Daily Racquet

Looking For Some Signature Moves? Try KSwiss Tubes Monfils Mid

If you're looking to pick up some signature moves from the flying Frenchman Gael Monfils, you might to   take a look at his new signature shoes, the Tubes Monfils Mid.

The high-performance shoe, features full-length Tubes technology cushion with a Aosta II rubber outsole that is designed for traction and durability. The supportive and durable mid-cut upper is reinforced with welded TPU overlays. Specially formulated K-EVA provides maximized cushioning and enhances the durability of the midsole. Nice extras include a padded tongue and heel collar hug your foot for a great fit, a heel pull tab to make it easy to get your heel fully seated and stay-tied laces that "catch" and won't come untied.

But what really makes these shoes unique are the Monfils-inspired graphics. The tongue features a silver graphic of Monfils face with his nick-name LAMONF! inscribed beneath. On the inside foot there is a silhouette of Monfils sliding and on the heel you’ll find graphics of Monfils name.

Definitely a shoe designed with some signature moves in mind.

Available online at Tennis Warehouse.

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.

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.

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. 

No Bull: Rafa Feather Hat Available in Six Colors

Rafael Nadal's tennis fans can score a Nike Bull Feather Hat in six different colors! The lightweight hat features an adjustable fit with Nadal's signature bull logo embroidered on the front. It has four mesh vents for visual and functional flavor with a black underbill and binding to minimize visual glare. And for the mid-game emergencies, the hat has a quick-adjust back closure for secure, one handed on-the-fly adjustability.

Wear one of these hats on the court and add a little bit of that same competitive, colorful fire of Rafael Nadal to your game—heck, get one in every color!

Available online at Tennis Warehouse.

"I am Novak Djokovic and My Game is Speed"

Sounds a little like tennis anonymous doesn't it? Anonymous no more. Novak Djokovic is taking the tennis world by storm and garnering a lot of headlines.

Also getting a lot of attention these days is his racquet of choice—the Head YouTek IG Speed. The Speed MP comes in 18x20 string pattern and appeals to a wide range of players with its perfect combination of power and feel, offering advanced level players all the control aggressive players need to attack the ball with confidence. The new Head Innegra hybrid-composite structure is integrated into the racquet for shock absorption and improved stability. As a result vibrations are reduced by up to 17% on ball impact for unique control and precision. This protects the player from the forces of a ball impact. The stringbed offers enough bite to add heavy spin, yet the tight string pattern offers the perfect feel for controlling flat shots. Serves have both power and spin thanks to the racquet's maneuverable feel. At net the racquet feels fast and responsive.

All in all this is an impressive racquet and there isn't a better time to give it a try. If you purchase a Head YouTek by August 5, 2011, not only will you save $20 but you will also receive a FREE NO.1VAK t-shirt.

Available online at Tennis Warehouse.

Venus Williams Stylishly Jumps Into The Second Round at Wimbledon

Venus Williams zipped through the first round at Wimbledon after unveiling yet another new and  
flamboyant outfit bearing the EleVen logo, her own fashion label.

Williams, playing only her second tournament since suffering a hip injury at the Australian Open, made her debut at Wimbledon in a daring new Jumper design — the all-in-one outfit features shorts with cutout sleeves on the shoulders and a big triangle cut out the back. The playsuit has a "V" neckline and is adorned with a gold belt and zipper in the front.

According to the former World #1 and Wimbledon Champion, "Jumpers are very now, as is lace. The shoulders have a lot of draping, which is also in the moment," she says. "It's just kind of like a trendy dress. It's fun."

While we can't say we're sold on the outfit—we can say, for the moment, we're just glad she is back on the tennis court. For more information on the collection go to Eleven by Venus Williams.

Jack Purcell's Are Back!

Fred Perry did it.

Puma did it.

Adidas, Stan Smith.

And now Jack Purcell's, the iconic must-haves for aspiring Hollywood actors and actresses in the ‘30s and ‘40s are back!

Jack Purcell shoes have been popular with tennis players since their inception in 1935, when world famous badminton champion Jack Purcell helped design an innovative and durable court shoe that raised the level of quality in performance wear. Eternally hip and understated, this classic court shoe now pushes that status in a progressive new direction.

With a contemporary twist on the classic 1930’s silhouette highlighting the telltale smile toe, the Jack Purcell shoe embarks on a 21st century renaissance injected with a refined and simple style. The new shoes combine the classic look Jack Purcell is known for with state of the art Nike technologies, making it one of the lightest and most comfortable tennis shoes ever built. Carefully crafted with high tech performance benefits presented in a clean, simple package – the shoes are perfect for both on-and-off court action. The Glen Plaid mono-mesh woven upper is constructed with Nike Flywire technology for the perfect blend of breathable performance and style, keeping feet cool all the way through the fifth set. The Lunarlon midsole provides light and responsive cushioning to ensure even the fastest court movements are accomplished in comfort. For stability the shoe features a carbon fiber shank that helps stiffen the chassis while still offering a lightweight feel. An XDR outsole ensures there is ample traction and durability to keep up.

This shoe gets serious good marks for combined style and performance — Jack is definitely back!

Available online at Tennis Warehouse.