Transitioning from summer to fall isn't always as easy as fashion magazines would try and get their readers to believe. When you're an athlete, however, it's assumed that small details like these are supposed to be nonexistent, but this isn't always the case. We’ve got 5 easy ways to incorporate fall trends into your tennis game.

Every year Pantone releases its list of colors that will be incorporated into lines across the world. From clothing to home fashions, these hues will be in every store you look at. These colors can also be found in tennis apparel and sportswear.



One surprise came with colors like Lagoon, Golden Glow, and Lipstick Red.  Brighter than usually during that time of year, these shades work best as a smooth transition from summer into fall. I chose a Tail top and skirt combination in Lagoon that incorporated a trend from last fall that exploded in the spring, lace. Another color that’ll work for most skin types is Lipstick Red, this Adidas dress is cute and cut for many different body types.

 

Hues generally associated with fall are neutrals. Unlike beige, the most well known neutral, Rose Dust and Oyster Gray aren’t boring and will add a bit of elegance into your tennis game. This Lija top coupled with a nice pleated white skirt, pearl earrings, and a cardigan; and you'll have that little dash of class without looking like your grandmother.

Of all the colors on the list, Chocolate Truffle will undoubtedly be the most universal. It will look great on every skin and body type. With a dash of purple this color isn’t simply just brown.  Also this season, rather than using plum or a deep purple, Purple Orchid is a lot more vibrant than typically seen during this time of year. Though it will add a nice “pop” to an otherwise boring outfit, I’m not a fan. It’s a very specific tint and will only look good for certain people. The Lacoste dress shown is in a purple that can be seen at different times of year.

 

Lastly, I chose a color not shown on the Pantone list but will undoubtedly show up, white. I don't care what people say about white and Labor Day, it's a universal color that you will find any time of year. Also, I may be clinging to the last little bits of summer by choosing this Sergio Tacchini bodysuit but it was too cute not to feature.

 

As the summer is coming to a close and the horrible months of sweating like an animal are being put behind us, so comes the time to start slowly putting away all those clothes bought in May that were intended to make us look cute while trying to camoflauge pit stains. There is one color though hangs in summer/fall balance, daring to be taken seriously as an all year hue, white.

September 4th is the dreaded day when it's time to pack up all the white from this year and put it in the closet until next May, or until winter and it can be called "snow white" or some other variation. Many ideas for this strange rule has been passed around for decades. Miss Manners columnist, Judith Martin, gave Time magazine a bit of back history. Apaprently, in the past, because of it's reflective properties, white clothing was thought of as an easier way to keep cool during the summer months.  "Not only was there no air-conditioning, but people did not go around in T shirts and halter tops. They wore what we would now consider fairly formal clothes," says Martin. So we've got one answer, but that still doesn't answer it's imminent D-list status by the end of summer.

Digging a little deeper, there's been the one theory centered around class and etiquette, that the wealthy typically wore white, thus, the color became synonymous with affluency, another good way to get snubbed. Though these answers make the most sense, it doesn't answer the big question, who really cares? Fashion creates rules all the time that eventually get praised for the blatant disobidience. Why should this one be exempt or more importantly be met with citizens citations by your neighborhood fashion police?

Yesterday, Venus Williams revealed a limited-edition US Open tennis dress, designed by her in partnership with Ralph Lauren.




As the Open gets ready to start next week, I can't help but wonder if players will be adhering to the "no white" rule when they're out to play. My best guess is placed on the answer being "no." Either way, when it's time to hit the court, I know what I'll be wearing so fashion police be damned.

 

 

 

What do tennis players, a Hollywood actor, and NYC, all have in common? Nike. Last night, top players like Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer came out to the Nike Primetime Premiere Event at Pier 54. Actor Bradley Cooper and New York Tennis League player Sami Ahmad played doubles with Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka with John McEnroe as the announcer.

 

 

The players also debuted their nightwear for the upcoming US Open; showcasing a more sophisticated look for the night.

 

Sharapova’s outfit of choice is definitely a step in the right direction for ladies tennis apparel. Updating the traditional collar lapel and with custom detailing all over the dress, this dress will no doubt be a top seller once it hits stores.

 

There are so few things to say about Feders’ outfit. He always looks good and somehow takes basic items, like his polo’s, and makes them look timeless rather than boring, like the rest of unlucky souls. As if classy was bred into his DNA, does this man ever do anything that could be deemed “uncool?”

Most surprising was Rafa, choosing to shy away from his generally bold color choices and looked demur in black. But I still can’t help thinking, where’s the hot pink I’ve grown to know and love. So bright that they could be used as a flashlight, Rafa’s gear has brought back an element of style to tennis that’s been missing since the Williams got rid of their Rick James-esque hair beads.



Don’t let the man keep you down Rafa, highlighter yellow at night is totally fine here in the states.

 

The Open will no doubt bring out some exciting moments on the court, both with the plays and with the fashion choices.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Remember the game “Six Degree’s from Kevin Bacon?” Everyone and their mother had somehow been in a feature film or given a piece of gum to “The Bacon” and had the experience documented. As US Open time is upon us, I couldn’t help but wonder if top tennis players were immune to this game. The obscure answers surprised me.

Rafael Nadal Was in ↓ "Corazón de..." With ↓ Vince Vaughn Was in ↓ 2000 Blockbuster Entertainment Awards With ↓ Kevin Bacon	Roger Federer Was in ↓ "Corazón de..." With ↓ Morgan Freeman Was in ↓ The 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards With ↓ Kevin Bacon	Venus Williams Was in ↓ "I Love the '90s" (2004) With ↓ Keith David (I) Was in ↓ Novocaine (2001) With ↓ Kevin Bacon

Andy Roddick Was in ↓ ESPY Awards With ↓ Tracy Morgan Was in ↓ 15th Annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards With ↓ Kevin Bacon	Maria Sharapova Was in ↓ Forbes Celebrity 100: Who Made Bank? With ↓ Tom Hanks Was in ↓ "Showbiz Today" With ↓ Kevin Bacon	Mardy Fish Was in ↓ "US Open 2008" (2008) With ↓ Jack Edwards (II) Was in ↓ Tribeca Film Festival Awards (2004) (TV) With ↓ Kevin Bacon

Kim Clijsters Was in ↓ "US Open 2009" (2009) With ↓ Serena Williams Was in ↓ Elvis Lives (2002) (TV) With ↓ Kevin Bacon	Melanie Oudin Was in ↓ "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien" With ↓ Andy Richter Was in ↓ "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" With ↓ Kevin Bacon	Andy Murray Was in ↓ "Breakfast" With ↓ Joseph Gordon-Levitt Was in ↓ The 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards With ↓ Kevin Bacon

What is it about Spain? Are they putting something special in their water to breed ridiculously handsome men? and if they are, why have we not invested in these chemicals for our water here in the states. Today Fernando Verdasco briefly went to the offices of Calvin Klein, while there he took the time to tweet a picture of himself next to his underwear ad for the company. Oh to be a fly on the wall of that office today, both the poster and the player himself, I'm sure there were a lot of happy women in the CK office today.

Is it me or is going to jail becoming more glam that it should be? There was once a time when going to jail wasn’t looked upon as the place that could relaunch your career, it was actually what could kill it. Just a few months after this:

Just when you think celebrities can’t do anything else insane within the correction department, rapper Lil’ Wayne is asked to give his US Open picks for Sports Illustrated. In a letter, the star openly admitted being a Nadal fan and like me, he simply adores Maria Sharapova also.

 

Photo via Sports Illustrated.

Hopefully, at this time next year, Wayne will be giving commentary on Monday Night Football or maybe the US Open of golf, either would undoubtedly spice up the sport a bit more.

Game one is already over and Melanie Oudin has been declared the winner. Wasting no time putting away, no.143 in the world Olga Savchuk, Oudin definitely showed her capabilities well in her Adidas Women’s Barricade top and skort combo.

 

 

Could it be the shoes? Are they really helping her to gain “courage” in her game? Hard to say, if she makes it past the second round, there is a large chance that she will make a fair weather fan out of me.

 

As for her oppenent, Savchuk looked ready to play a serious game in her Lacoste women's sleeveless contrast dress in white. But fell short where it counts the most, in her game.


Winner:
Savachuck. She showed up ready for summer and her outfit choice look slimming and flattering for any body type. Now if only she would've brought this much care into her match.

It’s been two days since the interactive Kid’s Day at Arthur Ashe stadium and it's all the rage on the blogosphere. Open to all, the event featured singer Shontelle, Disney princess Demi Lovato, and a tween favorite the Jonas Brothers. Putting them aside, the musical act cared about the most by us here at Tennis Now was the Bryan Brothers band. Taking the stage with lead singer David Barron, Mike and Bob brought something totally unexpected to the day, between the neon pink wayfarers and rapping on their track “Autograph,” the decision was made for us. Stay close to Facebook and Twitter for the remainder of the tournament we will be posting our Bryan Brothers Band song of the day.

 

To start this off, we chose “Autograph,” hopefully, recorded with no seriousness in mind, this song is sure to put a smile on your face.

 

Pet of the day comes courtesy of Justin Gimelstob.



Andy Roddick here with his pet dog.

Kim Clijsters came out on top against Greta Arn in their match today with 0-6, 5-7. But now it's time to get down to the nitty gritty.

Clijsters came prepared in her Fila Women Center Court Tennis top and skirt.



While Arn made a more demure choice in simple women's white Reebok tennis dress.

Winner:
  It's pretty obvious, I'm a big proponante of color. Tennis has been portrayed as a stuffy, boring, sport for long enough. With athlete's making bolder choices in their attire and becoming more fashionable, it could work well to bring younger players into the sport. For wearing one of the top colors for the fall, lagoon, my vote goes to Kim Clijsters.

One of the biggest hit to the US Open is the lack of Serena Williams. After her tirade at line judge Shino Tsurubuchi, most fans thought this would be Williams’s comeback year. Unfortunately, Williams was forced to bow out of the entire hardcourt season due to an injury sustained in a German restaurant while celebrating her 13th Grand Slam singles title at Wimbledon.

 

For fans, these last few months have been quiet as Williams has said as little as possible about the injury. However, commentator Mary Carillo has gotten the inside scoop and offered to shed some light on the strange incident.

 

During the broadcast of the Pilot Pen final, Carillo revealed the damage to foot came while in a German bar and a customer dropped a beer bottle on her foot. During the World Cup, a fan in the bar let their excitement get the best of them while watching a tied game, resulting in the accident that knocked Williams out of the last tournament of the season and placed No.1 Caroline Wozniacki as the top seed to win the US Open.

 

Though, she has said repeatedly she will be back by the Australian Open, it remains to be seen if Serena will be at the top of her game again.

Since last Thursday, tennis has reigned over the city of New York. Hosting events specifically for the sport as well as players hosting their own affairs, US Open fever has swept the isle of Manhattan and its various boroughs.

 

 Photo by: LoveMasha2008

 

 

Maria Sharapova attended the Cole Haan and Interview Magazine party at the Sky Room at the NewMuseum in New York City. The gathering was in celebration of her fall line, the third collection she has done with Cole Haan. For the event, Sharapova slipped on a patterned dress with 3/4 length sleeves from the Suno Fall 2010 collection.

On a different part of the island, stars took to the teal carpet for the UTSA  and Heineken US Open Player Party, hosted by Venus and Serena Williams,  at the Empire Hotel on August 27.
 

 

Stepping out in with their usual style and poise were the Williams sisters posed together for photos. For the event, the sisters donned chic threads, Venus in a belted white top and black legging’s.
 

 

 While Serena chose a snug black striped dressed, accessorized nicely with a studded pointy-toes flat.

Other stars in attendance were US Olympian Lindsay Vaughn and newest Maybelline model Lisalla Montenegro.




Photo's from USTA US Open Party taken by Jason Kempin, Getty Images.

I struggle to talk about her. In one telecast, I learned that Brooklyn Decker, model and now actress wife to tennis player Andy Roddick, will be leaving New York shortly to fly to Hawaii and begin filming Battleship, a movie that may or may not be related to the childhood game, the announcer’s segue was a bit confusing on that part. Decker also just finished shooting her feature film debut alongside Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler in the comedy “Just Go With It,” out next February. However, as Roddick’s match went on, there was a lot of attention directed back towards his wife. None the less, nothing can be taken away from her outfit choice.

A simple black scoop neck and matching floral print shorts, she wasn’t there to be seen or draw attention to herself. Unlike some athlete’s wives and girlfriends who draw attention away from their man’s line of work with their shenanigans.


Proving she’s an even match for her hunky husband in the looks department, but she gets when it’s her time to shine and when it’s his time.

Let’s be honest, tennis is typically viewed as a boring and mundane sport. Initially thought of as a game played only by affluent during a leisure hour, “commoners” were meant to amuse themselves with oaf-ish competitions like football and baseball. As the climates have changed and the fan has become less bourgeois and more…normal, shall we say? What was once a fantasy sport has become a reality for many.

 

A large reason for this could be the wide acceptance of a fact that scrawny kids have known for decades, not every athlete is meant to bounce or throw a ball. As alternative sports like soccer, golf, and tennis have shown that athleticism no longer has to be judged by how well you can bench press a washing machine.

 

At this year’s US Open, the climate of loyal fans has increased greatly. According toTennis.com,

 

“The average U.S. Open fan is 41-years-old and 56% are women. Most (78%) attend 1-3 sessions and 22% have been regulars for 10 years or more.”

 

Just like with any sport, loyalty remains key with US Open goers,  however, what makes someone decide to take off work and sit in nosebleeds so high they might as well be named Everest? Or the ones attempting to hide the fact that their watching the game online during their work day?

One of the reasons, the US Open is one of the only major grand slam tournaments played here in the states. Top players know that to make there time last here bringing your A-game is a must, but even that might not be enough. Open fans bring a whimsical side to the game, where as with Wimbledon things remain quiet and demure, here fans feel everything along with their favorite players. Roddick misses the ball, “Joe” in section G row 3 seat 29, feels that in his gut. Federer hits a trick shot to win the match and “Mary” from inside her box takes his celebration as a personal victory.

 

There is no “I” in “Team US Open” and as day two goes on, there is definitely a sense of comradery felt by both players and fans alike.

All photo's from:Getty Images

It's been one year since Serena Williams had her meltdown over a foot fault but it's still on bloggers and tennis fans minds. But her meltdown isn't the first from tennis players, there isn't a player to date that has topped a McEnroe meltdown, though Serena's comes close. Surprisingly, though, hers isn't the worse.

The drama that will never die for Lleyton Hewitt. In 2001, while being down one point to James Blake, after getting two foot faults, Hewitt calls into question whether a line coach was truly being fair. Not caring that  the crowd began to boo him and asking the umpire to throw out the line judge.  But first the umpire needed to look at Blake and at the judge and then tell him the similarities between the two.  Unfortunately, his temper tantrum was rewarded and the judge was moved to the opposite side.

Then there's the golden boy, Roger Federer, no one even talks about these anymore.

I can't help but wonder if the women get a bit of a bum rap, but maybe I'm just biased.

Courtesy of Twitter, the pet of the day belongs to Venus Williams.