PHOTO OP: Agnes + Dominika are cute but Caroline is a real drag

Here's a promotional image for a new series of Bluetooth watches launched this week by Sony Ericsson and starring Agnes Szavay, Dominika Cibulkova, and Caroline Wozniacki.

The watches can control a cellular phone and "with a glance at your watch you can see who is calling, what the time is and with a push of a button you can change your music or use it as a music remote control when your phone is on the other side of the room– all in one stylish device.”

How convenient indeed. But what happened to Caroline in the promo? Agnes and Dominika look fine and all but the 18-year old Dane looks like a 40-year old West Village drag queen. Someone get Wozy to a piano bar stat.

C'mon people - can't we just let kids by kids? Geesh.

(via Women's Tennis Blog, image via Sony Ericsson)

THE LOW DOWN: adidas losing more ballers, Chaky to join Fila

adidas' grip on tennis is becoming a slippery slope for the global sports brand.

With news already swirling that Ana Ivanovic is considering jumping ship after her contract goes up next season, Smith & Street's SportsBusiness Journal is reporting that Anna Chakvetadze signed a new deal during the US Open to join Fila. The former top-tenner will join Svetlana Kuznetsova and Agnes Szavay in the brand's stable.

None of this news is particularly surprising when you consider their lackadaisical efforts to promote tennis, including non-existent press initiatives to promote their ballers and the majors (where were their lead up events to PR the US Open last month?). Plus, they offer uninspired designs for their tennis gear and can't even provide proper grass-court trainers for their top ballers to wear during Wimbledon. And now they want to push racquets? P-P-P-Please.

I'm not even sponsored by adidas and I want to leave. Could Nole be next to jump after his contract expires next year? Stay tuned...

(image via Getty)

THE LOW DOWN: Ana up for grabs - where will she land?

Will Ana Ivanovic be jumping adidas' ship?

The sexy Serb, who is currently backed by the global sports brand in terms of sponsorship and coaching, is said to be on the search for a potential new home once her contract is up in 2009.

According to CNBC's Darren Rovell, DH Management, Ana's managing agent, is already starting to hear from various companies interested in the French Open champ but DH's interest is in a lifetime deal.

Rovell explains,

Lifetime deals in the industry are typically deals that run to what is projected to be the end of the athlete's playing career. In this case, it's believed that what's being shopped around to Ivanovic's next shoe and apparel suitor is a 10-year guarantee with the potential for Ivanovic to earn additional money in her post-career life as a brand spokesperson.

The goal, insiders say, is for Ivanovic to have the ability to earn $10 million in some years from this brand if she plays in most tournaments, becomes No. 1 in the world and consistently wins. If that happens, the contract could be the most lucrative endorsement in the history of women's sports.

Holy crap. Insiders are saying adidas is only willing to pony up $3.5 million a year on the lifetime deal with bonuses increasing it to $5.5 million - not quite the numbers DH Management is trying to wrangle for Ana which could hurt their chances.

Rovell speculates Nike might be interested in bringing Ana back into the stable (she was first with Nike) once newly crowned US Open champ Serena Williams' contract expires. She's on the back end of her career and hasn't been worked into any major ad campaigns recently suggesting the sports brand is ready to move on.

This news is truly exciting for Ana and the potential for the most lucrative sponsorship in women's sports is incredible but work needs to be done on her game if she's to max out on this type of contract. Her summer campaign was disastrous and showed major weaknesses including no B-game and a lack of real self-belief. Plus, if she leaves adidas she'll most likely have to part from her current coach, Sven Groenefeld, who works in the brand's development program and not for Ana privately.

The 20-year old is, however, a Grand Slam champion, has already hoisted the number one trophy, and is a marketer's dream. Plus, if she never has to wear another atrocious adidas number then we're all better off.

Stay tuned...

(image via Getty)

Rafa + Fed talk tennis inspiration with Don King at "Grapple in the Apple"

Boxing legend Don King joined Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in New York for Nike's "Grapple in the Apple", an event to celebrate the US Open and one of tennis' great rivalries.

Both ballers posed in their latest Nike duds and then answered questions from the press on their Olympic experiences. But there were no surprises when asked who they turn to for inspiration in the game.


"The Matador of Spin" responded,

Well for me it’s very easy, no? These years, I always have one person in front of me who is better than me in everything. When I look at Roger in front of me all the time, he has a better forehand, a better backhand, better movement…always in front of me.

For his part, "The Magician of Precision" explained,

For me it's been trying to stay on the top. All the challengers I've had over the years. Agassi, Hewitt, Roddick, and now Rafa. I think this is definitely one of the great great rivalries I've ever been in. He is definitely the one who is pushing me the hardest to improve as a player in order to stay ahead of him. He got me in the end, but obviously I'm going to try to get back.

Much respect between these two champs as usual.

Big thanks to Cristina for covering the event and taking these great photos!

PHOTO OP: Maria and the look-alikes launch some overpriced cameras

Maria Sharapova and her supposed look-alikes joined forces to launch the new Power Shot Diamond Collection and debut her new Canon commericial at South Street Seaport in New York. The new spot features the Russian fashionista with her partner-in-crime, Dolce the dog.

Speaking of fashion, what the hell is this one-shouldered number Maria is working here? I thought she'd want to keep her right shoulder warm, y'know, the one that's injured?? And with her "rehabilitation" looking more like a vacation, her priorities seem to be all screwed up.

But I guess she's laughing all the way to the bank...say cheese!

(image via mariasharapova.com)

FASHION FIX: New adidas by Stella McCartney revealed + ready for Ana Ivanovic

Marija over at Women's Tennis Blog stumbled upon these images of the adidas by Stella McCartney 2008 Fall/Winter Collection.

The designs continue to feature amazing detailing, particularly for sports apparel, including pleating, rouching, layers, drawstring, and even a bubble skirt which all help to keep the pieces looking feminine. The colorways, however, are simple and mostly neutral allowing the eye to focus on the many details of the clothing.


So when are we going to see Ana Ivanovic working this collection? I know Maria Kirilenko wears this line, and she wears it well, but this clothing really needs to be worn by tennis' top lady baller.

How great would this clothing look on Ana's tall, lean frame and against the beautiful tone of her skin and dark features? I can see her wearing this collection at Wimbledon already.

C'mon adidas - make the offer!




(via womenstennisblog)

PHOTO OP: Nole + adidas celebrate Wimbledon and 2012 Olympics

Novak Djokovic was spotted taking part in a promotional event for adidas in London today in celebration of Wimbledon and the 2012 Olympics which will take place in the English capital.

The Aussie Open champ was joined by London mayor Boris Johnson on a make-shift adidas tennis court at County Hall.




(images via Getty)

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)

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)

PHOTO OP: Anna + Jelena get pretty for Whirlpool

The now-infamous Maria "Shriek"apova photoshoot wasn't the only sponsor obligation for the lady ballers in Rome.

Anna Chakvetadze and Jelena Jankovic were spotted getting their hair and makeup done for a photoshoot with WTA Tour sponsor Whirlpool. The background image features Justine Henin, Elena Dementieva, and Amelie Mauresmo along with Anna and Jelena getting their spa on.

What, no love for Maria Whirlpool?




(images via Getty)

Nishikori hits paydirt, signs potentially record-breaking deal with Sony

In one of the most innovative tennis partnerships for a baller in recent memory, 18-year old Kei Nishikori, the youngest in the top 100, has just signed a 3-year deal with Sony to promote the brand globally. Via the press release:

IMG today announced that professional tennis player Kei Nishikori has signed a three-year global sponsorship agreement with Sony Corporation.

Nishikori, 18, will endorse a wide range of Sony electronics products. In addition, the Japanese-born tennis player will wear a Sony logo on his right sleeve during official competition. Nishikori currently has worldwide endorsement agreements with Adidas and Wilson.

According to Nick Bollettieri's blog, the buzz around the locker room is that it's a potentially record-breaking deal in tennis terms.

Damn - what's he gonna get when he actually wins a second title? Is Kei our Lebron James??

(images via nickstennispicks.com)

VIDEO VAULT: Jankovic heads home, shoots video for Reebok "Your Move" series

Jelena Jankovic is headed home after her disappointing quarterfinal loss to Russian Vera Zvonareva in Charleston. The Serb's game wasn't ready for the clay saying via her blog,

My timing was off and I wasn't moving my feet or sliding very well, and that's especially a problem when you're playing on clay...The next morning I went out there and practiced three hours, doing tennis and movement drills with my coach and sparring partner.

Jelena did have time recently, though, to shoot a video for sponsor Reebok as part of their "Your Move" athlete series. The piece shows the Serb hitting forehands + backhands, even while doing the splits:

Here's some behind-the-scenes footage of the video shoot:

(image via AP)

Anna shoots new K-Swiss ad, brings fans behind-the-scenes

Anna Kournikova may not be playing professionally anymore, but that doesn't mean the original tennis glamourpuss is just sitting pretty.


The Russian is one of K-Swiss's prized personalities and the former top-tenner just shot a new ad for the sports brand and will be taking part in a triathalon in Miami. Anna blogged about her latest activities and included some behind-the-scenes action saying,

Hi guys -

Here's a quick update on what has been going on this week. On Tuesday I had to get up really early to go to the CBS4 studio and do their morning show to promote the Nautica South Beach Triathlon, which I'll be running in on Sunday. From there, we went straight to the first location and started shooting a new ad for K-Swiss, lots of behind the scenes pictures included for you here! We shot all day until 8pm but got sidetracked by lots of rain, so we had to go back on Wednesday to finish 2 shots, they both ended up great!

Don't forget about the Triathlon on Sunday in South Beach and next week I'll be going to Tijuana, Mexico to open a Boys and Girls Club there, I'm really looking forward to it!!

I wonder what she thinks of Alona as the new Anna?





(images via kournikova.com)

Sharapova goes high-fashion but Pris-sy for Tag Heuer

Maria "Shriek"apova recently shot a new ad campaign for one of her many sponsors, Tag Heuer. The Russian fashionista looks high-fashion working her blunt bangs, of course, and smokey eyes.




I definitely like the direction Maria's going in, but is it me or is she starting to look like Pris from Blade Runner? Let me refresh your memory:

SIGHTING: A-Rod models, autographs and plays Wii at Bloomingdale's in NYC

As I mentioned yesterday, Andy Roddick made his way back to New York City to make a personal appearance at the Lacoste store and Bloomingdale's in Midtown to help the iconic brand celebrate its 75th Anniversary. In honor of the celebration, 10 percent of Lacoste store and Bloomindale's sales yesterday were donated to The Andy Roddick Foundation.


A-Rod took some time for modeling, autographs and some Wii Tennis action with some lucky fans. But one question A-Rod: what's up with the hairy situation on your face?

And, if you haven't checked out the Lacoste site recently, take a peek. The brand now has a Lacoste Sport section featuring interviews + anecdotes with their tennis ballers including A-Rod in "On the Rod", Tatiana Golovin in "Tatiana's World", A-Rod + Tatiana in "Grass Memories", A-Rod + Richard Gasquet in "Clay Memories", and all three in "Hard Court". Good stuff.

(image via wireimage.com, msnbc.com, jezebel.com)

FASHION FIX: Radwanska mixes up game and outfit at Indian Wells

Mix and unmatch: Crafty up-and-comer Agnieszka Radwanska battled Ashley Harkleroad yesterday at Indian Wells and pulled out a tight 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 win over her American opponent. She'll next face Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova in a rematch of their Aussie Open 3rd round encounter which the Polish star won easily 6-3, 6-4.

During her run to the Pattaya Women's Open title in February, I was critical of the unflattering silhouette of Aggie's outfit and wondered why she was wearing a Prokom top, who is listed as her official sponsor, matched with a Nike skirt. She's mixing the two brands again this week though this Nike skirt is a much better fit for her body.

But, I said this about Vania King earlier this week and the same goes for Aggie: can someone get this girl a real clothing sponsorship???

(image via AP Photo/Mark Avery)

FASHION FIX: Nike continues frustrating sponsorship, feeds some players scraps

Oh Nike, Nike, Nike: Why do you continue to show your obvious disregard for our sport by continuing to blanket the courts with the same gear for these tennis ballers?

James Blake and Carlos Moya were the latest victims of your lazy sponsorship, having to play their third round match at Indian Wells yesterday in the same colored Spring Global Power Sleeveless top and Spring Global Power 10" short.

I wrote extensively on Nike's issue last season when four players, including Rafael Nadal, Feliciano Lopez, Stefan Koubek, and Moya, all wore the Winter Global Power Sleeveless top in crystal blue during the Madrid Masters. Now it seems the issue has bled into this season.

Apparently if your name isn't Federer, Sharapova, or Williams you get the Nike scraps.

(image via Harry How/Getty Images)

Alona Bondarenko keeps it pure with K-Swiss, or so they think

Alona as Anna: K-Swiss is getting their sex on, and it's not with Anna Kournikova. Recent hairy situation perpetrator Alona Bondarenko joins Anna, Tommy Haas, and Mardy Fish in the brand's tennis stable and is featured in a new ad for the sports label with the tag line "KEEP IT PURE".

Do they mean a purely obvious attempt at irony?

(via adpulp.com)

FASHION FIX: Sharapova arrives for Qatar Open, works eclectic style

Maria "Shriek"apova was spotted arriving in Doha for the Qatar Open this week, which this season has been promoted to a Tier 1 event for the first time. The Aussie Open champ is the No. 4 at the tourney.

Maria's outfit, however, is causing confusion. The casualness of her look, the color combo, and the Fendi satchel are great but the white suit vest seems strange, not to mention the oversized sunglasses. Plus, what is she actually carrying in the Prince Gold Collection tennis bag since co-coach Michael Joyce is clearly carrying her racquets?

In any case, it's good for her sponsor and that's all that counts.

(image via STR/AFP/Getty Images)

THE LOW DOWN: Is Roger Federer set to sign lucrative 10-year extension with Nike?

Bigger & better: Street & Smiths Sports Business Journal is reporting that Roger Federer is about to sign a lucrative 10-year extension with sponsor Nike that could be worth an estimated $13 million a year, making the Swiss one of the highest paid Nike athletes from any sport. In contrast, according to the report, Maria "Shriek"apova brings in $6 million a year while Tiger Woods' contract, the gold standard in the Nike stable, is believed to be worth $40 million a year.

The World No. 1's current contract, which he signed in 2002 and expires next month, was negotiated by Fed himself and is said to be worth $1 million annually - pennies in the tennis business.

Phew - we were worried for Fed but we think he and Mirka will finally be living the good life now.

(image via Rick Stevens/AP)