Daily Racquet

2012 Women's Australian Open Finals Is Big Win For Nike

When Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka face off for the 2012 Women's Singles Title at the 2012 Australian Open, it will be a big win for Nike fashion. 

For Maria Sharapova it has always been performance fashion and her Melbourne kit is no different. She’s been wearing a sleek white modernized dress with electric-green racerback straps. Named the Statement Slam Dress, the intricately detailed bodice uses front and back insets in a breathable, gill-like pattern to reveal the dramatic color-contrast mesh. Nike’s innovative sweat-management Dri-FIT fabrics work in the garment’s body and in the pinhole mesh underlay to keep Sharapova cool and dry. A classy look for the tour veteran looking for a Grand Slam comeback.

For Azarenka, the Aussie Open will be her first grand slam final but don't expect her to dress up. She'll be sticking with the same casual and sporty shorts and tank outfit that lets her hit big and move around the court with ease.

The Nike short's feature an elastic waistband that reads Love Tennis with a Swoosh when it's folded over. The short also features a built-in compression short and a heat transfer Swoosh on left leg. Angled side seams are rocked forward to optimize Azarenka's movement on the court. The simple tank features an open back, high impact built-in bra with molded cups, and a woven tennis court label on left hem. But it's the Mega Blue with electric green and white color scheme that really spices it up. Add an electric green bandana and wristbands and you have a look that works for sassy youngster looking for her first Grand Slam title.

Bottomline, a big win for Nike in Melbourne.

Available online at Tennis Warehouse.

Roger and Rafa Rivalry: Action Red vs Action Green

When it comes to the on court rivalry between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, Rafa's got the edge but when it comes to their Nike fashion rivalry, Roger takes it hands down.

When the two faced off in Rod Laver Arena, Roger cut a bold figure in his Action Red RF Smash Stripe Polo featuring a drift jersey fabric designed to wick away moisture and provide protection from harmful UV rays. The sleeves were a touch longer than is typical, delivering added UV protection. The shirt also featured a unique yard dye stripe design that wraps around the body with a narrow contrast color stripe. The Nike Smash Woven Short provided a perfect fit and look with the polo. A herringbone pattern helps keep Roger cool and comfortable while adding a striking design element. There’s also a terraced, contrast-color inset on the back yoke. A 10-inch inseam means modest coverage and a great fit.

Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal's look could have worked on the beach or the courts. Baggy and casual in a bold Action Green that could have very well been an added distraction as he made his way to the finals. The Nike Rafa Finals Crew featured a fractured-geometric print over the shoulders with Dri-FIT jersey and mesh fabrics for a lightweight, non-restrictive fit to help keep the Rafa cool no matter what the temperature. The surf wear-inspired shorts are quick dry, lightweight and use a Velcro and hook and eye closure to remove the weight and bulk of a zipper and offer an adaptive fit.

Action Red or Action Green? Slim Fit or Surfer Dude? Collar or Crew? You make the call.

Available online at Tennis Warehouse.

Victoria Azarenka "Juices" Her Game

When Victoria Azarenka walks on to Rod Laver Arena to play in her first Grand Slam final, she'll be armed with three weapons — one of the best backhands in the game, a growing belief that she can win and a new Wilson BLX Juice Tennis Racquet!

Azarenka, new to the Wilson team of elite tennis tour players, switched to the Wilson Juice late last year, after signing a long-term partnership with the brand. Since then, she has shown solid form, winning the Apia International Sydney title and defeating defending champion Kim Clijsters, 6-4 1-6 6-3 en route to the finals in Melbourne.

The juice lets aggressive players such as Azarenka hit through the ball with big power and spin. Designed with power and spin in mind, the new BLX Juice racquet combines a maneuverable frame with a plush sweet spot and exceptional power. The open string pattern and standard 100 square inch head size allow for exceptional feel and power for baseline players that like to dictate the action. The moderate weight and head light balance allow you to whip the racquet through on ground strokes and provide a sold punch at the net. The handle features the new patented Amplifeel handle system designed to increase power and spin.

Give this racquet a try and see what kind of win streak you can get.

Available online at Tennis Warehouse.

Still Need A Gift — It's Not Too Late!

Gift certificates are the perfect solution when you just can't find the right gift or you're short of time. A gift certificate from Tennis Warehouse will make a perfect present for friends, family, and business associates who play tennis. 

Available online at Tennis Warehouse.

Make It A Tennis Hall of Fame Christmas

If you have a true tennis aficionado on your Christmas list — think about shopping and supporting the Tennis Hall of Fame. You'll find some fantastic items at their online store. Not only will you find some good purchases but you'll be supporting the history of the game in the process.

There are a slew of fantastic gift items to choose from including the 2011 Hall of Fame Holiday ornament, Tennis Christmas ornaments, 2011 Enshrinement merchandise, jewelry, stationary, art and more.

We're a bit partial to the Unisex Hoodie that sports the Tennis Hall of Fame logo on both the front and back hood.

But, no matter what your choice, be sure to check out the Tennis Hall of Fame store before you finish your holiday shopping.

Available online at Tennis Hall of Fame.

Ho, Ho, Ho… Lauren Lynne Jewelry Makes A Perfect Gift

If you're still looking for that something special for Christmas, you might want to check out the Laure n
Lynne jewelry collection—a compilation of unique pieces Stacy Lauren Fish (yes, the wife of Mardy Fish) and her sister Gina Lynne Katz have created. The jewelry can be seen on the likes of Brooklyn Decker, Giuliana and Gavin Rossdale. Lauren Lynne even designed a charity bracelet for tennis pro Robin Soderling's Foundation.

Our favorite piece is the LL Baller Swarovski crystal and gold ball bracelet. Very elegant but at $55 very affordable!

No Christmas tree will be complete without a ring, earrings, bracelet or necklace from the Lauren Lynne Collection.

Available online at LaurenLynne.com.

Adidas Ups The Ante With Barricade 7.0

Just when you thought the Adidas Barricade shoes couldn't get any better, here comes the Barricade 7.0, the newest generation of the best-selling tennis shoe of all-time.

Now lighter than ever with more flexibility and a seamless upper for stable comfort, the Barricade 7.0 provides the durability, comfort and support you expect. The shoes feature the hallmark barricade claws and a specially constructed chassis make the barricade 7 one of the most stable shoes on the market. The SPRINTWEB and adiPRENE®+ technologies ensure flexibility, cushioning and comfort in the forefoot area.

The Men’s Barricade 7 weighs 1.06 ounces less than its predecessor without sacrificing the traditional values of stability, durability and comfort. Along with a classic 3 stripe look, the Barricade 7 offers an all-new seamless upper construction for better ease and fit, keeping break-in to a minimum. The lateral outrigger is updated from the 3 claw stability feature to a more flex-friendly system, while the ADIWEAR6 outsole offers the superb combination of traction and durability. The shoes offer a snug and supportive fit.

The Women’s Barricade 7 caters to female athletes’ specific needs with a more elegant design, a softer forefoot flex and reduced weight—only 10.4 ounces. New features include a lighter weight seamless welded upper, and new lateral outrigger with barricade claws for stability. Improved flexibility and step-in comfort. Excellent cushioning from adiPRENE insert in heel and adiPRENE + in forefoot.

You'll find these shoes on the feet of Andy Murray and Andrea Petkovic when the 2012 Aussie Open starts.

If you're serious about your game, you'll want to give these shoes a spin.

Available online at Tennis Warehouse.

Martin van Daalen Introduces New Tennis Book: Teaching Tennis

Former USTA National Coach Martin van Daalen has written a comprehensive new tennis instructional book, Teaching Tennis. The book is geared for players, coaches and parents to learn about the basics of tennis, how to teach tennis and how to solve problems concerning all aspects of the game.

It is easy to read and is a great first step for coaches to improve their knowledge and teaching skills when working with players. It illustrates all aspects of teaching and coaching in progression. Topics include:

• Showing the fundamentals of the game
• A methodology and progression to teaching tennis
• Technical, Tactical, Physical and Mental chapters
• Information on all other aspects of the game
• Examples of the strokes with photo sequences
• How to make a training and tournament plan
• Common mistakes and how to fix them
• Extensive section on problem solving
• Drills and exercises

Martin van Daalen has been coaching for over thirty-five years. After becoming a National Coach and Director of Coaching in the Netherlands, he worked for a long period of time with top juniors and professional tennis players in the US. As a National coach, working for the USTA, he has helped develop many top juniors and professionals on the tour today.

A definite must read for any tennis enthusiast who is a student of the game. And if the information from this top coach isn't enough, the book is full of photos of the world's top tennis players when they were youngsters starting out. That makes it worth the cover price right there!

Available online at Amazon.com.

Get A Step On Your Opponent With Nike Zoom Breathe 2K10's

Get a step on your opponent in these perennial top-selling Nike tennis shoes — these elite level  performance tennis shoes offer the ultimate in breathability and durability.

These new updated shoes offer Nike's proven Air Max and Zoom Air cushioning systems. In the heel area, the Zoom Breathe unit offers both protection and comfort on tough landings.  Changes in the midfoot construction provide a new and improved breathability, durability and stability. Direct inject Drag-On combined with a highly breathable mesh provide the player with maximum temperature control, exceptional durability in the toe area, lateral stability, and great forefoot flexibility. The forefoot feels low to the ground, while heel fit is slightly more elevated with a well cushioned feel. Durable outsoles and a tough Drag-On toe guard round out this impressive performance shoe. This shoe is available in both men's and women's styles.

There's a reason this shoe is a top-seller — comfort, durability and that extra step on your opponent!

Available online at Tennis Warehouse.

Stella Hits Fashion Ace With 2011 US Open Collection

One thing we already know for sure about the 2011 US Open and it hasn't even started; Caroline Wozniacki will be showing up in style!

The 2011 Stella McCartney Collection is now available and yes, Stella McCartney has hit yet another a fashion ace with her 2011 US Open Collection. No matter what level you play, these sleek pieces will keep you looking on top of your game.

When she makes her debut in Arthur Ashe Stadium, Wozniacki will be wearing the Stella McCartney Tennis Dress. The fitted athletic tennis dress features a layered-look pleated skirt with a back zipper and side mesh inserts. Made with ClimaLite fabric which wicks sweat away from your body to  keep you comfortable in the heat, it will keep Wozniacki dry and  looking fresh while playing during some of those long three-set matches. The dress comes in two colors — white chalk and calvi (light yellow).

To add to the look, be sure to match the dress with the Stella McCartney Juglans tennis shoes. That's exactly what we thought, Juglans??? Name aside, these shoes will keep your feet nice and cool with its ample use of stylish mesh. The Juglans also offers the claw support system of the Barricade line and a TPU torsion system for excellent on-court stability. There's an adiWEAR 6 outsole and adiTUFF medial overlay for durability.

This outfit wouldn't be complete without the Stella McCartney Florifier sport bag. This main compartment in this very sporty but stylish bag has two side zippered pockets for keys, phone and other small essentials. There are additional exterior pockets as well, plus an optional shoulder strap with stylish grommet details to match the chunky zippers. It also features a metallic adidas by Stella McCartney name plate. Now, that's important.

Available online at Tennis Warehouse.