Top Five Best-Dressed Tennis Players: 2011 French Open

With the 2011 tennis season in full swing, we come to the most exciting clay-court professional tournament of the season, the French Open. When it comes to fashion at Roland Garros, many of the players are wearing styles similar to those they wore at the Australian Open (so we apologize for a bit of redundancy), but there are a few style surprises at the French Open this year. Check out our picks for the…

Top Five Best-Dressed Tennis Players: 2011 French Open

1st PRIZE. 
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga – Pop and Personality!
Jo-Willy’s color choice pops against the burnt-orange, Parisian clay! As always, he looks neat, clean and put together in this
Adidas adiAce Polo, Adidas adiAce Bermuda Shorts and Adidas adiZero Ace Shoes…even a little preppy! We love his taste and his spunky, on-court personality! Way to go, Jo!

2nd Prize. 
Ana Ivanovic – Sunny and Bright!
Our “sunshine girl,” Ana Invanovic, is delightful (as usual) in the same Adidas adiZero Dress she was on Australian Open, but this time in pink. The color choice could be better – it doesn’t necessarily stand out against the orange-red clay - but that’s okay. Ana’s put-together look and her bright, white smile more than make up for it. Want to look like Ana? Pair the dress with Adidas Barricade Adilibira Tennis Shoes and pink visor.










3rd Prize – Shahar Peer - Reebok Rocks!
Shahar Peer rocks the Reebok – cute, comfy and classic in this all-black outfit featuring Reebok Vibrance Statement tank and skirt! And her bubbly and feisty personality adds to her on-court style!




 








4th Prize – Vamos, Rafa!
As always in the last few years, Rafael Nadal looks great! This beautiful shade of sky blue complements the burnt-orange clay, but Rafa’s style choices are getting predictable and just on the verge of… ho-hum. To check Rafa's look in more detail, read our article Rafael Nadal Roland Garros 2011 Look.











5th Prize – The Fed – Cool and Classic!
Roger Federer is once again classic and perfectly preppy – but his choice of shirt color doesn’t play well off the orange-red clay, and an occasional smile wouldn’t hurt either. To check Roger's look in more detail, read our article Roger Federer Roland Garros 2011 Look.






Do you agree with our picks? What were your favorites? Comment and don't forget to check soon for our article on Top 5 Worst Dressed  players on French Open 2011.

Read More

The Babolat Story

If you have caught the tennis bug, chances are you play with a Babolat racquet or you know someone who plays with one. In addition to the invention of tennis strings, Babolat is currently the #2 manufacturer of tennis and badminton racquets, and

they have extended their line of products to shoes, balls, grips, over-grips, bags, accessories and stringing machines.

Babolat was founded in Lyon, France in 1875 - one year after tennis was invented. It is the oldest company specializing in racquet sports, and currently their tennis and badminton products can be found in sporting good stores and partner clubs in more than 100 countries.

Famous Babolat-toting tennis players include Rafael Nadal, Kim Clijsters, Andy Roddick, Samantha Stosur, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Dinara Safina and Fernando Gonzales, to name a few. 
                                                   Slogan: Tennis Runs in our Blood!
                                                                Logo: Double Line

With a long line of family dedicated to the innovation and advancement of racquet sports, Babolat has been indispensable to the game of tennis. 

Here is a just a glimpse of what they have accomplished over the years.

1874: Walter Clopton Wingfield creates tennis

1875: Pierre Babolat invents tennis strings, made of natural gut

1925: VS natural gut tennis string is created with the “Musketeers” in mind by Albert Babolat

Together the Musketeers (French players Jean Borotra, Jacques Brugnon, Henri Cochet and René Lacoste) acquire 20 grand slam and six Davis cup titles with VS string.

1955: Elascord, the first Babolat synthetic string, is invented

1968: Arthur Ashe becomes the first African-American Wimbledon champion, and he later wins the first U. S. Open – with Babolat strings

1980: Double line logo is developed

1994: Pierre Babolat launches the first group of Babolat tennis racquets

1995: Launch of first Babolat badminton racquets

1998: Carlos Moya is the first to win a grand slam with a Babolat racquet at the French Open

2001: European Launch of first Babolat tennis balls

2003: Launch of first Babolat tennis shoe with partner, Michelin

Andy Roddick wins U. S. Open with Babolat racquet and strings

2004: Launch of Aero racquet adopted by Rafael Nadal

2005: Babolat players Nadal and Clijsters both win grand slams – French Open and U. S. Open

2007: Propulse tennis shoe is launched

2008: Launch of new Xfeel badminton racquets for high-level players

Nadal wins 4th consecutive French Open title and Wimbledon

Nadal wins men’s singles gold medal at Beijing Olympics, Dinara Safina wins women’s singles silver medal

Kenneth Jonassen becomes European Badminton champion with Babolat Xfeel racquet

Nadal is ranked #1 men’s singles tennis player in the world

2009 and Beyond: There have been more than 100 grand slam wins with Babolat racquets and strings, making it the #1 brand among TOP 100 ranked players!

The folks behind the Roland-Garros Tennis Venue at the French Open have embraced the Babolat Company as they are driven by a common bond: a passion for tennis. Consequently, they have announced a unique collaboration for 2011 – two historic French Brands joining together for a five-year period to service tennis fans all over the world. In addition to supplying the official tennis balls for the French Open, Babolat will also be providing stringing services to all French Open competitors and a complete line of Babolat/Roland-Garros products to all French Open fans!

Check out our favorites from Babolat!

Favorite racquet - Babolat Aeropro Drive French Open - $199	Favorite string - Babolat VS Touch Thermogut Strings 16g - $42.95
Favorite men's shoes - Babolat Men`s Propulse 3 Tennis Shoes - $109	Favorite women's shoes - Babolat Women`s V-Pro Lady Tennis Shoes - $85
Favorite bag - Babolat Classic Racquet Holder X6 Blue - $39.95	Favorite grip - Babolat Natural Leather Grip - $10.95

Read More

Serena Williams Roland Garros 2011 Outfit

Though Serena is not playing on this year's Roland Garros, Nike created outfit with her in mind. Here is what Nike has for Serena. As we see, Serena goes the same route as Maria Sharapova, focusing as much on fashion and good look as on performance.

Serena Williams Roland Garros 2011 Look

Nike Serena Smash Knit Tennis Dress - $90	Nike Air Max Mirabella 3 Tennis Shoes - $85

Wilson BLX Blade Team Racket - $179

Read More

Maria Sharapova Roland Garros 2011 Look

After Maria's win in Internazoinali BNL D'Italia, she is one of the favorites for upcoming French Open. Nike introduced very bright collection for this year's French Open. The blue outfit of Rafa Nadal and red one of Roger Federer are complimented by yellow collection for Maria. The dress is inspired by Eiffel Tower. Check it out and buy before Maria appeared in it on Paris court.

Maria Sharapova Roland Garros 2011 Look

Nike Maria Line 9 Knit Tennis Dress - $120	Nike Lunar Speed 3 Tennis Shoes - $120
Nike Feather Light Tennis Visor - $18	Head YOUTEK Radical Midplus MP Tennis Racket - $189.95

Check back soon for a post about Nike French Open collection for Serena Williams. 

Read More

Roger Federer Roland Garros 2011 Look

We already presented Rafa Nadal's French Open 2011 fashion. Now it's time for Roger Federer. The good news - Roger's polo is back! This time Roger will wear red. Check Roger's French Open collection or sport it before Roger will hit the court in Paris, buying it right now.

Roger Federer Roland Garros 2011 Look

Nike Roger Federer Trophy Stripe Tennis Polo - $80	Nike Challenger Woven Tennis Short - $50
Nike Roger Federer Trophy Tennis Jacket - $120	Nike Lunar Vapor 8 Tour Tennis Shoes in Red - $120
Nike Tennis Swoosh Bandana Team Red - $12	Wilson BLX Six One Tour Tennis Racket - $199

Check back soon to see what's in store for Maria Sharapova and what Nike designed with Serena Williams in mind.

Read More

Rafael Nadal Roland Garros 2011 Look

Before we posted videos of 2011 Nike Roland Garros collection and before Rafa, Roger and Maria even appeared in their new outfits, they are already in stores! So you can outrun tennis players and be first to sport new tennis looks. 

Here is Rafa Nadal's French Open look, check back soon for Roger Federer, Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams Roland Garros styles!

Rafa Nadal Roland Garros 2011 Look

 

Nike Rafa Blue Tierra Tennis Top - $65	Nike 12" White Woven Tennis Short - $65
Nike Rafa Tennis Jacket in Blue - $90	Nike Air Max Courtballistec 3.3 Tennis Shoes in Blue - $125
Nike Tennis Swoosh Bandana Chlorine Blue - $12	Babolat Aeropro Drive GT Tennis Racket - $189

Read More

Babolat - Roland Garros Official Equipment 2011 is Now in Stores!

The time for all of us who are closely monitoring any updates in tennis gear world has arrived - the official equipment Babolat - Roland Garros is now in stores! We already saw Babolat Aeropro Drive French Open (a new version of good old AeroPro Drive GT) in a couple of tournaments in Jo-Wilfried Tsonga's hands.

Babolat Aeropro Drive French Open priced at $199 offers the same technologies which are in AeroPro Drive GT - unique aeroframe construction which simulates the aerodynamics of an airplane wing to minimize drag through the air for a faster swing and increased power, the Cortex technology eliminates vibrations heading, and Woofer technology produces increased stringbed interaction which gives smoother more solid touch with every shot. 

Besides a junior version of Babolat Aeropro Drive French Open tennis racket, Babolat introduced less pricey Babolat E-Sense Comp French Open tennis racket priced at $99. You can demo all the rackets at major retailers.

If you still want to have somenthing from Babolat French Open collection, but are not ready for a racket change, check out new tennis bags, a backpack or accessories.

Babolat French Open 12 Pack Tennis Bag - $79.95	Babolat French Open 6 Pack Tennis Bag - $44.95
Babolat Club French Open 6 Pack Tennis Bag - $79.95	Babolat Club French Open Tennis Backpack - $39.95
Babolat VS Grip Original French Open White Tennis Overgrip - $4.95	Babolat Custom Damp French Open Tennis Racquet Dampeners - $5.95

Finally, to see the close-ups of all the equipment, check out this video:

Read More

From Whites to Brights. Color on the Tennis Court

One custom that has been slow to change when it comes to tennis is the wearing of the traditional “tennis whites” on court.  The prim and proper folks at Wimbledon created this tradition in 1890.  They continue to encourages a conservative style for athletes, and the whites tradition  is revered and respected to this day - thankfully, a few things in life never change! 

The “whites” rule was originally imposed because it was the common color (or absence of color) to wear on court at the time, and it best hid signs of perspiration – God forbid a lady should be seen sweating!  But the original logic still holds true.  In warm weather, white is an ideal choice for keeping the body cool and modern moisture-wicking fabric provides extra comfort and protection.   
 
While white is the only color on the palette at Wimbledon, the competitors at this year’s pre-Wimbledon tourneys are sporting lime green, bright yellow, neon orange, vivid red and pink - in the men’s and women’s trendy tennis lines.  Other popular hues this year are the “Blueprint” color used in Stella McCartney’s tennis collection for Adidas, and the “Collegiate Purple” shade, used in Adidas adiZero tennis clothing line.

 

Shuai Peng and Victoria Azarenka at BNP Paribas Open

Caroline Wozniacki and Ana Ivanovic at Sony Ericsson Open 

As with Suzanne Lenglen’s startling introduction in 1922 of a colorful bandeau, women players of tennis have always been in the forefront for setting the tennis fashion tone.  This trend continues today – most noticeably when the Williams sisters hit the tennis scene.  But the men are stepping it up when it comes to tennis style and color.  While Roger Federer still sports mostly conservative, British-like tones, other players like Rafael Nadal, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Fernando Verdasco can be seen sporting bright and bold shades.

 

Rafael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco at Sony Ericsson Open 

No one knows what next year’s on-court color palette will be, but one thing is for certain.  As tennis becomes progressively more popular to consumers, tennis styles are taking a turn toward trendy!

Read More