Daily Racquet

What Are Gonzos?

Anybody remember the line from the Muppet comic strip, "Chickens are People, Too!...But what are Gonzos?" 

Well, now we know. Gonzos are relatives of the Balle de Match Yippee Man.

Balle de Match has introduced a new Gonzo Backpack featuring an unconventional compartment for holding two racquets and here is the unconventional part, this pocket is located at the front of the bag instead of the back, and in a non-zippered, open pocket held with plastic clasps.

The main compartment is large enough to fit a change of clothes and a pair of shoes while two smaller, side pockets are perfect for keys, change, eyewear or other accessories.

A completely new, and unique feature of this bag, is the removable cell phone pocket that attaches to the backpack straps.

The bag has a well padded back and straps, making it very comfortable to carry.  Color options include red, black or pink bags.

Try out one of these "Great Gonzo" backpacks and take pride in its uniqueness.

Available online at Tennis Warehouse.

Calling All Roger Federer Fans!

A hat is a hat unless of course it has RF embroidered on the front of it and a Nike swoosh on the side. In that case, the RF could stand for none other than world No. 1 Roger Federer.

Nike has created the Roger Federer Hybrid Hat that  features an RF embroidered monogram on the face of the hat with silver thread, adding a touch of class and style which true Federer fans will appreciate. The underside of the bill is contrasting grey, and there's a mesh insert around the head to control moisture. The hat also features Dri-Fit fabrication to wick away perspiration. A velcro strap makes this hat adjust to fit most people.

Add a touch of class to your game when you sport this classy hat.

Available online at Tennis-Warehouse.

Play Like A Pro With New Babolat Aero Strike: Extra-Light Version of Rafael Nadal's Winning Racquet

Already a top-seller in Europe, Babolat has finally introduced the new Aero Strike tennis racquet, a lighter version of three-time French Open winner (2005-07) Rafael Nadal’s Aero Pro Drive, in the US.

The Aero Strike provides for better maneuverability while maintaining great power. This racquet will appeal to players with a faster, medium to full swing who like the feel of the Aero Modular technology which helps increase head speed and power while providing excellent control. The Aero Strike is more forgiving, more maneuverable and lighter than the Aero Pro Drive - the perfect next step for up-and-coming juniors or intermediates moving up from a racquet like the Drive Z Lite, another lightweight mid-plus racquet in the Babolat range.

Play like a pro with the new Babolat Aero Strike.

For more information go to babolat.com. Available online at Tennis Warehouse.

Mother's Day Is May 11th: Add Some Sparkle To Your Mom's Day

Yes, it is no secret that diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Just ask tennis goddess Serena Williams who sported dangling 7-carat diamond earrings at the 2007 US Open.

While its' not anywhere close to Serena's earrings with an estimated price tag of $40K, you can't go wrong this Mother's Day with this 2 Carat Diamond 10K Gold Tennis Bracelet.

This Netaya tennis bracelet showcases gorgeous diamonds set into a feminine creation of dazzle, sparkle and beauty. Crafted of polished 10K yellow gold, this bracelet features 50 round diamonds in prong settings. It measures 7" and has a slide insert clasp with safety guard.

All, not just the top tennis players, seeks after the elegance of a diamond bracelet. This bracelet will definitely add some sparkle to your mom's game.

For more information go to Netaya.com. Available online at Amazon.com.

Venus Williams Teams With PowerAde Zero

Looking to hydrate yourself after a long day on the tennis court but worried about the calories in those sports drinks?

You're not alone.

Believe it or not, top tennis player Venus Williams watches her calories as well. So Williams, who follows a nutrition plan, likes the idea of rehydrating after a workout without the calories of a regular sports drink. That's why she has teamed with PowerAde Zero.

On the court, Williams drinks pink lemonade PowerAde, while her favorite off-court drink of choice has become PowerAde Zero — with grape being her favorite.

Traditional sports drinks, such as regular PowerAde, provide calories for energy as well as electrolytes to replace those lost in vigorous exercise. PowerAde Zero offers carbohydrates without adding the calories — it is artificially sweetened with sucralose and acesulfame potassium. Zero comes in strawberry, mixed berry and grape.

The right strategy might be to PowerAde your game up a notch — 6-Zero, 6-Zero.

Cut Up The Court With Wilson Open II

The new Wilson Open II men's tennis shoes are all about footwork.

Mix in a little rocket science and the shoes have become lighter, sleeker and a whole lot more comfortable. The direct-injected TPU Quarter Stable Wrap keep feet stable when moving laterally, important for the advanced player having to make quick changes of direction. Dual layer toe protection with Duratex adds durability while the 360 degree ventilation and perforated EVA sockliner help keep your feet cool.

Red isn't your color? Not to worry, these shoes are available in several colors. 

Overall, one of the best lightweight, cushioned, and breathable shoes available.

Try a pair and get your game moving in the right direction.

Available online at Tennis Warehouse.

Babolat Racquets Continue To Storm The Market

Babolat is has introduced two new tennis racquets — the Babolat Pure Storm Limited and Babolat Aero Storm 2008.

The Pure Storm Limited is a mid-size racquet designed for experienced players with a wide, fast swing. It features a Carbon Xtreme composition to offer more control and sensation upon impact with a traditional Cross Section that provides more stability and better control.

The new Aero Storm 2008 racquet, a lighter version of the Aero Storm 2007, is designed for well-rounded expert players with a full swing, who master a wide variety of tactics with technical expertise.

It features the Babolat Cortex System in the handle that filters vibration for a purer feel and the Aero Modular Technology that forms a narrower cross section of the racquet head for greater control. And, like all Babloat Racquets, the Aero Storm 2008 has the Woofer Technology for added comfort. These innovations are designed to simulate an airplane wing, offering power and control while increasing head speed.

If you’re looking for a little more control on the court without giving up any power, you might want to give these racquets a try.

The Babolat Pure Storm Limited, Babolat Aero Storm 2008 and Babolat Aero Storm Tour will be available in tennis specialty stories in May.

For more information go to babolat.com.

Head To The Courts In Style With Whak Sak Tennis Bag

Make a fashionable arrival on the courts this weekend with the silver metallic Whak Sak Saturday Night tennis bag.

This super stylish bag easily carries two racquets to the court in a specially designed compartment that expands as needed. A large front zippered pouch has pockets for an MP3 player or cell phone and also features a key hook. The main compartment cinches closed with a togel and has zippers on the side to expand when you need a bit more room. On the back, you can pack more accessories into one of the zippered pockets. There's zippered access to the main compartment on the back, and you'll also find a name tag slot on the back.

To carry all this, there's an adjustable padded strap that's convertible from a single strap to double straps. And for an added bonus for quick pickup, there's a handle on top.

And the best part is that all Whak Saks come with an insulated, magnetic, detachable cooler so you will always be able to bring along your favorite beverage in the same bag.

Available online at Tennis Warehouse.

Hottest New Racquet: Wilson [K]Six One 95

According to a newly released TIA/Sports Marketing Survey — the hottest new racquet on the market today — is the Wilson [K]Six One 95, one of the newest generations in what has been a popular seller for Wilson for more than a decade.

The KSix One 95 picks up where the nCode nSixOne 95 left off, but is now available in a lighter static weight. Weighing in a full 1.5 oz. lighter than the KSixOne 95, maneuverability is improved without sacrificing power substantially. The dense 18x20 string bed further enhances control and feel for advanced players.

This user-friendly stick is meant for competitive tennis players looking to add control, consistency, and precision to their game.

Available online at Tennis Warehouse.

PumpOne For Tennis Fitness

Need a little incentive to help you get in shape for the tennis courts? Try PumpOne — a personal trainer that fits in your racquet bag.

Here's how it works — you download a workout program, sync it to your iPod, iPhone, Nano, Zune or cell phone, and click through your workout while listening to your own music. When you’re done with an exercise, click the next button for your next move. Single workouts start at $9, packages start at $49.

And for the tennis player there's even a tennis-specific stretch and core package.

Available online at PumpOne.