<![CDATA[Second Serve - A Tennis Now Blog]]> <![CDATA[Fila's Carwash Collection: Love It or Hate It? ]]> ]]>By Tor Fiehn

If there is one word to describe the women’s Heritage Carwash Collection from Fila is, it’s divisive. People either want it now or want it gone now - there is no in between.  The Carwash Collection first served up controversy at the 2013 Indian Wells Tennis Tournament when player Jelena Jankovic paired the dress with a knit long sleeve sweater.  Some claimed the ensemble made even her 5’ 9 ½”, 130 pound frame look frumpy. But Jankovic wasn’t the only one wearing pieces from the collection while playing Indian Wells; German-born Julia Goerges and Russian player Yaroslava Shvedova commanded the court in the coordinating skort and tank. So why would these women choose to wear these fashions from Fila in front of a global audience?
 
Let’s deconstruct the pieces and focus on the foundations. The classic tank style dress is made of a poly/spandex blend that conforms to your figure and moves with you like a second skin.  This breathable fabric demonstrates excellent shape retention and also incorporates apparel technology that wicks away sweat for optimal moisture management. The cutaway nature of racerback styling allows for maximum range of motion as you serve and swing. A built-in bra provides support during play. The skort is made of the same stretch fabric enhanced with COOLMAX technology for an increased drying time. A wide waistband slims the silhouette and built in shorts provide modesty and support. Both pieces offer additional UV protection against the sun’s harmful rays.
 Goerges Shvedova Carwash Collection
If you’d not seen photographs up until this point your perception may have been that the collection offers functional pieces of tennis gear carefully designed with your practical needs in mind. But here is where we fork in the road; let’s look at those design details that have drawn so much attention. Fact: Strips of contrasting fabric mimic pleats and make up the bottom portions of the pieces. Fact: Accent stripes in contrasting fabric stretch across the back and hips.
 
If you are a fan of the dress you may say that unlike pleats, the playful strips that mimic the auto washes of yesteryear are in fact individual pieces that allow the skirts to literally move out of the way while you play, providing complete freedom of movement. You may feel the fabric stripes offer a pop of vibrant color and definition at the waistlines. In your head you may be humming the hit song from the 70’s that shares a name with the collection. But if you’re an opponent, you may say Fila has really missed the mark on trying to go retro by drawing inspiration from the clunky felt carpet dryers found in car washes. You may think the fabric stripes do little above drawing more attention to clothing that should never see a tennis court. You may still be humming the hit song from the 70’s that shares a name with the collection, but that is the only good feeling you’ll take from this tennis line. Whichever way you lean, one thing is for sure: we can’t wait to see what Fila has in store for the fall!]]> Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:39:43 GMT <![CDATA[Kirilenko appears in InStyle Russia]]> ]]> ]]>
Kirilenko practiced ballet as a child and although she would still love to dance, the life of a pro tennis player is a busy one, so she can only spare time to watch ballet.

The Russian loves classical music: Vivaldi, Mozart, Bach and Beethoven, while of contemporary names she enjoys Russian cellist and conductor Mstislav Rostropovich. 

Maria Kirilenko posing for InStyle Russia
]]> Thu, 04 Apr 2013 16:49:52 GMT <![CDATA[EleVen by Venus Worn By Tennis Stars Johanna Konta and Jarmila Gajdosova]]> ]]>EleVen By Venus Williams announced that Johanna Konta  #153) and Jarmila Gajdosova (#167) will be the first official brand ambassadors to wear the line in a major tournament. Johanna and Jarmila will both be wearing styles from the Spring 2013 collection at the upcoming Australian Open Tournament starting January 14, 2013.

The line had previously been worn by Varvara Lepchenk  in the tournaments leading up to the 2012 U.S. Open.

In the qualifying singles at the Australian Open, Johanna Konta will wear the Break Point Dress in white, cream, and aqua. Competing in the main draw, Jarmila Gajdosova will wear the Oh and Oh Love Tank and Flutter skirt in peach and white. Additionally, Venus Williams will be wearing the Cross Court Floral dress described as a floral watercolor design in aqua, peach, cream, and white with thin black contrast binding at the bust, waistline, and sleeves giving it special detailing.

Johanna Konta, 21, the up and coming player who was recently nominated to Great Britain’s Fed Cup, is very excited to support the brand. “As an athlete I have always been interested in my performance and style on court;” says Konta adding, “ I love how EleVen by Venus Williams marries performance and style the brand makes me look good and I feel great wearing it.”

Jarmila Gajdosova, 25, who holds the 2011 WTA Hobart Championship title, with a career high ranking at #25, is just as honored to support the brand. "Venus' passion for artistic expression and athletic performance is evident in her line EleVen by Venus Williams,” says Gajdosova. “If you want to be daring and wear a print, mix or match, or just go classic, you should have that freedom of fashion in whatever you do.“

As a true active lifestyle brand, making fashion and sports history with unique looks on the court, EleVen by Venus Williams is pleased to welcome both Konta and Gajdosova into the family. “I’m very excited to have Johanna and Jarmila as brand ambassadors,” says Venus Williams, tennis great and brand founder. “They are not just great tennis players but they are both great people, who appreciate style and performance, making them the perfect match for EleVen By Venus Williams.”

The Spring 2013 collection of EleVen By Venus Williams launches January 16, 2013 and will be added to the current collection available at local retailers, tennis shops, and online at EleVenByVenus.com.]]> Thu, 10 Jan 2013 15:32:07 GMT <![CDATA[Needing Novak]]> ]]>Need Supply, it happened while watching Novak Djokovic play the 2012 French Open. (For us, it was the 1996 FO final between Steffi Graf and Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario. -- What was your omg tennis match?)

Browse: We are a fan of Need (have bought a few things from them), and we are even bigger fans now that we know that tennis is on their radar. Check out their website: www.needsupply.com

(Photo Credit: screengrab via Need Supply)


]]> Tue, 08 Jan 2013 15:26:45 GMT <![CDATA[The Trick Shots Keep Comin']]> ]]>Tennis Trickery: In this age of baby-snatching eagles and penguin fugitives, you never know which videos to trust, so we'll just take this one for face value. Two guys (what kind of European are they?) end up in a parking garage performing tennis tricks like banking and bouncing balls off walls to get them into ashtrays and trashcans. (We appreciate that one shot, from inside the elevator, that needed a lot of English!)

Watch: "Tennis Tricks" by Tennis The Next Level. Make sure to turn up the volume to enjoy the cheesy throwback synth music.

Flashback: Even tennis pros have done their fare share of trick shot vids, including these ones by Andre Agassi and Andy Murray.

(Photo Credit: Screengrab via YouTube)

]]> Thu, 20 Dec 2012 15:47:28 GMT <![CDATA[Sharapova in Glamour Russia's January 2013 Issue]]> ]]> JustJared shows a pic of the Glamour Russia cover with Maria Sharapova. The January 2013 has the tennis star in a sequined jacket from Stella McCartney (which she says, she wants to own). Maria also shares her Christmas plans (and traditions) with JJ -- FYI, Maria will head to Australia on Christmas day to start her prep for the first (and now more lucrative) Slam of 2013, in Melbourne.

Buy: What? You want that look? No prob! Stella's sequined blazer can be yours for $5300 (via LVR).

Read: JustJared Q&A with Maria Sharapova

(Photo Credit: Maria Sharapova website) ]]> Thu, 20 Dec 2012 14:25:08 GMT <![CDATA[PHOTO: Sharapova's Sugarpova at CityWalk]]> ]]>After her exhibition appearances as part of Roger's Gillette World Tour, Maria Sharapova made a stop at Universal CityWalk in Los Angeles to bring attention to her candy line, Sugarpova.]]> Maria Sharapova's heavy exhibition schedule included stops in Eastern Europe, Italy, and South America, but she saved time for her Southern California fans with an appearance at IT'SUGAR -- a candy store at Universal Studios CItyWalk -- for the West Coast launch of Sugarpova on December 13.

Fashion focus: Maria wears a top from Zimmerman, a skirt from Tanya Taylor, shoes by Giuseppi Zanotti, and jewelry by Ludyga Designs.

(Photo Credit: Maria Noble / @thedoublebagel) ]]> Wed, 19 Dec 2012 22:05:36 GMT <![CDATA[PHOTO: Algodon Mansion Hosts Federer During Buenos Aires Stop]]> ]]>Algodon Mansion luxury boutique hotel Buenos Aires hosted Roger Federer this week during his Argentina tour, which included exhibition matches and leading children's training camps with Juan Martin Del Potro.  ]]> Algodon Mansion, a luxury boutique hotel in Buenos Aires, this week hosted Roger Federer (as initially reported by La Nacion) during his Argentina tour, which included exhibition matches and leading children's training camps with Juan Martin del Potro.

Federer beat Del Potro 6-4 7-6(1) in their second exhibition match in as many days, but was beaten 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the first. Federer told the press that he believes Del Potro has the potential to become world No. 1; "He is already among the best, now he just has to train hard and stay on the same path," he said. "He was No. 4, he's now 7, but he could be No. 1. Sometimes the difference is in the small details."

Federer was joined by former Argentine top ten tennis players (from left to right), Paola Suárez, Gabriela Sabatini, and Jose Luis Clerc at Algodon Mansion's restaurant, Chez Nous, following his Buenos Aires match.

"After hosting Agassi and Sampras last year, we feel honored to have hosted some of the world's top tennis legends at our hotel," says Scott Mathis, Chairman and Founder of Algodon Partners. "And we are thrilled to have welcomed him to Buenos Aires through our own tennis legend, Jose Luis Clerc, who is also an Algodon brand Ambassador. We look forward to receiving Roger Federer again during future tours, and hope to soon see him at Algodon Wine Estates, our championship tennis center and wine hotel on the vineyards in San Rafael, Mendoza."

Federer's South American exhibition tour included matches in Brazil, Argentina and Colombia.

Browse: Photos and more info about Algodon Mansion.

(Photo Credit: Algodon Wines & Luxury Development Group) ]]> Wed, 19 Dec 2012 15:11:51 GMT <![CDATA[Christophe Lemaire's Leather Goods]]> ]]> This is not a poot: Former Lacoste creativer director Christophe Lemaire, now designing over at Hermes, continues to run his own namesake label. A recent email from the brand highlights some leather goods available at their Rue de Poitou store in Paris. This cartridge is a beaut! and a far cry from Lemaire's other attempt at adventurous leather designs.
(Photo Credit: Christophe Lemaire)

]]> Wed, 19 Dec 2012 12:40:20 GMT <![CDATA[ITF's Holiday Message]]> ]]>Stick It Wear?!-ish art adorns the holiday email sent out by the ITF to media and fans for the end of the 2012 season. Sherlock Holmes is our favorite! (Though we would have been fine with a Sasquash, too.)

(Photo Credit: screengrab from ITF)]]> Tue, 18 Dec 2012 20:58:37 GMT <![CDATA[SPORTS FASHION: Ali's Doodle]]> ]]>From the No Mas website: "The first issue of seminal New York counterculture magazine Avant Garde appeared in January of 1968 and included an unusual feature on Muhammad Ali. Rather than a standard interview or profile, Ali was asked to make a series of drawings while a reporter recorded his running commentary."

Buy: No Mas, Muhammad Ali - "Bank," $40, nomas-nyc.com
]]> Tue, 18 Dec 2012 12:33:15 GMT <![CDATA[Rafael Nadal's Project?]]> ]]>Rafael Nadal posted this pic and comment on his Facebook last week. What do you think he's up to?
]]> Sun, 16 Dec 2012 12:06:45 GMT <![CDATA[Racquets? As Drawings? In 'Zines? Yes, Please!]]> ]]>Our favorite Swiss 'zine publisher, Nieves, is selling this 'zine by Scottish artist Rob Churm called Flicking Glass Snails. We're usually weary of tennis art (and ooooof there is a lot of it out there, y'all), but this racquet drawing fits in pretty well with the rest of the illustrations.

Buy: Flicking Glass Snails, $8, Nieves.ch

(Photo Credit: via Nieves)]]> Fri, 14 Dec 2012 13:02:02 GMT <![CDATA[PHOTO: Mark and Sabine in the Bahamas]]> ]]>Pic of Mark Knowles (didn't realize how much he and Dmitry Tursunov resemble each other!) and Sabine Lisicki snapped at this past weekend's Mark Knowles Celebrity Tennis Invitational in the Bahamas, which raised $100,000 for various causes.

What Will 2013 Bring? Lisicki didn't do too well in 2012, with early exits in most of her tournaments except for the Australian Open, where she lost to Sharapova in the round of 16. Will she be able to defend those points next month?

(Photo Credit: Matt Fitzgerald/MKCTI)]]> Wed, 12 Dec 2012 15:08:25 GMT <![CDATA[The Only Folks Who Can Use 12/12/12...]]> ]]>It's not even 10 a.m. on the west coast and the FB status updates about 12/12/12 are drowning our feed (please make room -- we don't want to miss any photos posted by Maria!).

One of the few we'll excuse is Lacoste tipping us off about their L.12.12 polo -- that's the classic fit -- some of which are on sale right now for 25 percent off.

What the what: Learn more about why it's called "L.12.12" here.

(Photo Credit: screengrab via lacoste.com)]]> Wed, 12 Dec 2012 11:35:50 GMT <![CDATA[Bryan Brothers Play Doubles Exo at USTA AO Playoffs]]> ]]>To help kick off the fourth annual Australian Open Wild Card Playoff (December 14-16, 2012), the Bryan Brothers will play an exhibition called the “Battle of Georgia,” which will have them face five select doubles teams from the state each in a first-to-four-games exhibition match on Friday, December 14, at the Life Time facility in Atlanta.
 
The competing teams are: Danie Van Den Heever and Henry Darko of Winward Tennis Academy in Alpharetta, Ga.; Grant Stafford and Allen Simmons of Life Time Tennis & Athletic at Peachtree Corners; Jason Parker and Julius Robberts of Olde Town Athletic Club in Marietta, Ga.; Cameron Mistr and Jordan Delass of Universal Tennis Academy in Marietta, Ga.; and a team pairing a player each to be named from the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech.
 
Tickets for the Battle of Georgia exhibition and each day of the 2012 Australian Open Wild Card Playoffs are on sale at www.australianwildcard.com, giving fans the opportunity to purchase reserved seats for the first time. Groups of 10 or more receive a 20 percent discount on all tickets, while children age 15 and under can attend a full day of the wild card playoffs for just $10. Additional discounts are available for purchasing three-day passes and for being a USTA member or for being a Life Time member.
 
Additionally, the winners will receive watches from Brera Orologi, while official tournament artist Stephen Gamson (artwork pictured above) will be donating several pieces to the winners and for auction.
]]> Tue, 11 Dec 2012 14:54:51 GMT <![CDATA[Stella McCartney Most Searched Fashion Term in 2012]]> ]]>British fashion designer (and adidas collaborator) Stella McCartney was the most searched fashion term in the UK in 2012, as listed in Google's Annual Zeitgeist report. McCartney designed Team GB's kits for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games, hosted by London earlier this year.

On the adidas front, McCartney's taking over the design of the ladies' Barricade line. Can't wait to see it in action in Melbourne.

(via; Photo Credit: courtesy of adidas)]]> Tue, 11 Dec 2012 11:46:52 GMT <![CDATA[Follow: Australian Open Instagram]]> ]]>How can you not love this pic?

Make sure to follow the Instagram account of the Australian Open to get a peek into what the folks Down Under are doing in preparation for 2013's first major of the year.

And Spongebob at Kids' Day? Loves.

(Photo Credit: Image via Australian Open Instagram)]]> Mon, 10 Dec 2012 17:54:49 GMT <![CDATA[Putting Merch Out to Pasture]]> ]]>Now that the PowerShares Series has ended for 2012 (with Jim Courier taking the whole shebang), the event organizers are giving fans a little treat with a massive discount on merch: tees are 60% off. Posters, caps, and other items are also on sale. Our fave is this Bjorn Borg shirt (which we first spotted on a fan walking the grounds of the Western & Southern Masters in Cincinnati this past August).

Browse: See everything here.

(Photo Credit: image via PowerShares Series)]]> Mon, 10 Dec 2012 17:35:42 GMT <![CDATA[Radwanska's 2012 Lotto Fashions]]> ]]>Aga's Apparel: Marija of Women's Tennis Blog took a look at Agnieszka Radwanksa's 2012 Lotto kits. Pretty much different solid colors in the same flirty silhoutte; our fave was the Crunch Gym-esque "Poland" logo splayed on the back of Aga's 2012 Olympics outfit.

(Photo Credit: Image via WTB)]]> Sat, 08 Dec 2012 18:15:13 GMT <![CDATA[FYB: It's Not Just About the Tennis]]> ]]>FYB Fashions: Vlogger fashion isn't a new beat for us, and now Will Hamilton's wardrobe for his FYB instructional videos is on our radar.

Lasers: Let's start with the shirt with a "hipster cat," as he calls it. (Laser cats -- loves!) This tee's giving us reason to go back and look through all his lessons -- both for tennis tips and tees. Not a bad two-for-one, right?

(This particular vid, btw, was of his analysis and prediction of the Andy Murray vs. Novak Djokovic 2012 U.S. Open final.)

(screengrab via FYB)]]> Sat, 08 Dec 2012 16:04:13 GMT <![CDATA[Prince Mellows Out]]> ]]>A fall ad campaign by Prince -- featuring their "Who's Next" slogan -- has a sleeker, more mellow feel than what we've come to know about the brand. (Remember the "'O' Face"?).

This one's not overtly about buying sticks or shoes -- no pros make cameos, even -- instead focusing on the future of the sport. It says that "to thrive, you must innovate, develop the next groundbreaking technology,  focus on training the next generation of champions, and dare to ask: Who's next?"

Seems geared towards coaches, retailers, parents, etc. I guess the folks who currently control the pursestrings of the next generation? We reached out to Prince and we're told that there's more info to reveal when the calendar turns 2013. We can't wait to hear all about it.

View: Who's Next? - Prince TV ad

(Photo Credit: screengrab via Prince YouTube) ]]> Sat, 08 Dec 2012 15:16:14 GMT <![CDATA[Loup's Holiday Sale]]> ]]>It's been a while now since Loup NYC stopped making tennis clothes (sadcakes) but we've still kept them on our radar. They sent out an e-mail today with a delicious discount code: 30% off store-wide when you enter "HOLIDAY30" at checkout.

Our Picks: The Liberty Print Swiss Dress and the Aubergine Knot Dress.

Buy: Everything's here.

(Photo Credit: images from Loup NYC)]]> Thu, 06 Dec 2012 17:24:12 GMT <![CDATA[In the Post-Season, Brazilian Chic]]> ]]>Everyone seems to have Brazil on their minds lately, with Novak Djokovic having gone down with Guga Kuerten for one of the 2012's post-season exhibition stops -- there was an impersonation, of course. And Roger is on his way down (with some Nike-ers in tow) for his  Federer Gilette Tour with dates in Sao Paolo, Buenos Aires (vs. Del Potro) and Bogota.

And for us, Brazil's swirlin around in there with the release of the latest Campanas + Lacoste polos as part of the company's annual Holiday Collector's Series. This logo design is called "sushi," as it's evocative of how the rice is rolled when making the traditional Japanese dish. And really, the closest we'll ever let reptiles near us -- this isn't Killer Karaoke!

Browse: Campanas + Lacoste Sushi Croc Polos, $165, lacoste.com.

(Photo Credit: Lacoste.com)]]> Thu, 06 Dec 2012 11:21:05 GMT <![CDATA[Trophy: Italian Glass in Miami]]> ]]>The two trophies handed out at the inaugural Miami Tennis Cup -- reminiscent of those inflatable floopy men you see outside used car lots -- was designed by Miami-based designer Andrea Sampaolo. More info on his art here.

Flashback: Spaniard Nicolas Almagro took out the recently retired Andy Roddick in straight sets at this Florida exhibition.

(Photo Credit: Getty Images for the Miami Tennis Cup)


]]> Wed, 05 Dec 2012 19:45:10 GMT <![CDATA[Art: Borg on Murray in GQ]]> ]]>   Steely Advice: Though already being coached by a tennis legend already (that's Ivan Lendl, for the curious), Andy Murray can never get enough advice if he wants to stay up there in the upper echelons of tennis. (And Rafa is on his way back, too!).

So the folks at British GQ picked the brain of Bjorn Borg, who offered five tips to the reigning Olympic and U.S. Open champ. Click on the link to read the article and see four other illustrations. We want all five framed and hung in our hallway.

(Credit: images via British GQ)]]> Wed, 05 Dec 2012 13:41:34 GMT <![CDATA[You Can't Spell Armani Without Maria]]> ]]>When In (Rome) Milan: The post-season stops for Maria Sharapova included an exhibition in Milan with Sara Errani, Roberta Vinci, and Ana Ivanovic. Of ccurse, she squeezed out some time to visit with Giorgio Armani.

Here she is wearing head-to-to Armani at the pre-exhibition press conference (we love the bit of white in her pumps!).

(Photo Credit: Milestone Media/Bauer Griffin)]]> Wed, 05 Dec 2012 11:47:26 GMT <![CDATA[Baroque Tennis in Los Angeles]]> ]]>Caravaggio exhibit at LACMA (apparently, the 16th century painter was all about tennis).

Browse: See photos from the event.

(image via Blouin ARTINFO)]]> Tue, 04 Dec 2012 13:14:46 GMT <![CDATA[Hipster Branding]]> ]]>We've all seen it: the hyper-stylized, highbrow, sleek and classic logo designs of companies who've RSVPed to the twee party. The tumblr Hipster Branding takes that same energy and re-imagines it for established brands like Coca-Cola, Nestle, KFC, McDonald's, and adidas.

(via Will; Photo Credit: screengrab via Hipster Branding)]]> Mon, 03 Dec 2012 13:57:44 GMT <![CDATA[Federer Joins Moët as Brand Ambassador]]> ]]>(November 30, 2012) -- In one of the most exciting partnerships ever between two worldwide icons, Moët & Chandon is proud to introduce Roger Federer as the House’s new brand ambassador. Roger Federer, with his shining aura of big bold wins and elegant moves, is the absolute perfect match for Moët & Chandon, the universal symbol of global success and eternal style.
 
Like Moët & Chandon, the worldwide sports and lifestyle icon Roger Federer radiates boldness, elegance and generosity, from the tennis court to the red carpet to giving back to the world community. Moët & Chandon, the world’s most-loved champagne, and Roger Federer share the values of doing what they do with excellence. In his new role as brand ambassador, Federer will take centre stage in the House’s upcoming advertising campaign, certain to generate lots of buzz when it is revealed in March 2013.
 
“It’s more than just an honour to be Moët & Chandon’s brand ambassador, it’s an invitation to be part of a very glamorous tradition,” enthused Roger Federer. “Moët & Chandon has always been the champagne of international trendsetters and I’m proud to be part of a brand that is as dedicated to the pursuit of excellence as I have been throughout my career.”
 
“Roger Federer personifies the glamour of achievement, great generosity and tremendous style values that have been key to our House throughout its long history,” declared Stéphane Baschiera, President and CEO of Moët & Chandon. “As the champagne of victory and an enthusiastic supporter of major tennis tournaments around the world, we are extremely proud to welcome Roger Federer with Moët & Chandon’s hallmark hospitality.”
 
To celebrate a legendary partnership between two living legends, no one but a third living legend could immortalize the event. Renowned photographer Patrick Demarchelier shot a series of pictures of Roger Federer for Moët & Chandon in Paris. Chosen for his signature style, Demarchelier captures Federer’s masculine, larger-than-life athletic grace in dazzling visuals that pop with all the elegance, boldness and generosity that have made Moët & Chandon famous.

(Photo Credit: courtesy of Moët)
]]> Fri, 30 Nov 2012 12:31:24 GMT <![CDATA[Murray Donates 2012 US Open Shirt to Charity]]> ]]>adidas crew from the 2012 U.S. Open will be auctioned off by the Angelus Foundation. The organization focuses on raising awareness about drug use among youth in the UK.

(via; Photo Credit: BNPS.co.uk)]]> Mon, 26 Nov 2012 16:31:07 GMT <![CDATA[Uniqlo's Black Friday Push]]> ]]>November 23 marked the first day of Uniqlo's Black Friday sale in the U.S., but also coincided with a push in its Japanese stores with a founders day celebration (even using brand mascot Kei Nishikori in a photo opp).

The first 100 people in selected stores were to receive milk and red bean bread (anpan), a Uniqlo tradition that started back in 1984: When Uniqlo first opend their store in Hiroshima, they handed out red bean bread and milk to the folks who were waiting in line. In the current sale, the first 300 people who've made purchase over 3,000 JPY will receive a free fleece blanket.

Black Friday: The stateside stores have deals, too, but alas no pastries!

(photo via Uniqlo FB; translating by Ree)]]> Fri, 23 Nov 2012 23:03:23 GMT <![CDATA[For a Night, the Angels of Anaheim]]> ]]>The "champions" tour, now branded as the PowerShares Series, will make a stop in Anaheim, Calif., at the Honda Center (home of the Mighty Ducks) on November 30. This Southern California appearance for four ATP tour veterans -- John McEnroe, Andre Agassi, Jim Courier, and Michael Chang -- is a featured sale on Gilt, where fans can get access to the players in a variety of ways, including a VIP party, a meet-and-greet, and getting to watch the players as they walk onto the court (only $600!). There's also just the basic let's-watch-them-play-tennis access (seats in the lower plaza levels), which you can get for $45-$65.

Buy: PowerShares Series event in Anaheim, November 30. Gilt.com sale ends Monday November 26.

(screengrab via Gilt)

]]> Fri, 23 Nov 2012 21:36:41 GMT <![CDATA[Dream Journals: Sports Magazines at Their Finest]]> ]]>
 
We don't think much about soccer 'round these parts, but we'd be willing to follow the sport a little more closely if it comes packaged in a publication like The Green Soccer Journal all the effin time. So pretty! Consider it the magazine version of a David Beckham or Cristiano Ronaldo.


Meanwhile, NYC's No Mas continues to churn out its quarterly publication on sports and culture called Victory. The most recent issue, "The Greatest," celebrates Muhammad Ali's 70th birthday.

All this to say that we dream of the day tennis gets its own sleek pub. (Or are there any out there that we just haven't seen?) The ITF's mag is in the right direction with its paper stock and printing, but the layouts and writing need some work.

Browse: The Green Soccer Journal, oki-ni.com; Victory, nomas-nyc.com.

(screengrabs via oki-ni and No Mas)]]> Fri, 23 Nov 2012 20:11:52 GMT <![CDATA[Serena Vacays in the Bahamas + Printed Swimsuits]]> ]]>Well-deserved R&R, yes? 2012 WTA Year-End Champion Serena Williams tweeted pics of her short trip to the Bahamas during the off-season. She'll be back to a resort town just before the season starts again early next year (in Thailand, for an exo against Woz).

Prints: We're all about this recent trend of having seemingly whole photographs printed directly onto fabric (think: Christopher Palu's mom's x-ray from Season 10 of PR) and especially on swimwear, where we've seen it on the tailored board shorts produced by British label Orlebar Brown. They collaborated with Getty Images to print 12 photographs on the "Bulldog" shorts.

Browse: Orlebar Brown Bulldog Fifth Anniversary shorts, $295, orlebarbrown.com.

(Serena pic via WTB; screengrab via orlebarbrown.com)]]> Fri, 23 Nov 2012 18:52:40 GMT <![CDATA[Sharapova Wants To Try Acting]]> ]]>Maria Sharapova has done her share of playing in front of a camera -- whether it be for her many many magazine photo shoots, Facebook pictures, and commercials (remember this one with Dolce?) -- so we're really not shocked that sometime down the road she'll want to take a stab at acting. We're thinking something opposite tennis aficionado Bradley Cooper?

(File Photo: Maria Sharapova at the 2012 U.S. Open; Credit: Andy Kentla)]]> Fri, 23 Nov 2012 15:36:17 GMT <![CDATA[Sale: Cincy Tennis Gift Cards]]> ]]>At least we don't have to camp out for it: The folks behind the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati are gunning for our eyeballs even before the start of the 2013 season (let us get through the other three majors of the year first!, please) with this pretty nifty deal: 10% off Cincy Tennis gift cards that can be used for tickets, merch, food, and alcohol. ALCOHOL. Booze away, people, but do it responsibly: we don't need a repeat of Vivica A. Fox at a Serena Williams match.

Buy: Cincy Tennis "Court Cards" - 10% off on Monday, November 26.

(screengrab via Cincy Tennis)]]> Wed, 21 Nov 2012 09:43:02 GMT <![CDATA[Craig Hickman Elected into Maine Congress]]> ]]>TWO SNAPS: Tennis blogger Craig Hickman, has been elected into the Maine House of Representatives (and folks in Portland are happy about it!).

His update on November 7, 2012:

--

I have just been elected to the Maine House of Representatives.
 
I'm beside myself.
 
I'm not going to turn my back on this blog forever, but I've got a new job to begin in less than a month, and I have no idea how much I will be able to post here going forward.
 
I'll do my best.
 
Thanks for reading.

--
 

We're all about his platform involving nutrition and access to food. Congratulations, Craig!

(Photo Credit: Kennebec Journal)]]> Fri, 16 Nov 2012 15:25:31 GMT <![CDATA[Like Getting A Feathery Hug From Novak Djokovic]]> ]]> Theory and Uniqlo have partnered to create an exclusive collection of down jackets for men, women, children and babies designed by Theory and made by Uniqlo, launching for the Holiday 2012 gifting season.
 
The spirit of Theory’s design identity along with Uniqlo’s democratic prices will offer consumers a unique shopping opportunity during the festive holiday season.  

The limited edition collection will feature puffer vests and coats for men, women and kids, in addition to body puffers for baby. The puffers are a sleek, modern two-tone color design with a slim fit in a lightweight down with natural stretch for comfort. The puffers will be available starting November 15, 2012 exclusively in Theory retail stores, theory.com and in select Uniqlo doors internationally.  Prices for men’s and women’s are $99-$169, kids are $79-$99 while styles for baby are $69. 

Browse: T-Down by Theory. We love the bright blue in the color story.

Browse, Pt. 2: Designer Olivier Theyskens, now two years at the helm of Theory, presented the company's Spring 2013 RTW show in NYC. See the pictures (and style.com's review) here.

Uniqlo: The Japanese clothing company got the last laugh as their mascot Novak Djokovic was the last man standing at the 2012 Barclays ATP World Tour Final in London last week. The Serb, who is currently No. 1 and finished out the year as the No. 1 player in the world, beat Roger Federer 7-6(5), 7-5.

(screengrab via theory.com)
]]> Wed, 14 Nov 2012 15:42:05 GMT <![CDATA[Masha: Prints-ess of the Off-Season]]> ]]>Maria Sharapova wasted no time after her loss to Serena Williams at the 2012 WTA Year-End Championships in Istanbul -- Sharapova went undefeated until that final, btw -- to make some off-season moolah and reach out to her fans in parts of the world not usually covered by the WTA calendar.

The Russian made stops in Prague (for an exo), Moscow (for sponsor Samsung), Moyo Island (R&R), and then New Delhi (for a real estate collab).

Etro: Maria showed up for her New Delhi obligations in a printed Etro skirt ("one of my favorite new fall items in my closet", she says). UPDATE: that long-sleeved color block top is from RAOUL; see their site here.

Browse: The Fall 2012 Etro RTW collection can be seen here (via style.com).

(via WTB; Photo via Maria Sharapova FB)]]> Wed, 14 Nov 2012 11:29:20 GMT <![CDATA[Sacré Bleu: Lacoste Acquired by Swiss Company]]> ]]>Wall Street Journal report, the move comes following a family feud that is set to end an 80-year French history of the iconic label.]]>(November 13, 2012) -- Lacoste, the French sportswear company, has been purchased by Maus Frères, the Swiss company. According to a Wall Street Journal report, the move comes following a family feud that is set to end an 80-year French history of the iconic label.

Devanlay is the worldwide licensee of Lacoste.

Lacoste family shareholders agreed last month to sell their 30.3 percent stake in the firm to Maus, which already owned 35 percent of the apparel company through its licensing business.

According to the WSJ report, the move is the latest episode in a rift between two generations of Lacoste's founding family, after Sophie Lacoste Dournel was voted head of the privately owned apparel company in September, effectively ousting her father Michel Lacoste from the position he had held since 2005.

The row is said to have led Michael Lacoste to publicly criticize his daughter. The sale came after Sophie Lacoste Dournel failed to find a buyer for her father’s stake. The proposed deal valued Lacoste at between €1 billion and €1.25 billion, or about $1.28 billion and $1.6 billion.

“We had an ambitious project and a firm wish to maintain family control,” she said in a statement.

(WSJ, via SportsOneSource)

(Correction: We had initially stated that PVH is the U.S. licensee of Lacoste; Devanlay is the worldwide licensee for the brand.)


]]> Wed, 14 Nov 2012 10:10:45 GMT <![CDATA[James Blake Auctions Off Shirts For Sandy Relief]]> ]]> (November 12, 2012) -- ATP World Tour player James Blake, who currently resides (and grew up) in Connecticut, is helping raise money to benefit those affected by Hurricane Sandy. He's auctioning off three of his match jerseys (from Travis Mathew) featuring his autograph along with those of top American tennis stars Andy Roddick, Mardy Fish, and Sam Querrey. 100% of the proceeds will go to the Red Cross.

"Seeing the devastation in areas I grew up around is difficult," said Blake. "The people of New Jersey, New York and Connecticut are surely resilient, but there's still room for us all to help. I've selected the Red Cross because it does an amazing job on multiple levels; it provides everything from food and blankets to mental health support for those affected."

Info: The auctions last for seven days. Check out the bids here. More info from James on his website.


Idle Time: We love that this auction was uploaded by user "borednthaburbs."

(image via ebay) 

]]> Mon, 12 Nov 2012 14:07:25 GMT <![CDATA[Blind Item: Andy Roddick's Gay?]]> ]]>We're on the same page as Kenneth in the (212) about Andy Roddick being the straightest of straights, so we're just as surprised to hear that he and Brooklyn Decker are the leading guess for this blind item.

(via Kenneth)]]> Mon, 12 Nov 2012 13:23:25 GMT <![CDATA[Andy Murray's Poppy]]> ]]>Flower Patch: Rememberance Day, observed on November 11, was acknowledged by Andy Murray during his semifinal match at the ATP World Tour Final in London yesterday by wearing a poppy patch on his adidas kit. He shared the photo with his fans on Facbeook.

Year-End Finals: Murray took Roger Federer to a tiebreak in that first set before falling in straights to the Swiss maestro. Federer is now in the thick of the final against Nvaok Djokovic. As we type, they are playing out the first set tiebreak.

(image via Andy Murray FB)]]> Mon, 12 Nov 2012 12:38:56 GMT <![CDATA[Lacoste: Help Sandy and Get 20% Off]]> ]]>The Croc does its part to help with Sandy relief by donating $100,000 in product and running a three-week toy drive for Toys for Tots.

Get more info here; Lacoste branches participating in the drive include those in and near affected areas in the northeast.

(screengrab via Lacoste)]]> Fri, 09 Nov 2012 13:18:51 GMT <![CDATA[Sania Mirza Walks the Runway in Mumbai]]> ]]>Sania Mirza walked the runway for brand Shantanu & Nikhil during the Blenders Pride Fashion Tour 2012 in Mumbai. The indian brand, which takes influence from traditional indian garb (but gives it a modern twist) presented at this multi-city Indian fashion.

Shantanu & Nikhil had previously collaborated with adidas, back in 2010, to create a line for the brand's Style Essentials. See some of the biker-chic pieces from that collection here. Mirza had also been involved in the presentation of that collection because of her role as brand ambassador for adidas.

Mirza's May: Mirza has not played on the WTA Tour since June, losing early in Eastbourne. She did win a doubles title in the event (and month) prior, in Brussels, with partner Bethanie Mattek-Sands.

(Mirza photo via)]]> Tue, 06 Nov 2012 10:09:17 GMT <![CDATA[SPOTTED: Victoria Azarenka & Redfoo at Las Vegas' Marquee Nightclub]]> ]]> On Monday, Victoria Azarenka, the world's top ranked female tennis player, was (literally) spotted at Marquee Nightclub. The Belarus-born athlete arrived with Redfoo and the Party Rock crew before hanging out at a VIP table in the main room. Victoria got into the Party Rock spirit and was seen dancing on stage to the sounds of Redfoo and DJ Chuckie while taking in the view of the packed dance floor.
 
(Photo Credit: Brenton Ho, Powers Imagery; courtesy of Marquee Nightclub)
]]> Wed, 31 Oct 2012 14:37:41 GMT <![CDATA[Juan Carlos Ferrero's Legacy: Luxe Living]]> ]]>Now that Juan Carlos Ferrero has retired from the ATP, those needing to get a Spanish fix can visit his hotel in Valencia. The hotel, named Hotel Ferrero, is a Relais & Chateaux property that's received some great reviews on TripAdvisor.

We did not see any mention of a tennis court?

(photo via HotelFerrero.com)]]> Tue, 30 Oct 2012 12:07:52 GMT <![CDATA[Photos: Djokovic Suits Up (and Socks Off) in 'Haute Living']]> ]]>Haute Living magazine.]]>Nothing new to report in this profile of Novak Djokovic that appears in the New York edition of Haute Living magazine's October/November issue. But we never tire of looking at pictures of the Serb (showing us some ankle, even). Enjoy!

Winding down: Nole's not playing with the guys this week (Valencia, Basel), but he's definitely in for the BNP Paribas Masters in Bercy -- the last Masters Series event of the year -- and the ATP World Tour Final in London. The final two singles spots for that year-end event is still up in the air.

Browse: 'Stroke of Pluck', Haute Living, October/November 2012.

(Photo Credit: via Haute Living)]]> Fri, 26 Oct 2012 12:45:23 GMT <![CDATA[A Kickstarter to Melbourne]]> ]]>We were looking at tennis projects on Kickstarter (as we do every so often) and ran across this plea from Jack Han to get shipped to the Australian Open in January.]]>We were looking at tennis projects on Kickstarter (as we do every so often) and ran across this plea from Jack Han to get shipped to the Australian Open in January. He already has credentials (via tennisconnected.com) but just needs to get that extra boost (kick?) to fund his travel to the first major of 2013.

He's bartering a few things, including getting asking a question on behalf of a donor; sending out the tourney's daily previews (in print) along with the event program; grabbing some official AO swag (towel, shirt) and a match-used ball; doing some writing and photo-blogging. Pretty enterprising, we think. Best of luck to Han; hopefully he'll end up getting the $4k he needs.

Waitaminute -- how are we getting to Australia in a few months? Should we start a Kickstarter too??

Pitch in: Jack Han's "Help me get to the Australian Open!" kickstarter.
]]> Thu, 25 Oct 2012 13:44:24 GMT <![CDATA[Lacoste: 20% Off Sale Through Sunday]]> ]]>Lacoste pique polo. (It was purple.) Yes, yes: it took us all this time to add that classic piece to our wardrobe -- crazy, right?]]>Our recent trip to the 2012 U.S. Open led to our first ever purchase of a Lacoste pique polo. (It was purple.) Yes, yes -- it took us all this time to add that classic piece to our wardrobe -- crazy, right?

Meanwhile, the most recent fashion shows in New York -- the presentations for Spring 2013 -- had Lacoste creative director, Felipe Oliveira Baptista, sending models down the runway in prints made from tennis racquets, polo shirts, and umpire chairs. RIDIC. and we love it.

Browse: Lacoste Spring/Summer 2013 RTW, via style.com.

Buy: Lacoste 20% off sale on full-priced items (online and in-store) through October 28.

(screengrab via Lacoste)]]> Thu, 25 Oct 2012 12:50:59 GMT <![CDATA[Tinted Contact Lenses for Athletic Use?]]> ]]>An article that was published in the New York Times a little over a week ago posed the question about using tinted contact lenses for athletes.]]>An article that was published in the New York Times a little over a week ago posed the question about using tinted contact lenses for athletes -- in it, researchers had hypothesized that the reduction in glare and increase in contrast would help with performance. Unfortunately, neither has proven true, with the contacts actually not making a difference (or, in some cases, negatively affecting depth perception).

We wonder if any tennis players would've considered switching to tinted contacts for their play; of the folks currently using prescription shades, we know that Janko Tipsarevic probably wouldn't consider it; he's told us before that the reason he wears his Oakleys is because contacts bother his eyes.

(File photo: Janko Tipsarevic at the 2012 U.S. Open; Credit: Andy Kentla)]]> Wed, 24 Oct 2012 18:32:53 GMT <![CDATA[Vintage T-Shirts in Fila's Fall]]> ]]>There's always room in our lives for vintage Fila (everything up to and including Svetlana Kuznetsova in cornrows -- bring it back!!), so we were glad to see the classic tennis brand evoke some old-school prints for the fall.]]>There's always room in our lives for vintage Fila (everything up to and including Svetlana Kuznetsova in cornrows -- bring it back!!), so we were glad to see the classic tennis brand evoke some old-school prints for the fall. There are a few other designs -- all available on the Fila website -- so go for a browse.

Also catching our eyes are the hi-tops: Displace (pictured above), Hi Class Mid Triple Strap, and the Hc 2 Ts (which, surprisingly, is more than 50% off)

 

Buy:  Fila All-Stars Tee, $30, fila.com; Displace shoe, $60, fila.com.

(Photo Credit: courtesy of Fila)


]]> Wed, 24 Oct 2012 15:11:22 GMT <![CDATA[In Istanbul, Maria's Embroidered Nike Shoe]]> ]]>The women are duking it out for who can be the last woman standing (I'd make a "Hunger Games" reference, but it sounds like Chad Michaels is going to squeeze the living lights out of that in this season's RPASDR), and the WTA is nice enough to give us folks stuck stateside a peek into what's going on over in Istanbul.

Of course, we love the embroidery on Maria Sharapova's Nike kicks. Goes with the lettering on her HEAD bag, right?

Istanbul: On this second day of play, we've already seen Serena win over Li Na and Kvitova withdraw due to a viral illness (she'll be replaced in the draw by alternate Sam Stosur).

Watch: All-Access Pass #1 | TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships

(screengrab via WTA YouTube)]]> Wed, 24 Oct 2012 12:09:48 GMT