US Open Clothing: Hit Or Miss?
Monday, September 7th, 2009| Overall Rating | No Ratings |
John Isner is topping new heights at this year’s US Open after he came through a five set match against fellow countryman, Andy Roddick in the third round at Flushing Meadows yesterday. The 24-year-old who stands at well over two metres is into the fourth round of the US Open for the first time in his career and after the shock defeat of fans favourite A-Rod, he will now scale new levels of confidence when taking on Fernando Verdasco in his next match.
The Grennsboro monster needs a little help in the apparel department though. His rather stale style of threads is doing nothing spectacular on the court, but who can blame him for his lack of fashion sense if he continues to beat players on the court. His lack of invention and style with his t-shirt and short combination has given him the thumbs down from us in the style corner. MTF Verdict: Miss
Clijsters is slowly getting back to her best on the court after having a child recently. The 26-year-old seems to have recaptured her master strokes on the court defeating Venus Williams in the three sets 6–0 0–6 6–4 to head into the fourth round to face Na Li of China. The red and black outfit at this year’s US Open works for the former world number one. Fila and their simple designs have complimented Clijsters on the court this year at Flushing Meadows. We think she is looking very fresh and energetic in red. She could go all the way this year equalling her 2005 win at the US Open. MTF Verdict: Hit
Is this the year that Andy Murray gets his first Grand Slam win? He certainly has come along way in such little time and it’s not just his tennis abilities that are getting better – it seems his tennis threads on the court are becoming more and more stylish as he becomes comfortable in the major tournaments. The 22-year-old smashed his way past American, Taylor Dent in the third round 6-3 6-2 6-2 and now faces Croatian, Marin Cilic in the fourth round.
His Fred Perry clobber makes him one of the most stylish players in men’s tennis. The polo-shirts he wears are very simple, but stand out with a touch of retro classic. A calm blue upper with white detail makes this one of the stand out outfits at the US Open 2009. MTF Verdict: Hit
Melanie Oudin has captured the hearts of the American public in just a few hours of memorable tennis action at this year’s US Open. The 17-year-old from Marietta, Georgia has blasted her way past some excellent opponents to reach the fourth round of the US Open 2009. Twice the rookie has fought back from a set down to win. First, in the second round, she defeated Elena Dementieva to face Maria Sharapova in the third round and the 17-year-old American did it again by clawing back from a set down to win. She now has another test in the fourth round when she faces thirteenth seed Nadia Petrova, but with the home crowd behind her we are sure she will claim another scalp.
We are a little disappointed with her attire on the court though – the young lady is sure to rise to fame and fortune in the coming years so an improvement on her bland outfit at this year’s Open will certainly feature when sponsors come knocking on her door after her heroics this year. MTF Verdict: Miss – but we are backing Melanie to go all the way to the final this year.
Stuart Young
A surreal sixth?
Wednesday, July 1st, 2009| Overall Rating | No Ratings |
A Wimbledon for Federer and Venus to lose
By MTF Contributor Nistha Tripathi
‘Can a 6ft 10in mighty serving Croat finally stop Federer from his 21st straight semi final’ – was the question. After all, Ivo Karlovic was boasting of 80 unbeaten service games in his run to the Quarter Finals at Wimbledon. In answer, Roger Federer humbled him with the finesse of an artist, in straights, while never facing a break point himself. At the end, all Ivo could say was – “Oh, it is only because he is better than everybody else. That’s it”. In the other QF match, Djokovic failed to avenge his Halle title loss to the oldest player left in the draws, Tommy Haas, and caved-in in 4 sets. Nearly a month ago, the Serb was on a majestic run on the clay and was supposed to be the biggest threat in Rafa’s way to 5th French Open title. Around the same time, Federer was giving one desultory performance after another in the ATP Masters tournaments and any hope of equaling Sampras’s 14 Slams was getting bleaker and bleaker; not to forget a rare display of racket abuse in Miami against Nole. Then, Madrid Open happened. In one brilliant semi final, Nadal overcame Djokovic in 3 tight sets leaving the Serb high and dry. Federer having disposed off Del Potro in the other easy semi final, defeated Nadal in straight sets in the final to claim his first ATP title since 2007. Suddenly, the whole dynamics of Men’s tennis had changed.
Since Madrid, Djokovic has constantly struggled to display form and talent that took him to World No. 3 rank. The mentally exhausted Serb lost his improving touch on clay and fell inexplicably to Philip Kohlschreiber in the third round at French Open and later to Tommy Haas at the Halle Open finals on grass. Since Madrid, Nadal also has succumbed to physical and personal malaise.
In contrast, Roger Federer seemed to have found the lost key to his original form and happiness as he claimed the elusive ‘Coupe des Mousquetaires‘ for the first time, completing his career slam and leveling Sampras’s record of most Grand Slam titles. It will not be an understatement to say that the guy is on top of the world and knows that he is there. In his recent media interviews, a casual eye might easily mistake his confidence and aplomb for arrogance. He is prepared for anything that might come in his way for a record 15th Slam victory. And, one should not under estimate his armory and ability to evolve. The guy who once detested the drop shots as a last resort in panic, overhauled his tactics and used them breath takingly during his course at French Open to thwart the likes of Mathieu, Haas, Del Potro and Soderling. We are talking about a guy who has kept himself injury free and fit for more than 5 years, and has consistently delivered near flawless performances at the Slams. The only man to strip him of his invulnerability is the Majorcan and the Swiss is making the best of defending champion’s absence at Wimbledon.
©Julian Finney/Getty ©EPA/S. Suki ©Getty/P Gilham ©Getty/H Blair
Looking ahead at the draws, Haas may prove to be the toughest contender yet for Federer and if he has learnt anything from his French Open loss, he should know that even a 2 sets lead means nothing against the Swiss. In the ‘clash of Andys’, Roddick will hope to up his game against the rising Scot er Briton, Murray.
©EPA / G. Penny ©EPA / S. Suki ©Getty Images / H. Blair
On the ladies side, WTA has had so many shuffles in the rankings lately that I almost missed the fact that the top 4 seeds have all made it to the semi finals! In both USA vs Russia semis, it seems very unlikely that anyone will be able to stop Williams sisters, who exhibited transcendental performances in their respective quarter final matches. Do you know that only one of the last nine women’s finals at Wimbledon did not feature any Williams sister? It was in 2006 when Mauresmo defeated Justine Henin. I do not see any reason why we should not make it one in last ten now.
The stage is set for Roger Federer and Venus Williams to clench their 6th Wimbledon Trophy. Who can stop them?
Wimbledon – Men’s QF Preview Murray v Ferrero
Tuesday, June 30th, 2009| Overall Rating | No Ratings |
Andy Murray v Juan Carlos Ferrero.
We are in for a treat if this match is anything like the previous Murray match. Andy Murray dug deep to dispatch Stanislas Wawrinka in the fourth round. It took nearly four hours of play on Centre Court under the roof for Murray to knock out Wawrinka. What a spectacle it was to see the first ever full match on Centre Court with the roof on. The atmosphere inside the arena was electric.
Murray needs to find some energy from somewhere if he’s to get past the talented Spaniard, Juan Carlos Ferrero. This will be Murray’s toughest challenge yet because Ferrero is good on grass and has lots of experience playing in top games on a grass court.
Juan Carlos has knocked out some tough opponents en route to the quarter finals. The Spaniard beat Gilles Simon in the previous round, which is a big scalp at this late stage of the Championships. On paper Murray should win and with their previous meeting only two weeks ago at Queen’s going the Scott’s way we should see Murray through to his first semi final at Wimbledon.
MTF Prediction – We are going with the player with the Fred Perry threads. Murray will be too strong for his opponent despite the best efforts from the Spaniard. Andy Murray to progress into the last four.
SY
Is Murray ready?
Monday, June 29th, 2009| Overall Rating | No Ratings |
Fred Perry’s legacy and Britain’s expectations – Is Andy Murray ready?
By MTF Contributor Nistha Tripathi
2001 Men’s semi final was the closest Britain ever got to Wimbledon’s Men’s Trophy in Open era as Tim Henman gave way to eventual winner Goran Ivanisevic. Hosting the sport’s most beloved Grand Slam, United Kingdom is still looking to crown one of its own men as the champion since 1936. For many reasons, 2009 Wimbledon is very special for the Britons.
A century ago, Britain’s most revered tennis player was born – Fred Perry. A legend, Perry is not only the last British player to win all the Slams but also the last one to have conquered the Wimbledon lawns – a feat yet to be achieved in Open era of tennis. The highest ranked ATP player Britain ever produced, Tim Henman, never even reached the finals of a Grand Slam as Britons kept waiting for their maiden Grand Slam champion since Perry.
(Marc Aspland/The Times)
Celebrating the birth centennial of Perry, Britons have their highest hopes pinned on the World No. 3 Andy Murray and not without reasons. Murray is not only the highest ranked Briton yet but also the only one to have reached a Grand Slam final when he was defeated by Roger Federer at the US Open in 2008. Tremendously improving his game over past year or so, Murray has already defeated everyone in ATP top 10 to win 3 ATP Masters title and is known for one of the best backhands in the game. With his latest victory on grass at Queen’s and in absence of Nadal in his half of the draw, he is the man to beat at Wimbledon 2009. However, he has yet to prove his caliber in Grand Slams this year as he has lost early at Australian and French Open in 2009. With a home crowd and a burden of expectations, everyone is interested in seeing how the young Scot reacts.
As Andy Murray marches forward to get his biggest career victory and register himself in history of British tennis, he is being endorsed on courts by none other than Fred Perry sportswear company. Perry introduced the concept of wristbands in tennis and popularized the white cotton polo shirts. A fashion conscious player himself, Perry’s range has sponsored legendary Wimbledon champions, such as John Newcombe, Arthur Ashe and Billie Jean King. As the company lost its charm among the newer generations, an affiliation with Andy Murray on centenary of Perry’s birth year has brought it into the limelight once again. Interestingly, Murray has not always been fashionable – “I’d rather look scruffy and win matches than look good and lose“. But as his rankings and stature have raised in tennis, he is looking to play the part of one who is bearing the expectations of a thirsty nation. However, paying the homage to Perry by adopting his clothing line will not suffice. In fact, nothing short of the Wimbledon trophy will do as the fans wave the Union Jacks at every nook and corner of the All England’s Club.
(Marc Aspland/The Times)
Known for a rebellious and independent personality as Perry, Andy Murray will be hoping to introduce another commonness between them – a Wimbledon Trophy. In the second week, the Scot is set to clash with Wawrinka in the fourth round and Ferrero or Simon Gilles in the Quarters. None of them pose a serious threat and Murray should look forward to meeting Hewitt or Roddick (in absence of their upsets) in semis. With a comparatively less hurdled road like that to finals, no doubt every British is eagerly awaiting the tournament’s final day where they hope to see the name of Britain in the scorecard and eventually the Trophy.
The two favorites, Roger Federer and Andy Murray, will strive hard to reach the finals on 5th July and if they do, we will witness the history no matter who ultimately wins. Roger had an easy time against the upcoming Murray at last year’s US Open final but the rival he’ll face this year shall be a more mature, experienced, motivated and confident young Briton. And surrounded by thousands of Union Jacks, who knows what Andy Murray is capable of.
The magic continues
Thursday, June 25th, 2009| Overall Rating | No Ratings |
Wimbledon: The magic continues
By MTF Contributor Nistha Tripathi
Four days into Wimbledon, let’s recount what we’ve seen-
- Fashion fiascoes: Hm, sorry Roger, the gold “man’s purse” is going to haunt you to your grave. And, if you win that 6th scintillating Wimbledon trophy, please don’t hold it with your ‘Nike’ bag in the other hand, it might get just a tad too dazzling for audience you know. On the positive side, photographers might do without flashes!
- Hiccups: Sharapova, unfortunately, never found her deadly Australian Open 2008 rhythm again after the shoulder injury. Although looking more determined than ever before, she succumbed in round 2 giving no more chances for me to blah blah about her screams and tiffany eardrops. Ivanovic is hanging in there but ‘how long’ remains a million dollar question. And yes, we had it in Men’s side too. Equaling Safin’s upset of Djokovic last year in magnitude, Hewitt saw off the recent most-improving-player (nah, not Soderling), the Argentine Del Potro in straight sets. We might have a Hewitt-Roddick QF clash if both of them keep their heads straight.
- Sports-betting: Wha??!! In tennis? Yeah, match-fixing suspicions in a Wimbledon first round match between Odesnik and Melzer popped up after some shady betting activity.
- The routine: Williamses are marching as smoothly as ever and Federer is steam-rolling his opponents. Any lady in top 20 with non-Williams last name is not looking formidable (Kuznetsova might be a slight exception there) and we might be again heading for surprise semi-finalists if “ova”s and “ovic”s kept falling left and right. And, Roddick looks good (at least, till the QF).
But, what have we not seen yet?-
- Centre court roof: Oh come on, its London, how long can it not rain! I want rains to see how does it feel to be indoor-y on Centre court.
- Late night electric thrillers: Remember Murray Vs Gasquet fourth round encounter last year when Scot Andy Murray had risen as a gleam of hope for a champion-starved Great Britain? Let’s hope we get some mouth-watering clashes like that one soon.
Looking at what we missed on wardrobe end, the leading ladies were dressed quite blandly to cause any stir in the media. Jankovic certainly wasn’t caught up by her love for flair, drama and spotlight while picking this Adidas outfit.
©Professional Sport/ T. Hindley
Venus, as elegant as ever on grass, was playing with a bandaged knee in round 2 but still unbeatable.
Hamish Blair/Getty Images Europe
Andy Murray, bagging a sponsorship from Fred Perry brand is looking focused in the laurel logo clad polo.
©IPS / M. Pozzetti
Of course, we are missing the injured defending Champion in the customary sleeveless shirt and pirate pants.
A look at the Wimbledon quotes:
The way Rafa played today, he deserves to win this title one day for sure [after a close 2007 final at Wimbledon]
Federer must have regretted those very words when he was standing second to Rafa after 2008 finale.
As we miss Safin, who crashed out in first round at possibly his last Wimbledon, here’s what he had to say-
Relieved. Pretty much relieved. It’s not the perfect way to finish the Wimbledon story but that’s life.
Roddick always has fun in his interviews. His latest catch on his twitter activity-
Q. You can get arrested in this country for having Rick Astley on your iPod.
ANDY RODDICK: You can get arrested in my country for lying under oath, so…
And from Kuznetsova, who was a bit intrigued to be playing on Court 14-
Q. So Sharapova’s coach was upset years ago that he didn’t get a Mercedes. Is that the kind of gifts you get?
SVETLANA KUZNETSOVA: No (laughter). I don’t earn as much as Maria to get Mercedes.
Murray to wear new Fred Perry Kit for Wimbledon 2009
Wednesday, June 17th, 2009| Overall Rating | No Ratings |
FRED PERRY UNVEILS STYLISH NEW KIT FOR MURRAY
Iconic sports fashion label Fred Perry has unveiled the new tennis kit to be worn by Andy Murray at the Wimbledon Championships 2009.
French Open Men’s QF Preview – Murray v Gonzalez
Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009| Overall Rating | No Ratings |
The Philippe Chatrier court plays host to the battle between Andy Murray and Fernando Gonzalez today in the quarter final stage of the French Open. This match has the potential of going all the way as third seed plays twelfth seed. Gonzalez is looking to better his record at Roland Garros by reaching the semi-final stage for the first time and as for Murray, well he is already in uncharted territory having only reached the third round on previous visits. Ground strokes-a-plenty as these two super fit athletes battle it out to face either Nikolay Davydenko or Robin Soderling in the semi-final. MTF Prediction – Murray to edge a thriller to make the semi’s.
Sharapova, Federer, Nadal, Murray, Ivanovic in Virtua Tennis 2009 HD game movie
Friday, April 3rd, 2009| Overall Rating | No Ratings |
So you never thought in your lifetime you would be able to take a set off Roger Federer, or maybe even Rafael Nadal. Well now it’s your chance. Virtually, that is. With Virtua Tennis you can take on the likes of Roger Federer, Maria Sharapova, Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, The Williams Sisters in some of the most realistic courts to be found on gaming consoles.
Check it out !
