FASHION FIX: Open letter to adidas and their slacker sponsorship/PR teams

Dear adidas:

Note to your sponsorship and PR departments: you're a bunch of slackers.

Your brand has two of the most covered and photographed tennis ballers in the world with Novak Djokovic + Ana Ivanovic. But for some asinine reason you've decided to dress them in gear that they've been wearing all year long for Roland Garros - not a sniff of an fresh, interesting style or new colorway.

As a tennis fan, it's frankly boring to watch and shows a lack of innovation from a brand that thinks they're on the cutting edge.

Take a cue from competitor Nike. They seem to understand that Grand Slams are a showcase not only for their ballers but for the brands themselves; they provide a valuable opportunity to communicate real commitment to the sport. Moreover, the get the ballers and fans excited about the tournaments and fashion by giving sneak peeks and previews. Public relations 101 people.

Nike is showing you up in a big way. Tsk, tsk.

In the words of your long-time nemesis just do it.

(images via Getty)

PHOTO OP: Rafa + Nole channel James Bond, hit up Monte Carlo Casino

Like something out of a James Bond flick, Rafael Nadal + Novak Djokovic dropped their tennis gear and donned penguin suits as they hit up Les Casinos de Monte Carlo.


The dapper duo, who aren't BFF's by any means, look to be enjoying each other's company at the blackjack table - even if it's only for an ATP public relations moment for the Monte Carlo Masters.

See - can't we all just get along?

Check out some behind-the-scenes footage of their outing here.


(images via Getty)

Serena Williams featured in Monarch Magazine, "I can [play tennis] for another eight years," says Serena

The camera-loving Serena "ReRe" Williams, who showed a shyer side on a recent night out with rumored boyfriend Common, is featured in the newest issue of Monarch Magazine. Essentially, the publication pens a love letter to the 8-time Grand Slam champion, discussing her humble beginnings, domination of the tennis world stage, and funding of a future academic school for children in Senegal.

Here's a highlight from a Q & A with ReRe feature at the end of the article:

Being an African American in this sport, how do you think your success has changed the view of life for young African Americans who follow your career? It's been great. When I was growing up, there weren't many African American tennis players that I could look up to out there, except for Zena Garrison. She had such an impact on my life. I hope that I might have that same impact on others some day. Then I would know that everything I've done would have been worthwile.

Out of all the success you have had at this game, what has it taught you personally? I think it's just to always be true to who I am, and humble at the same time. That is my life lesson. In this business one day your in and one day you could be out. I just want to enjoy success while I can.

How long do you think you can keep playing this game professionally? Well, I'm enjoying it so much. The energy and excitement is always there. I can do it for another eight years.

Another eight years? We've never heard ReRe say she'd continue to play this long - she'd be 34 by this point. With her talent, she certainly could though we're not sure her body will hold up that long. Interesting statement, nonetheless.

(images via monarchmagazine.com)

THE LOW DOWN: A player's publicist gets pissed at our post

A pissed publicist: We received a not-so-encouraging email response from a certain publicist for a certain player after we critiqued the player's rumored Australian Open gear. We emailed the publicist asking, in our oh-so open way, if he could confirm what his player would be wearing and send us images, after photos surfaced online. The PR flack was none-too-pleased with our opinion on the player's gear saying,

"What I don't like is your comment abut that particular gear so it really surprises me you ask me for a photo..."

Didn't seem so surprising to us. Alas, the images never came.

Aren't we doing our jobs by stating our opinions and providing a forum for discussion about the players, tennis sponsors, tournaments, etc.? It's unfortunate said publicist couldn't accept our opinion because we still think it's pretty bad - the clothing, not the player! Geez...

NOTE: Opinions expressed on Down the Line! are ours, and ours alone - unless you'd like to take credit too!

(image via 101publicrelations.com)