Daily Racquet

Babolat’s New XS Racquets Hit The Sweetspot

Sweet!    

That's how you can describe the new  Babolat XS tennis racquets — featuring Babolat’s new Xtra Sweetspot technology.

The Babolat XS 102 and Babolat XS 105 are enhanced with Babolat’s Xtra Sweetspot technology boasting an exclusive grommet design that significantly increases the sweet spot while providing a dampening affect and a longer contact time between the ball and string.

How does the new Xtra Sweetspot technology work? It employs a high-tech Pebax material known for its lightweight, flexible, and resilient properties. The Pebax grommets are positioned on each side of the XS racquet head to substantially enlarge the sweet spot. This design will give players a visible advantage over other mid-plus racquets because they will get the benefit of a larger sweet spot without having to enlarge the racquet head. This combo will also allow players to generate more forgiving shots with increased power.

Larger sweetspot, longer contact and more power — now that's Sweet!

Available online at Tennis Warehouse.

Pink Pony Supports Breast Cancer

Wear your breast cancer support in style with Ralph Lauren Pink Products — here are several items that will help support the cause and make a statement on the tennis court.

The Pink Pony beaded polo will definitely give you the "bead" on the competition. This  skinny fit polo features Ralph Lauren's signature 100% cotton mesh with the pink Big Pony logo on the chest in glittering beads. The shirt is finished with all the traditional details, including a ribbed polo collar and uneven vented hem.

Next time you crack a can of balls, consider using the Pink Pony Tennis Balls.  This three-pack of Pink Pony tennis balls is made by Wilson specifically for Ralph Lauren. These white and pink balls are crafted with Tex Tech extra-duty felt for extra durability and play on hard courts. Each ball bears the pink Big Pony at one side. Each  swing will remind you of the bigger cause — breast cancer awareness.

The Pink Pony Sweatband isn't just any old sweatband — this sweatband is made from plush double stretch terry featuring a the pink pony embroidered on the front in pink. Not only will it keep you dry while adding some style to your game, it will definitely signify your commitment and support to the cause.

A portion of the proceeds from all Pink Pony products supports the Pink Pony Fund for Cancer Care and Prevention which supports programs for screening, early diagnosis, treatment and research and brings patient navigation to medically underserved communities.

Get a Pink Pony product today and show your support for the cause!

Available online at RalphLauren.com.

US Open Merchandise Super Sale!

If there was ever a big tennis super sale — this might just be it!  

Right now at the US Open Shop, you can save BIG with a 30-50% discount off all 2008 US Open Merchandise. USTA members can tack on an additional 10% to all online purchases plus there is free shipping through 10/31.

This is a perfect time to score some great Christmas gifts for the tennis player on your list — t-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, performance gear and other tennis items.

Check it out now and save BIG!

Available online at the US Open Shop.

Hit Like A Girl!

Gamma has partnered with Tennis Against Breast Cancer (TABC) to increase awareness and fundraise for breast cancer research. Every time you purchase a Gamma TABC Pink Product, Gamma makes a donation to Tennis Against Breast Cancer.

To help dress your racquet in pink and show your support, consider one of these Gamma TABC Pink Products: 

The Gamma Supreme Pink Overgrip — this grip offers excellent tackiness and absorbency! Soft, yet durable enough to stand up to many hours of play. Or, how about the Pink Gamma Shockbusters - over 3 million of these little "worms" have been sold. This dampener is patented with Zorbicon and is guaranteed to dampen out vibration. To really make a statement, October is a perfect month to get your racquet restrung using Gamma's Pink Revelation String — the string features Live Wire filaments that are fused together rather than bonded together for a firmer yet more forgiving feel. It also provides a hard pearl coating on the outer surface which prevents notching and provides longer life.

Founded in 1996, TABC is the a tennis organization specially formed to expand awareness of breast cancer and raise funds to find a a cure. Through tennis and sporting events, TABC provides a means of raising funds which have benefited several organizations.

And to be serious, there's really nothing "girlie" about breast cancer, it affects us all and everybody should get in the fight!

Available online at TABC.

Roger Federer Closes Out The Year In Style

Roger Federer is closing out the year in style this week at the Madrid Masters — in classic black and white from the Nike Winter collection.

Roger has taken control of the courts to reach the semifinals wearing the the Nike Men's Winter short. These shorts feature a traditional look with a fixed waist with button and hidden tab closure, zipper fly and pressed pleats on front. For comfort, the stretch woven short is made of a herringbone-broken twill with quick dry properties. Shorts also feature side pockets with combination mesh and terry lining, a buttoned back pocket, mesh on inner legs and of course, the embroidered Swoosh logo on lower left leg.

For a perfect match on top, Roger has gone with the classy white and black Nike Men's Winter Master Polo — could there be a play of words here? The shirt features a self fabric collar, two-button placket with contrast fabric inset down center front, contrast trim on sleeve hems, mesh on back for ventilation, tennis court heat transfer on left sleeve.

Roger Federer's shoe of choice, the Vapor are greatly improved with increased upper durability and support in this fifth version. Most impressively, Nike has incorporated improvements into the Air Zoom Vapor V upper without sacrificing the speed like feel and comfortable ride. Built on a contour, speed fit last, the Air Zoom Vapor V wraps the foot for glove-like support. All in all an impressive shoe, not just for Roger but for anyone who's serious his footwork.

Available online at Tennis Warehouse.

Have a Ball While Supporting Breast Cancer Research

Wilson has created the Hope Ball Hopper Pickup as part of its program to support Breast Cancer Research — it provides an easy way to pick up and store up to 75 tennis balls at once and is an ideal accessory for the teaching pro.

The unit is made of heavy-duty plated steel, with handles that fold up for easy ball retrieval. As an alternative, you can flip the handles down and convert them into lock-in-place legs, making it easier to dispense the balls. Best of all, the Ball Hopper breaks down quickly for convenient storage. The hopper also has a no-spill lid, which is extra good news for anybody who has had to play "Pickup 75" and not by choice, if you know what we mean.

Wilson has been a corporate sponsor of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) since 1998. All Wilson Hope products feature the BCRF pink ribbon and their packaging includes information on how to prevent breast cancer. A minimum of $500,000 benefits BCRF during the next five years.

What better way to show your support for breast cancer research with a hopper of balls!

Available online at Amazon.com.

Book Early: Boris Becker Beach Resort & Tennis Academy

You might want to book your reservations now because when the new Boris Becker Beach Resort & Tennis Academy located on the luxurious Al Marjan Island opens in 2010, it will be the "in" place to be.

The Boris Becker Beach Resort and Tennis Academy  has been described as the region's most ambitious integrated luxury mega-resort ever —strategically located at entrance of Ras al Khaimah's lush Al Marjan Island, the sprawling 2.5 million square-foot project offers a rare dual ocean-front advantage, with the estate stretching from one end of isle's shore to the next. An aerial view of the massive coast-to-coast development tells the story of the sea turtle, noted in folklore for its longevity and resilience, nestling peacefully along the shores of the isle.

In addition to offering two ocean front exposures and 2.5 million square feet of luxury holiday homes — the resort will feature high end resort and spa facilities, a five star hotel, and of course a world-class tennis academy 50% owned by Becker himself.

Becker who will play a significant role in the design of the Tennis Academy, will also co-manage the completed facility, assisted by long-time friend, and fellow German Davis-Cup team partner, Eric Jelen. The world class structure will feature 6 tennis courts with rebound-ace surfaces.

Call your travel agent and book your reservations now!

Tennis Against Breast Cancer

Founded in 1996, Tennis Against Breast Cancer (TABC) is the a tennis organization specially formed to expand awareness of breast cancer and raise funds to find a a cure. Through tennis and sporting events, TABC provides a means of raising funds which have benefited several organizations.

In addition to hosting special events to raise money, TABC has a whole line of product available on their website and has partnered with Gamma, who provides a variety of tennis accessories, the proceeds of which help the cause.

Tennis can have a huge impact on the quality of life of breast cancer survivors, family members and friends. Tennis can help survivors regain their strength through conditioning, and bring together all those affected by the disease and put their minds at ease for a while.

Tennis is a game that brings out the best in all of us and TABC provides a way to give back through the sport that has given us so much.

TABC is the only tennis organization specially formed to expand awareness of breast cancer and raise funds to find a a cure!

For more information, or to purchase TABC products, go to tennisabc.org.

The Long And Short of It: Prince O3 Speedport Long Body Tennis Racquet

The Prince O3 Speedport Long Body Tennis Racquet offers up a solid combination of power, control and comfort. The 27.5 inch racquet length is designed for players who want a longer frame to generate even faster racquet head speed — leading to more power and more spin — as well as an extended reach and court coverage.

The longer handle makes this an excellent choice for players with a two-handed backhand. 

The racquet features the popular Speedport Tuning System (STS)  which allows players to fine tune their racquet by utilizing interchangeable string inserts for the exact feel they prefer — one system acts like a regular Speedport racquet, allowing the strings freedom of movement. The other grommet system features a tube to restrict string movement (like a regular grommet system) without altering the aerodynamic benefits of the large Speedport.

With the combination of the added length and the open string pattern a — this user-friendly stick will go a long ways in helping you win your next tennis match.

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

Tennis Great Maria Sharapova and Canon Team Up To Raise Awareness for Breast Cancer

October is breast cancer awareness month and Maria Sharapova and Canon are doing their part to help support the cause —they have teamed up to create breast cancer awareness with the Company's "Pink" campaign.

Canon has created a special “bundle,” including a PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital ELPH camera in pink melody, a SELPHY CP760 Compact Photo Printer, also in pink melody, a pink ribbon charm and a mammogram reminder magnet, provided by the American Cancer Society.

“Breast cancer is an important issue that affects too many women and it is critical to generate awareness, educate people about this disease and the importance of early detection and yearly mammograms,” said Maria Sharapova. “I am proud to partner with Canon on this cause.”

The Company’s “Pink” campaign celebrates Canon U.S.A.’s 10-year support of the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. For the month of October, Canon will contribute $150,000 to the American Cancer Society in recognition of breast cancer awareness month, which will benefit the Society’s breast cancer awareness, research, patient service and advocacy programs.

Support breast cancer and purchase this "Pink" bundle today! 

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