Visit Wilson to see all the specs or test drive at Tennis-Warehouse soon. Looking forward to a test drive myself.

Stay tuned for a great promo coming up in January! Be sure to follow Tennisidentity.com on Twitter, Facebook, Email or RSS so you don't miss it.

Wilson Tennis Overhauls Men's and Women's Apparel Line for 2010.

Wilson tennis has a new designer and apparel line. Claire Ortiz, Global Apparel Director, comes from Nike having formerly worked in tennis apparel and on the Air Jordan Line. The new collection represents the collaboration of Ortiz with Wilson designers who also bring years of experience with their past employers Nike and adidas. 

 

Providing new sourcing knowledge to the group is Andrew Vetterlein, another Nike vet, now Global Director of Sourcing for all of AmerSports (Wilson, Atomic, Salomon).

What has resulted is compelling, comfortable tennis apparel with built in top-of-the-line technology. Nano Tech wicks moisture and dries quickly. SMART design ensures comfortable performance with light fabrics and mostly seamless construction. Some of the line is made with bamboo or recycled polys and wovens. Good for the earth. 

I really liked the look of just about all of it and am eager to court test. The apparel has a cool factor it hasn't in the past.  All in all this is a big step forward for a company that has a huge presence in racquets and wants the same in apparel. I smell competition.

Pictured above is the new men's Federation Square polo in Champions Gold  with Black, $48 USD. High breathability mesh is woven right in for chafe free performance. It is paired with the Woven Federation Square Short, 9" inseam,  in black with accents of white and champions gold, $45. Both wick moisture and have anti microbial properties.

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Above bottom is some of the upcoming women's line, left, the Spring Yarra dress, $65 in oceania and tasman teal and, right, the Tea Lawn Dress, $65 in white with union gold. The Tea Lawn will be out for summer 2010. Yarra will be out in February 2010.The dresses have great bras built in. Really. High performance with power mesh at the t-zone.

Each men's and women's collection has a core group of basics and a more seasonal fashion collection. I'll showcase more as they roll out.

Spring 2010 debuts in stores February.

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

Wearing new Nike Holiday, Serena Williams tops the 2009 WTA charts.

Serena Williams recently claimed the prestigious 2009 end-of-year Sony Ericsson Championship title. She ends the year as the world's number 1 female tennis player, both on-court and at the bank. In 2009 she earned $6.5 million in prize money (the largest amount ever earned by a female player in one season).

What she wore to end her big year? New Nike Holiday. The two piece set was a fall nuts and berries color scheme if you will-- like Rafa she always looks fab in big color. The red is not as orange as it appears in the image, it's more true and warm; the draped, wrapped fabric works to nicely soften her muscular frame. 

Details:Top, the Nike Women's Holiday Master Athlete Tank, $65 and bottom, Master Athlete Skort, $65, light hot red with mahogany. The top has a built in light support bra with a length that gives good tummy coverage. All Dri-Fit, UV protective fabric. Other pieces I like in this group are the Holiday 3/4 Sleeve Top also in Mahogany (it's got some nice feminine styling to it), $65 and the Holiday Athlete Tank, $60. 

The new colors go with the Nike Air Max Mirabella with Hot Red, $82.

Serena's weapon of choice? The Wilson [K] Blade Team, strung with Wilson Gut. She carries the Wilson Grand Slam Bag.

BTW guys, there is some great new Nike winter gear for men in the same mahogany brown. I've seen it on Roger Federer. Ladies if you like polos, get this in a small size and pair it with a pleated white skirt. Cute in a very preppy way.

For more info on Serena's big year visit the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour site.

Look to Nike, Wilson and Tennis-Warehouse for more information.

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.

Melanie Oudin On the Rise. Her Game and Gear.

 

17 year old Oudin's impressive run at the U.S. Open was fueled by a whole lotta desire, talent and composure. Her new career high? 44 in the world. Can't wait to see what this one does next.

Her gear? The Wilson [K]Blade Tour, $210 unstrung. Her string choice is Wilson's [K] Gut 17, $22 per package.  She's been using Wilson since age 12. Her apparel through the tourney, the light purple adidas Women's fall Competition Tank, $60 and the Competition skort in night purple, $50. The top has a spray of  a dark purple graphic on the left side. All ClimaCool athletic tennis simplicity.

Oudin's shoes? I heard the naysayers but they grew on you didn't they? You started to BELIEVE too. Fashion is all about wearing about makes you feel good.

Buy or learn more at Tennis-Warehouse, Wilson or adidas .

Ten minutes with Todd Martin.

I recently had a chance to catch-up with Todd Martin at the Hall of Fame Champions Cup in Newport. After a stellar career on the Tour (13 titles and a career high of 4 in 1999) Martin continues to build high-caliber competive tennis into his personal schedule.

What's the biggest change you've seen in the game over the years? "Poly-based string. It makes the ball easier to spin and the combination of an uptick in pace and spin is a big factor now. In addition, the guys at the top of the game are some of  the best athletes in the world, so explosive and agile. The nature of the game is much more physical than it was ten years ago. Skill could make up for a lot before."

Your favorite surface? "European red clay."

Favorite tennis venue? "The Real Club in Barcelona and Roland Garros. That week before Roland Garros starts is just perfect, I could play there for weeks on end."

His gear? Grip, racquet, string, all Wilson. "I've been playing with Wilson since I was a boy and the racquet I use on tour with Champions is a version of one I've always used. It's loaded with subtle tweaks and is very heavy everywhere. It's custom for me; you wouldn't be able to find it anywhere."

 His apparel? Balle de Match and shoes, custom Nike's for grass.

How much do you hit these days and how do you train for Champions Series matches? "I play at least a couple of times a week. Tennis comes naturally to me at this point but I do need to work on my fitness and I mix it up with swimming, gym work, yoga, the medicine ball. The trend now is really in training the body universally for the game."

Image: Philip J. Picott -- MDS

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.

New Wilson Tennis Apparel in Performance Fabric x Three.

 

Wilson's on-court spring apparel group incorporates some of the best fabric technology on the market. The three key features: nanoUV which provides built in UV-A and UV-B protection (30+), nanoWIK for breathability, moisture management and quick dry technology, and nanoBAN for integrated odor management through anti-microbial protection. Odor cannot form and build as it does in traditional performance fabrics. Who hasn't thrown something out that's not worn out but simply stinks too much to wear any longer?

Highlights: The women's scoop neck spring slice tank (top right) is a beautiful turquoise with black accents at the bust and across the back, $45 USD -- very slimming when combined with the spring asymmetrical skort (not pictured), $40.00.

The men's collection uses handsome reds combined with crisp white in polos and crews to suit your on-court persona. Pictured top left is a team favorite, super lightweight, lined 9" hard court shorts in white, $40 and the close fitting chili pepper red crew, $40. Mesh panels on both pieces insure optimal ventilation.

New Wilson footwear includes the Tour Spin in versions for men and women. These shoes are lightweight and low to the ground with out of the box comfort. The width will accomodate a wider foot. These are heat management maximized with fabric mesh uppers and nanoWik linings, $99. If your feet get hot when you play, these are for you. Not super snazz like some of the multi-colored shoes out there but classic and comfortable with all the tech built in. The men's pair has some cool-making accents of green in the sole. The women's line offers pink. Priced around $99.

Learn more or buy at Wilson or Tennis-Warehouse. The Wilson site has a helpful size chart and dealer locator.as well.

The calm before the storm. Roger Federer waits in style.

 

Roger Federer waits to play Robin Söderling, who's homeland equates his Roland Garros performance with "dunder och bråk," thunder and lightening. Söderling certainly has a wilder on-court style than the Fed who's look always reflects the calm and precision that is his very intelligent game. Time will tell. Another storm ahead Sunday.

Pictured here, Federer wears the Nike Summer Classic Open Polo, $65 in sterling blue with classic charcoal and accents of team orange. The shirt has a subtle tonal herringbone woven into the body-mapped dri-fit. The shorts are the Summer Woven Short, $45 in classic charcoal, more of a traditional cut short with zip fly and hook closure but all performance. Swoosh bandana, $8.

If you are looking for the jacket Federer has been wearing in Paris, the stunner white one with the RF logo and accents of orange and blue, alas it belongs only to the court's prince. It is a beauty and if it does become available, you my friends will be the first to know.

His new Grand Slam Champions Bag champions bag is available however. The six-pack bag is adorned with the country flags of all of the Grand Slams. The bag offers thermoguard and moisture control protection, and pockets lined with gold for better visibility inside. This is a great feature as little stuff can really can be hard to find in those deep dark pockets, $80 USD.

Roger's stick? Wilson [K]Six-One Tour strung with Wilson natural gut and Luxilon big banger. Find it all at Tennis-Warehouse or visit Wilson and Nike.

Image: Getty Images Sport/Ryan Pierse

Agnes Szavay steps out strong in dynamic new style from Fila.

Agi Szavay stepped out and through Venus Williams at Roland Garros today wearing a sleek new Center Court Dress, $53 USD, from Fila's new Center Court Collection.

The top to bottom asymmetrical lines of pink and white mimic Szavay's dynamic play. The fabric is all performance with mesh inserts down the sides for ventilation. The bra is built in. Delicate (very un-Vegas) gold inserts add glamour to the simple A-line tank style. You can't see the gold here but it's over the shoulder, a very subtle yet elegant touch.

The new women's collection is rounded out with a range of versatile pieces such as a pull on skort with the gold shimmer detailing, sleeveless polo, cami tank, scoop tank and v-neck cap sleeve top. The v-neck and cami tank are super cute.

Get Agi's look at Fila and Tennis-Warehouse.

New 2009 tennis backpacks. Something for every tennis identity.

 

 

If you travel to the courts via foot, subway or bike, less is definitely more. Even though most racquet bags come with backpack straps, these smaller back packs fit the bill during those times when you just don't want any extra bulk.

Top left the Wilson KTour back pack, holds two racquets with padding around them, has a separate compartent for shoes and is made without PVC (an environmentally friendly effort), $39.95;  top right, the KSwiss Ibiza Tennis Backpack in Navy -- retro-ish and fitting in an all tennis-whites setting, for one-racquet, $39.99. Bottom left the groovy "Tell it to my Heart" Whak Sak, black with rhinestones, holds a tennista's two racquets and essentials. The insulated drink holder keeps a beverage cold and handy, $79.99; Bottom right: the Babolat Classic Club Line Back Pack, $24.95 (has a racquet handle cover -- added value for transit in the rain). Some of Rafa's entourage have been spotted wearing this bag. 

Not pictured: the new Babolat Team Line back pack, $44.95, matches the new Pure Drive racquet. HEAD also makes a sharp looking Djokovic series back pack to go with his new stick, $59.95. 

Find these back-packs and a myriad of others to suit your court identity at Tennis-Warehouse Visit  Whaksak Babolat, Wilson and K-Swiss for other retailers.

Juan Martin Del Potro. The Gear That Powers His Game.

 

Juan Martin Del Potro rocked Miami by denying world #1 Rafael Nadal the chance at his first Sony Ericsson title. The shorn and sleeveless Argentine is a hot one to watch in 2009. Just last year he rose from top 40 to top 10. The guy's got game (and lots more..those eyes for ex.).

Del Potro plays with the Wilson [K} Six One 95 racquet, $200 USD.  He recently signed a long-term contract with the brand so expect to see him stocked in Wilson from strings to bags for a good long time.

Del Potro's look at the Sony Ericsson includes the Nike Summer Athlete Sleeveless in mint green with classic charcoal and white, $55 and Nike men's summer athlete shorts, 21" in dark obsidian (navy), $45. Bandanna style headband in navy. Nice to see someone still working the exposed biceps.

Find a racquet retailer at Wilson or buy Del Potro's gear at Tennis Warehouse.

Mardy Fish and Tommy Haas Get Traction in New K-Swiss.

 Mardy Fish and Tommy Haas have been sporting the new K-Swiss men's line since the Australian. Pictured here Fish wears the Sublimated Crew in olympian blue and navy, my favorite of the four versions of this crew neck top with super sized K-Swiss stripes. Haas has worn the white version with olympian blue. Strategically placed mesh inserts, moisture wicking fabric and chafe free seams make this a truly comfortable performance piece, $55 USD.

 Both guys wear the Accomplish Knit Short, $35,  9" inseam and drawstring elastic waist. Piping down the sides adds subtle decoration. The headband is the old stretch classic, $5. 

Watch the courts also for the clean and unfussy looking Topstich Polo, $55, which comes in four solid colors with same color top-stitched stripes. It's a much more subtle, tailored look for the player who prefers more refined style. Mardy wore the white on white and blue on blue versions during his great run at the SAP Open.  The traction? It's in that tire-track"ish" design, the Ascendor shoes ($100 on Fish) as well as the Glaciator, $95 on Haas. Add a little 'tude and you've got it.

Learn more or buy at K-Swiss or Tennis-Warehouse.

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.

Anna Chakvetadze To Carry Wilson and Wear Fila in Australia and Beyond.

Twenty-one year old Anna Chakvetadze, ranked 18 on the Sony Ericsson WTA tour at the end of 2008, has just signed a long term agreement with Wilson. Anna will debut her Wilson [K] Blade Team Racquet and Eco Pro Tour Super Six bag at the Australian Open.

The Russian beauty has also recently signed an apparel endorsement agreement with Fila and will step out in Melbourne wearing the new Fila Spring 2009 Baseline Apparel Collection. More to come on that line which I got to preview in November...

Look for Anna's gear soon at Wilson, Fila and Tennis-Warehouse.

Image courtesy of Wilson.

Clay Courters. Your Shoes Could Make A Difference.

The only way that your tennis equipment can make a difference in your clay court game is on your feet. Most players wear tennis shoes designed for all around play, meaning both hard and clay courts. Surprisingly there are very few clay court specific shoes. We spoke with Thomas Otton, Product Manager at Babolat, on the subject. "Playing on clay requires a better grip than on hard courts, due to a more slippery and movable surface," said Otton. "The specificity of clay court shoes is that they have deeper herringbones in order to increase grip. Hard courts require less grip but more durability, which explains why hard court shoes have thinner herringbones so they wear out more slowly."

Otton explained that the new Babolat Team Clay III shoe (pictured left, the choice of Igor Andreev) takes into account the need for grip with large and deep herringbones on the internal side of the outsole and features thinner herringbones on the medial side of the outsole which is used for sliding. Another nice feature is the clay stopping tongue that prevents little bits of the surface from entering the shoe.The Team Clay III is available in men's sizes only (sorry ladies) and has a $89.00 USD price.

Other clay court specific shoes include the adidas Clima Cool IVY III $75 (pictured right -- to be released in January 09) for women, the adidas Clima Cool Feather IV, $100 for men (also Jan 09, but the CC Feather III is available now) and the Wilson Trance II, $79.00, available now for both men and women.

Hey you've got more than one pair of day shoes in your closet, why settle for just one pair for tennis, especially if one of these specialists could make a difference in your game?

Learn more or buy at Tennis-Warehouse You can also shop at adidas or look for retailers at  Wilson and  Babolat.

Wilson Launches Innovative Apparel Line Incorporating a Little "Green."

Wilson has revamped its clothing line to offer updated style with innovation in sun protection (nanoUV), moisture manage- ment (nanoWIK) and anti-microbial odor protection (nanoBAN).

The new line will also incorporate body mapping that blends performance fabrics allowing for hot spot cooling without seams.

"Green" players -- select pieces will integrate bamboo, one of the most eco-friendly and sustainable materials on the planet. Bamboo's eco-positive properties provide the ultimate in performance based on nature's own technology. It feels good too.

The new lines, available for adults and children, will be out Spring 2009. We'll keep you posted.

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.

Williams and Wilson Win Big with K Factor

Wilson players dominated Wimbledon with eleven players in the finals capturing six out of nine titles (including juniors). All held [K] Factor racquets.

Venus and Serena both played with [K] Blade Team Racquets during their singles and doubles matches. Roger Federer played with the [K] Six.One Tour.

As we noted in our OntheBaseline article on beginning tennis gear, these are not the exact racquets that all player levels should use. Check out the whole line at Wilson because there is a version that will match your level of play. Tennis-Warehouse also carries and demos all [K] Factor sticks. Give one a test drive and see for yourself if it will bring your game a step closer to Champion.

Serena's Power Choice at Wimbledon

Serena's Wimbledon choice looked sharp and flattered her strong physique. The top is the Nike Women's NYC Court Tank, MSRP, $55 USD. The little mesh insert in the scoop neck top is a great feminine touch. There is a support bra built in and mesh ventilation in back. The 13.5" skort is the zip back Nike Women's NYC Court Skort, $55. It is also available in black. The pleats are overlayed on a woven, stretch skirt. Shorties are built in. Both top and bottom are made of Dri-Fit performance fabric and move and breathe beautifully. Very nice.

Learn more or get yours now at Nike or Tennis-Warehouse.

Roger's Style at Wimbledon

We've seen Roger in action recently wearing the Nike London Men's Polo Shirt, $65 USD paired with the Control Men's Tennis Short, MSRP $45 USD. The gold accented version of the shirt is only available to Roger. He has also teamed the 9" shorts with the uncollared, Men's Fall Control UV crew $45. His current sneaker of choice is the Nike Air Zoom Vapor V, $115.

As you can see from the blended images here, the man's Wimbledon style hasn't changed much over the years (ok, he has cut his hair). The performance built into his clothing has however. All of Roger's new pieces offer a classic look for the tennis purist who doesn't want to miss out on the benefits of the newest performance technology. No word yet on when/if the new gold trimmed RF sweater and white slacks will be available. We'll let you know. For now, look for most of Roger Federer's choices and learn more at Nike or at Tennis-Warehouse. P.S. -- There is a funny, very un-Roger Bond-like video on the Nike site, here.