Daily Racquet

Lacoste Hits Winners With New Women's Spring Line

We give Lacoste a definite thumbs up with it's new women's Spring line—classy and preppy! Definite    favorites include the Lacoste Printed Polo dress, the V-Neck Sweater and the Braided Straw Visor.

The sporty Lacoste Printed Polo dress features a ribbed collar and sleeve openings, a    multi-button placket, a mini chest pocket with signature Croc applique, and pockets on the skirt. A tennis ball print on top provides a definite graphic impact.  It's offered in two color schemes—White with Flamenco and White with Light Blue.

Combine prepster cool with sexy sleek when you wear this tipped, deep V-neck  sweater (not our line but we couldn't have said it any better). You can wear this sweater on its own or  layered. The cotton sweater features a ribbed V-neck, cuffs and hem. A signature  Croc applique is on left chest. 

Top it all off with the perfectly preppy braided straw visor—a sure winner both on and off the court.  

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.

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. 

Tennis Tee of the Week: KSwiss Have An Awesome Day!

We think these t-shirts are awesome!

Placebo or not, this tee just makes us feel good. The bright colors and the feel-good thought brings an added hop, skip and a smile to our day. Of course, the tee becomes even more desirable when you see Mardy Fish wearing it and of course, we all know what kind of "awesome" tennis run he's been having the past few months.

That makes us think that getting one of these fun tees might just make your tennis game (and the world) a little more "awesome." It's definitely worth a try!

The shirt is 100% cotton ring spun jersey with a a ribbed crew neck and is available in black, white and heather grey. 

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.

Novak Djokovic Returns Sergio Tacchini To Center Court

Since it was founded in 1966, Sergio Tacchini has been a strong brand with a true tennis DNA — many famous players like John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors, Pete Sampras, Goran Ivanisevic, Martina Navratilova, Martina Hingis have worn the Sergio Tacchini logo.

But it has been a while since the brand has made a presence on Center Court — Novak Djokovic is changing that. The new world #1 and 2011 Men's Wimbledon Champion is giving Sergio a big boost back into the spotlight.

Known for using colors and stripes, Djokovic's new Sergio Tacchini Summer Djokovic Group features both. The 100% Polyester Djokovic Nuell Polo features a self-fabric collar,  a three-button placket front and tonal mesh panel on sides. A  multicolor gradient "rainbow" graphic is on the front, back and sleeves with a sublimated Novak Djokovic logo is on the left hem, and a heat transfer ST logo on the left chest.

Djokovic matches the crew with the Djokovic Navajo Short. The 88% Polyester and !2% Spandex short features features an elastic waist with an internal drawcord, a faux fly, side pockets, and a mesh gusset for ventilation and range of motion. The same gradient "rainbow" graphic as the polo, is printed sideway on both legs.

Thinking about making a return to Center Court soon? You might want to consider Sergio Tacchini...

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.

Nole Is The New Face of Sergio Tacchini and Mens Tennis

Novak Djokovic has become the new face of Sergio Tacchini — sporting a modern and fashionable design at the 2011 Aussie Open created specifically for him.

Sergio Tacchini has a long history with tennis since in it was founded in 1966, in northern Italy, by Sergio Tacchini, the International Tennis player who was a singles player in the Davis Cup for Italy from 1959 to 1966. The brand immediately introduced great innovation in style, using colors and stripes at a time when tennis players only wore white.

Down Under, Djokovic wore the Sergio Tacchini Men's Spring Santese Polo. The shirt features a ribbed collar with mesh panels at the arms for increased ventilation and a  dimpled textured panel across chest and back with contrast piping. The Novak Djokovic logo is on the right hem.

Djokovic matched the crew with the Sergio Tacchini Men's Spring Secondo Short. The shorts feature an elastic waistband with internal drawcord with colorblocking down the side with dimpled texture at  the top. The shorts are completed with contrast piping down the sides, side pockets, and the applied    rubber Sergio Tecchini logo on the left hem.

Many famous players like John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors, Pete Sampras, Goran Ivanisevic, Martina Navratilova, Martina Hingis wore the Sergio Tacchini logo. Djokovic is banking that Sergio Tacchini, a strong brand with a true tennis DNA, will help add to his tennis legacy. If the Aussie Open title is any indication, he just might be on to something.

Available online at Tennis Warehouse.

Rod Laver Arena Serves Up Tennis and Fashion

Rod Laver Arena has quickly become the fashion runway for the major sports brands as they launch their new Spring tennis lines.

World No. 2 Roger Federer made his debut on Center Court wearing the Nike Trophy Polo and woven short. Both are constructed with Dri-FIT fabric to wick moisture from the skin. The UV protective polo   features a woven collar and collar stand,  for height and structure, giving it a classic polished look. The no-button placket offers added ventilation and includes Roger's signature, laser-cut RF logo. The shirts bonded seams at the armholes, shoulders, back yoke and center back provide a lightweight fit and reduce irritation. A laser-cut cross pattern on the back hem adds ventilation and gives a subtle nod to Rogers' Swiss nationality. The woven shorts offer a  tailored look but are performance ready. These lightweight shorts feature elasticized sides that provide just the right amount of stretch and mesh inserts on the inner legs for ventilation where you need it most. Other features include an all-over tonal herringbone stripe pattern, mesh-lined  side pockets, mesh inserts on the inner legs for ventilation and a back pocket with a button closure.
  
For shoes, Roger is wearing the Lunar Vapor 8 Tour, featuring full length Lunarlon cushioning and Flywire upper for ultra-lightweight cushioning and support. The Vapor 8 Tour also incorporates Archfit for midfoot support and stability. A full-length XDR (extra-durable rubber) outsole and a protective toe piece provides maximum durability on all surfaces.

On the women’s side, Maria Sharapova made her debut wearing the Nike Oz Open Ace Dress, constructed with lightweight Dri-FIT woven fabric, which wicks moisture rapidly and contains four-way stretch for comfort. Contrasting colors wrap toa V in the front for a flattering design details, while an innovate double-loop shoulder strap system provides comfortable support. The dress' racer back construction allows for freedom of movement and a personalized fit.

To match her dress, Sharapova is wearing the Lunarlon Speed 3, featuring full length Lunarlon cushioning for repsonsive cushioning and an ultra-lightwieght Flywire upper for support. The Lunarlon Seepd 3 also incorporates Archfit for midfoot support and stablity. A full-length XDR outsolde proveds maximum durability on all surfaces.

These outfits are a great way for you to launch your own fashion show this Spring.

Available online at Tennis Warehouse.