Tennisidentity.com

Virginie Razzano hits the tennis radar.

2012-06-02T05:55:00-04:00

In tennis it often takes beating a big name to get on the fan radar. Tuesday at the Paris Open France's Virginie Razanno did just that. Razanno's Paris '12 story ended fairly quickly against Arantxa Rus but those who watched Razzano defeat an admittedly uncharacteristic Serena Williams were shown textbook focus under fire. Most noteworthy was Razzano's ability to fight the distraction of hindrance calls against her during that most challenging of match phases, the closing. If only we could bottle this magic and keep it going through a tournament. "Giant slayers" all too often can't keep the tank running after such huge effort allowing other players to move up in what would have been a tough draw. Advantage them. Razzano wears Asics, a brand expanding into tennis apparel. Her dress here is the Women's Break Dress, currently on sale only in Europe. Although she didn't wear them, I'd put the new and super comfy Asics Gel-Solution Speed tennis shoe in pink $130 (official color=beetroot purple) with this dress. Find it at Asics, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers worldwide.

Caroline Wozniacki at Wimbledon.

2012-06-01T08:55:41-04:00

We interrupt the French Open where Caroline Wozniacki is playing in the sunniest of yellows to let you know what the Dane will wear at Wimbledon 2012. Wozniacki will step on the grass courts in the above white (of course) adidas by Stella McCartney tennis dress. She wore the same dress in tomato red in Australia. I love it in white, SO fresh and cool looking, $120. The silhouette is loaded with feminine detail like all-over engineered lace and a light floral accents. A Hot Pant and Performance bra are extra but essential to making this look work as they peek through, $50 each. Wozniacki's shoes are the Sebellica Tennis shoe in white, metallic silver and lucid red, not new to the group. The Sebellica, at $200, is a for-Stella version of the Barricade VI. McCartney's off court pieces, the jacket, for example, are pulled from the brand's running group, finely constructed and lightweight, perfect for summer. New this year is ClimaCool technology built into these pieces. Other lust-worthy gear you will see on Wozniacki are from the adidas by Stella Studio group, designed for yoga. Find it at adidas, Tennis-Warehouse and select tennis retailers worldwide.

Venus Williams serves up another fashion ace.

2012-05-31T20:30:23-04:00

Although Venus Williams is out of Paris Open women's singles her tennis fashion line continues to swing in the right direction. Sign of good times is this tennis dress which is part of William's upcoming Fall 2012 Collection expected at retail in August. Cute ehh? I like the super bright white (harkens back to the game's roots) and appliqued accents of color, really dynamic and figure defining. The fabric is a jersey poly spandex for easy movement. Williams says that her designs come from within. Her goal is to give tennis consumers some fashionable choices for the court. "...it's about how do I see it, as opposed to what's the latest design. If something is a good design people will relate to it...Look good, play well...Wear something you feel confident in...dress to win."* Look for little handwritten messages on her garments like " Bring It" and "Oh and Oh, Beat 'Em." If you haven't checked out her spring line take a peek. The shorties, right, are one of my favorite pieces. Great look with a plain white top. There are some men's items rolling out as well and a leisure line is planned for 2013. Find it at EleVen, Tennis-Warehouse and select specialty tennis retailers. *Source: WWD, May 1, 2012

Janko Tipsarevic. Tennis in Paris.

2012-05-29T09:23:14-04:00

Serbian sophisticate Janko Tipsarevic is wearing new Fila tennis at Roland Garros. So far so good. Pictured is the lightweight, loose-fit baseline sleeve print crew, $48, and baseline plaid short, $50. A thread of orange runs through two greys which makes the print really pop. The colors suit Tipsarevic's studied style well. The set also comes with a solid grey or orange crush body (see inset above). Not many tennis mortals can get away with wearing a matching set like this. Both of the pieces would be great with a solid top or short. Fila's essenza basics are good options. That eyewear of his. Tipsarevic's glasses are prescription photochromic Oakley Fast Jackets; he's wearing them in Paris with orange frames that grab color from the Fila print. For those who need glasses and can't wear/don't like contacts these are a great, no slip, no fog option.Photochromic lenses auto adjust to changing light conditions. The Fast Jacket starts at $220 without the prescription or photochromics. Tipsarevic's racquet: Technifibre TFight 325 VO2 Max strung with Black Code. Find it all at Fila, Tennis-Warehouse, Oakley and tennis retailers worldwide.

Brazilian Tennis Champ Gustavo Kuerten named Lacoste ambassador.

2012-05-25T09:52:40-04:00

Lacoste announced today that Brazilian tennis great Gustavo Kuerten has become an ambassador of the brand. The 5 year contract kicks off featuring Kuerten in a new “Unconventional Chic” advertising campaign that emphasizes the brand’s relaxed elegance, style and “joie de vivre.” Take a look at the video below. Stay to the end for a sweet surprise that will make you smile, especially if you are a long-time Guga fan: "When I was young, Roland Garros and Lacoste were part of my dreams. Today I live this spectacular reality, its another magic lifetime experience” said Kuerten, “...For me, Lacoste is a reference in term of style and elegance.” Beside his tennis career, Kuerten is also committed to helping others. In 2000, he founded the Guga Kuerten Institute whose goal is to help disabled and disadvantaged children by practicing sport. In 2001 he was awarded with the UNESCO youth and citizenship prize for his off-court work. In 2004, Guga also won the prestigious “Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award,” for his work with the Guga Kuerten Institute. “We are very pleased to welcome Gustavo in the Lacoste family of ambassadors.”, says Christophe Chenut, Lacoste CEO. “He is one of the greatest tennis champions ever. His personality and his involvement in numerous charity activities are impressive. He has talent, he has heart, an incredible charisma and an unforgettable smile.” Learn more at Lacoste tennis.

Novak Djokovic a model? Could be.

2012-05-23T13:52:02-04:00

The guy is a natural ehh? Following up on the big UNIQLO announcement in Paris today, Novak Djokovic hit the catwalk. His Roland Garros look is expected to debut at the event.

Novak Djokovic partners with UNIQLO.

2012-05-23T10:28:17-04:00

Whatever the deal was with Sergio Tacchini (and there was much discussion), it's over. Novak Djokovic has partnered with UNIQLO, a brand of Japan's Fast Retailing, and will be the brand's global ambassador. The agreement, currently set for 5 years, was announced today. “I am honored, and also very excited," said Djokovic, "...UNIQLO is a cool brand with strong roots in Japan, a country whose culture and way of life I respect. I have a personal philosophy which I call ‘Be Unique,’ and this is based on my strong passion, drive and eagerness to keep improving myself. I am passionate about being the best possible tennis player, as well as the best possible person, and I have a continuous desire to help people, especially children, who have been less fortunate than I.” Djokovic will collaborate on future lines and is said to have had a say in what he will wear when he steps on court in Paris at Roland Garros. A custom designed t-shirt is planned for select UNIQLO stores, the proceeds from which will go to the Novak Djokovic Foundation. Tadashi Yanai, Chairman, President & CEO of Fast Retailing, commented on today’s announcement saying, “...We will use the most innovative fabrics and technologies to develop match wear that can contribute to the performance of a globally recognized and respected sports person like Novak [Djokovic]. At the same time, UNIQLO will incorporate latest fabrics and technologies to co-develop with him the ultimate functional apparel that can be worn, and enjoyed, by people all over the world.” Looking forward to seeing the line! Here's a first peek at him in the brand. Find it at Uniqlo.

Andy Murray in Paris. Tennis fashion for Roland Garros 2012.

2012-05-21T16:43:04-04:00

And here's Andy Murray's kit for the Paris Open 2012; it's all adidas Barricade collection: the Barricade crew tee in dark onix with high energy orange, $55 USD and knit shorts in the same orange, $45. This will be Murray's first time in this color set, although he's worn the design since Australia. I am a fan of grey with bright for the Brit; it's really trendy and quite compelling (a mirror to his oncourt moodiness maybe). Here's hoping Andy finds energy and balance from the combo. On his feet? The mi-coach compatible Barricade 7.0, $140 in black and orange. Yes to the black socks, absolutely. Find it at adidas, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers worldwide.

Na Li in Paris. Tennis Fashion for China's it girl.

2012-05-18T13:35:47-04:00

Na Li of China will be wearing Nike Summer Group at Roland Garros when she steps on court to defend her French Open title. Beautiful color juxtaposition on the WTA world #9. This is the Summer Baseline Top in magenta, $55, which has a deep and very flattering neckline. The white you see is an insert that gives the top a layered yet tailored look while keeping your assets under cover. Those of you who simply must wear sleeves, give this one a try; it's a flattering change from boxier styles. Go a size up if you want a no cling fit. The Summer Tie breaker skort runs $55. Gathered side panels add a fun touch to an otherwise basic skort. Victoria Azarenka will be wearing the dress from this group. Find it at Nike, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers worldwide.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga's Paris kit to honor his country's most famous tennis tournament.

2012-05-15T13:50:54-04:00

Frenchman and current world #5, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga will be outfitted in special Roland Garros themed adidas for the Paris Open. I adore the colors of this limited ed. group. Above is the Ace RG Tee, $45 USD and Bermuda, $45 in power green with ultra green and high energy orange accents. The group also comes in white. Check out the warm-up jacket and cap in this special collection as well. Tsonga's tennis shoes will be the adizero Feather 2, said to be super light and low to the ground, $130.00 USD with micoach compatibility; they will not be out until July 1. Find the apparel at Tennis-Warehouse in the US and at adidas Europe.