FASHION FIX: Blake beats Rochus, no longer silly for sleeveless

James Blake has never had great success at Wimbledon - can you believe he's never been past the third round here? Well, he got his 2008 campaign off to a good start defeating diminuitive Belgian Christophe Rochus 3-6, 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 to move into the second round where he'll face former Aussie Open finalist Rainer Schuettler.

It's so good to see James, who like a number of ballers has been silly for sleeveless, return back to his classic ways and bust out the Nike London Tennis Polo Shirt in white.

Could this be the most welcomed men's trend this year or what?

(image via Getty)

FASHION FIX: Rafa to battle Gulbis, keeps game + style short for Wimbledon

Rafael Nadal, whose relationship is all the rage this fortnight, began his quest for a first Wimbledon title today. The French Open champ battled a game Andreas Beck and pulled out a tight 3-setter winning 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (0). He now takes on the big-hitting Latvian Ernests Gulbis in a mouth-watering second rounder which could be a very tricky test for Rafa.

It seems like the Spaniard is definitely feeling his grass game these days - learning to shorten his swings and shorten the points. Apparently his style has followed as the Mallorcan Matador debuted cropped, and very pretty, locks and the Nike Longer Length Tennis Short which are, ironically, shorter than his trademark Capri Pants.

Whatever the reason, Rafa looks more confident and more comfortable in his own skin these days.

(image via Getty)

FASHION FIX: Sharapova + Nike debut tuxedo-inspired innovation at Wimbledon

Maria "Shriek"apova debuted her Nike tuxedo-inspired outfit today for her march towards a second Wimbledon title. The 2004 champion is currently battling Frenchie veteran Stephanie Foretz in the first round.

The outfit looks both elegant and comfortable - very fitting for her Wimbledon campaign. It also has some sexy touches with the sheerness of the top and the dressier shorty-shorts with an extended tab, which I definitely prefer. A blazer-style warm up jacket with a tie front brings the entire outfit together with confidence.

I really believe this type of design innovation is exciting and needed in tennis, not at every tournament, but for top ballers at the Grand Slams and even the year-end Championships.

Overall, a great moment for Nike + Maria.

(images via Getty)

FASHION FIX: Fed opens Centre Court, debuts classic cardigan moment

Roger Federer made his annual fashion walk at 1pm to open match play on Centre Court, an honor given to the defending men's champion at Wimbledon.


The 5-time winner also debuted his latest Nike look for The Championships, dropping his blazer + slacks from last year for a simple wide ribbed cream-colored cardigan with gold piping and featuring a crest on the left with his ubiquitous "RF" logo.

The sweater was paired with the Federer Wimbledon Polo and Control Short that I previewed last week. He also brought along his white Nike duffle bag from last year and the new limited-edition Wilson racquet bag.

But the world no. 1 was hiding another something special under his new sweater moment - a preppy canvas d-ring belt:

The belt matches the cardigan colorway and showcases the "5" insignia that's also found on his Nike Vapors that I wrote about yesterday. Here's what Fed had to say about the fashion change this year:

Two jackets were enough. It was like 'let's move on', but the jacket might be back next year. We thought something different would be nice. The result's nice - and I've got a belt this year too. It's nice. It's easier to wear than the jacket to be honest.

Oh yeah - back to Fed's match. The stylish Swiss opened against good friend Dominik Hrbaty, who he actually had never beaten (0-2). But he made good today defeating the Slovak easily 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. Clearly the on-court tension was at a minimum between these friends, even sharing a mid-match laugh. Nice way to start the tournament, eh?


(images via Getty)

FASHION FIX: Fed debuts new white + gold Nike Vapors for Wimbledon

Roger Federer gave a sneak peek at the new Nike Vapors from the White/Gold Collection that he'll be wearing during the Wimbledon fortnight. The trainers feature his "RF" logo on the left shoe and a "5" on the right to signify the Swiss' five consecutive wins at The All England Club.

You can also see the nubby traction on the soles of the shoes especially made for grass-court battling. Very cool.

(image via Getty)

FASHION FIX: The Williams sisters go classic for Wimbledon, but Venus adds a sexy touch

The Williams sisters, who were pioneers in the development of women's tennis fashion + style, have revealed their outfits for this year's Wimbledon. And what the pieces lack in bells and whistles they gain with classic styling mixed with modern detailing.

Two-time champion ReRe will be working pieces from the Nike White/Gold Collection including the Serena Wimbledon Top and the Serena Wimbledon Skirt both in the required white colorway with gold detailing. She'll also stay warm as she takes Centre Court in the Serena Wimbledon Cover Up also in white with gold.

Big sis' Venus will be debuting a new dress from her EleVen by Venus Williams fashion collection that is essentially a summery tank dress with a flirty skirt. But the interesting detail here is the tie-twist front which creates a small peep-hole at the chest. A discreet but sexy wink from the 4-time defending champ? Perhaps!


(images via prodirecttennis.com, Steve and Barry's)

FASHION FIX: Sharapova confirms tuxedo-inspired Nike duds for Wimbledon

Maria "Shriek"apova is planning to switch up her fashion game at Wimbledon this year and I can't wait.

A big thanks to DtL! reader karolina for tipping me off to the Russian's confirmation that she'll be working the Nike Sharapova Wimbledon Sleeveless Top and the Sharapova Wimbledon Woven Short from the White/Gold Collection that I wrote about earlier in the week:

Maria has just confirmed she will be wearing shorts throughout the tournie!! She will be sporting the tuxedo style top and shorts.

According to a pre-Wimby interview on the 21-year old's website,

I'm going with the traditional shorts, believe it or not. I've never worn shorts at a Grand Slam. I'm gonna be debuting that. Call it menswear, obviously. It's kind of like a tuxedo look, very simple lines, classic.

Well, well Maria. I give you huge props for taking the risk and changing things up. Good for you and good for tennis fashion.

(image via prodirecttennis.com)

FASHION FIX: Another Wimbledon dress surfaces for Sharapova - could this be the one?

Here's another dress option that Maria "Shriek"apova could be wearing next week at she goes for a second Wimbledon crown.

This is called the Nike Sharapova Wimbledon Dress and it reminds me of a baby-doll dress with its empire waist and duel-tiering. There seems to be some interesting etching on the fabric which gives the dress texture.

But there's also a blue version which is called the US Open Day Dress and I'm sure she wouldn't wear the same outfit for both Grand Slams.

The mystery continues!

(image via prodirecttennis.com)

FASHION FIX: Preview of Nike Wimbledon gear for Fed + Rafa

Will this be the scene again on the final Sunday of Wimbledon this year?

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will try to match their final efforts at Roland Garros from the last three years by making a third consecutive Wimbledon final. Let's hope for Fed, though, that he recovers from his beatdown by the Spanish steamroller and makes it that far.

And what about their Wimbledon Nike fashions? Of course, all ballers are required to work their whites so Fed will be wearing the Federer Wimbledon Polo in white + dark obsidian and the Control Short in white for match play. Rafa continues with the Global Power Sleeveless in white and the Nadal Longer Length Short also in white.

Additionally, Fed + Rafa will be getting new colorways in their popular Vapors and Cages.

But what will Swiss stylist be wearing this year as he enters Centre Court at The All-England Club? Stay tuned!

(images via tt.tenniswarehouse.com)

FASHION FIX: Is Federer's Nike fashion fit for the girls?

Some tennis fans are starting to think that Nike is making a girlie-man out of the world no. 1.

Back in April, an astute DtL! reader wondered why Nike was putting the always fashionable Roger Federer in women's trends this season. Well it seems like the global sports brand is at it again this fortnight and some fans aren't happy.

Reader barcelona2012 had this to say about Fed's French Open fashion,

...the white on the sleeves is so girlish. I think it's just the angle, but that photo on the left makes it look like it's a puckered, cap sleeve type shirt.

An anonymous commenter took it another step further saying,

i just emailed nike.com to ask why they are making Rog look like a girl. I don't even like the dated white collar and cuffs look on girls. a million UGHS.

Is this a Nike coincidence or conspiracy? Do tell!

(image via Getty)

FASHION FIX: Incredibly hulking Rafa goes green in Nike

Rafael Nadal finally completed his first round match defeating Thomaz Bellucci 7-5, 6-3, 6-1. Though the 20-year old Brazilian showed glimpses of brilliance, he was no match for the talent of the 3-time defending champion.

Rafa also debuted his new Nike duds for the occasion which I previewed earlier in the season. The "incredibly hulking" Spaniard looked intimidating in the Global Power Sleeveless in light green spark, the Global 3/4 Tennis Pant in olive khaki, and the Air Max Breathe Cage II in classic green, white, and zinc.

Good luck to all pretenders this fortnight.

(images via Getty)

FASHION FIX: Sharapova shines in Nike, but suffering US Open '07 flashbacks?

New world no. 1...top seed...potential career Grand Slam...feeling pressure much? I'm thinking so after Maria "Shriek"apova escaped an embarrassing first round dismissal by finally defeating compatriot Eygeniya Rodina 6-1, 3-6, 8-6. The Russian had 17 double faults in the match...ouch. Click here for her post-match interview.

But at least Maria looked good in the Nike Paris Dress and Tiffany earrings. Unfortunately, fashion won't help her if her game is faltering (think: US Open 2007). Get thee to the practice courts stat!

(image via Getty + AP)

SIGHTING: Sharapova hits up Tiffany's Paris Store, debuts French Open outfit + earrings

Maria "Shriek"apova, looking flawless in red, made her way to the Tiffany's Paris Store to debut the Nike Paris Dress she'll be wearing during her run towards a career Grand Slam. The world no. 1 also showed off the 18K gold Tiffany earrings designed by Elsa Peretti.


(image via mariasharapova.com)

FASHION FIX: Federer defeats Querrey, goes dark for Nike

Roger Federer made his debut at the French Open today defeating giant American baller Sam Querrey 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 and continuing his quest for a lucky no. 13 Grand Slam.

Fed also debuted his new Nike duds which I previewed at the start of the spring season. The Sphere React Cool Polo in dark obsidian and the Dri-FIT Control Short in the same hue look great on the world no. 1.


But one question: where is the Sphere React Cool Polo in lilac???

(images via Getty)

FASHION FIX: Serena's tide is rising, goes nautical with Nike

Serena Williams, who may be losing her marbles these days, looked focused in her 6-2, 6-1 demolition of compatriot Ashley Harkleroad in the first round of the French Open.

ReRe also looked classically cool in her Nike Doubles Tennis Dress. I'm loving the nautical feel of the chalk + dark obsidian color combo, the beautiful razor back with contrasting color block (below), and the skinny belt to tie it all together.


Sporty elegance as its best...

(images via Getty, Nike.com)

FASHION FIX: Sharapova French Open dress finally revealed...and the crystal (tennis) ball has bragging rights

As my crystal (tennis) ball predicted, Maria "Shriek"apova will be working the Nike Paris Dress during her run towards a career Grand Slam at Roland Garros. According to Tennis Week:

The "Paris dress" by Nike is a 1920s-inspired design that reflects her dynamic sense of style. Designed in collaboration with the three-time Grand Slam champion, the performance Dri-Fit dress is dark obsidian blue with contrasting chalk white satin ribbons and double layered pleated skirt. The elegant, ultra-light creation is finished with a luminous Tiffany pearl button closure that fastens at the back of the dress.

The Russian glamourpuss will also be donning Tiffany designer Elsa Peretti’s Wave earrings in 18K gold. The partnership will last for the next two years and Maria will be showcasing Tiffany jewelry at all four Grand Slams.

Very glam, very Paris. Just don't lose them in the red dirt Maria (says the lucky ball girl...or boy).

(image via tennisweek.com)

FASHION FIX: Federer really loves himself and he's not afraid to show it!

Roger Federer, who lost his Hamburg crown to Rafael Nadal, joined Maria Sharapova, Amelie Mauresmo + Richard Gasquet on the practice courts of Roland Garros this week.

I think he's looking fashionable and fit. But, is there any other baller out there that looks this put together in a practice session? Also, does anyone else find it strange to see him wearing his own Nike t-shirt?? I think the 'RF' hat is okay but with the t-shirt it's a bit overkill.

In any case, Fed really loves himself!

(image via Getty)

FASHION FIX: Uninspired Sharapova still regurgitating looks - is she bored by fashion?

Maria "Shriek"apova, the almost world no. 1 after Justine Henin's shocking retirement yesterday, played a rematch of the Amelia Island final defeating Dominika Cibulkova 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 in the second round of Rome.

The Russian fashionista also sported the same style Nike duds in this match that she worked in Amelia Island but wore the Nike Paris tank in dark obsidian and the Paris skirt in lilac. I much prefer the color combo from Amelia Island - I've always thought a dark top over a lighter bottom looks strangely unflattering.

Anyway, in more Maria news here are a few captures of the 21-year old in the now infamous "Superheroes" WTA photoshoot. Is this what all the drama was about? Maybe she was really pissed that there wasn't a stylist on set, because she's still having bad fashion flashbacks:




(images via Getty)

FASHION FIX: Azarenka loses in Prague but wins with style

Although Victoria Azarenka lost the fourth final of her young career to Vera Zvonareva this weekend at Prague, the Belarusian was a clear winner in the tennis fashion game.

I'm liking the 18-year old's affinity for classic looks with a twist of femininity as evidenced by her polka-dotted moment from Miami. Victoria continued that style in Prague looking spot-on in the white Nike Volley Women's Top with lilac trim and the black Rally Skirt.

(images via Getty)

Serena survives, launches Nike Fall 2008 collection

Serena Williams seemingly survived her outfit from the BAPESTORE opening in LA and traveled to Venice Beach for the Nike women's Fall 2008 launch.

The presentation included a full range of sports apparel including track suits, t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, gym bags, sneakers, and accessories.





(images via Getty)