Blake’s TR Collection
Friday, August 28th, 2009| Overall Rating | No Ratings |
BLAKE AND KIM AT THE FILA’S LAUNCH OF THOMAS REYNOLDS COLLECTION, NEW YORK
By MTF Contributor Nistha Tripathi
With US Open imminent, New York is the place to be in. Gushing with star studded parties, who’s who in tennis fraternity and fashionable vistas, the magnificent skyline of Manhattan is starrier than ever. After Nike’s launch on Wednesday, Fila captured the Big Apple with launch of Thomas Reynolds collection. If ‘Thomas Reynolds, who?’ is your reaction, let me help you. While Roger Federer likes to have his initials earmarking every piece of his attire, Fila’s collection is deriving its name from not the player himself but his father – James Blake’s father. That’s the way Blake would like to pay tribute to his father who succumbed to cancer in 2004.
Blake's Thomas Reynolds Collection - FILA
In traditional white, shades of blue, pinstripes, reversible collar and classic polo design, the line is in contrast to the catchier colors used by Nike for Federer, Rafa and Serena. The collection is going on a limited release at this time with full launch planned through Summer 2010. Blake in collaboration with Fila, Lord and Taylor, and Tennis magazine launched the collection in midtown on 27th Aug. After the casual autograph signing session, the private party hit the 11th floor terrace of Lord and Taylor’s with DJ Sky Nellor rocking the night. The guests were in for a surprise as another Fila star Kim Clijsters joined for a cameo.
Blake and Kim - FILA
As my curiosity got the better of me, I had to ask James how much had he contributed to the design per se. “Oh I was completely involved”, James replied, “From the colors to the logo and design [I was there]“. No surprises there as the shades of blue are in accordance with Blake’s love of North Carolina collegiate basketball team. Having defeated Federer in Olympics last year, featured 22nd on New York Times bestseller for his comeback book, and appeared in People Magazine’s Sexiest Men Alive issue, Blake has witnessed popularity and love of tennis fans world wide from very close. As he enters into the US Open with not a very successful season record, we wish James the best for everything!
James Blake talking about TR collection
MyTennisFashion also got to have an exclusive word with former World No. 1 and US Open champion Kim Clijsters. On the issue of WTA having consistent inconsistencies in ranking and floundering of all major women players, Kim shrugged off the issue. “I think the girls are playing great. There are different winners because everyone is able to challenge more. The way Venus Williams and Serena Williams aren’t able to keep it consistent either, they crash out in round 1 and 2 at times. That just shows there is more depth in WTA now. I think it’s just more competition, everyone is hitting the ball pretty hard.”, she opined. As I asked her views on future of Belgian tennis, she said, “You know there’s Wickmayer, ranked in 50s and Kirsten in near 100s who has been troubled with right arm injury. So, there is talent but I’ve not followed it lately since I am focusing more on my game right now”. I am sure the fans are longing for someone in WTA who is trying to focus on the game too.
Kim Clijsters at TR launch event
Federer holds
Sunday, July 5th, 2009| Overall Rating | No Ratings |
History rewritten in the epic Wimbledon Finale
By MTF Contributor Nistha Tripathi
At the end of day 14 of Wimbledon Championships, it is all about the number 15.
(AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus)
In 2007, Federer had won Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open championships to end the year with 12 Slams. Except for the elusive French Open, his title acquisitions were increasing by the tournament. Just 2 short of Pete Sampras’s record 14 Grand Slams, Federer looked all set to create a record of more than 20 Slams at least. Then, his Slam clock stopped ticking as he passed the first three Slams in 2008 without a title. Eventually in August, his World No. 1 position was usurped by Rafael Nadal. Written off by critics, the weight of history kept getting heavier for Federer. The task of reaching the magic number 14 had seemed all uphill from there as his dominance in the game emaciated. Bagging US Open for the fifth time in 2008 and closely missing the chance in Australian Open 2009 against Nadal, Roger awaited the bewitching 14th victory that, thereafter, came in the most unexpected arena – Paris. Setting his own record of most number of Grand Slam victories was now only a matter of ‘when’ and ‘where’. We have the answer now.
(AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
So, we all know that history can be demanding. Ask Federer- what emotional toll it has taken on him since last couple of Grand Slams where his toughest opponent has been the burden of expectations. But it can also be cruel at times. Ask Roddick- what it is like to play against history; knowing that it is not about him at all today and yet, giving it all before coming a bit short. The only tribute he will get in the history books is ‘the guy whom Federer overcame in a record long match to win his 15th Grand Slam’. But no numbers or adulation can justify his genius of performances against Hewitt and Murray that took him to finals- his mere consolation being a runners-up trophy and roary applause from Centre court crowd.
The American gave the most polished performance of his career hitting brutal serves and winners to stretch the Wimbledon final into an epic marathon. No write up can describe the level of the game played, tension created and the drama that unfolded at SW19. With Roddick’s impregnable serve in the first 4 sets, it only seemed fair that Wimbledon doesn’t allow tie-breaks in the decider set. Had it been US Open, we would have missed the tension wrought 5th set where Federer had to break A-Rod to win. Roddick played aggressive while Federer hung on but eventually the lethargy showed off the American and Swiss got his only break of the match in the 30th game, winning it 16-14. To be fair, Federer displayed utmost grits and nerves to play magnificently on crucial points, saving 4 set points in 2nd set and 2 break points in the 5th. In the end, like last year, it was going to be cruel for the one who lost. In 2008, it was Roger in tears and this was Roddick’s turn but what a phenomenal tournament it has been for him.
(AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
If not the trophy, Roddick achieved something very special – adulation from British crowd after defeating their biggest hope Andy Murray and then Federer, who remains a favorite champion at the All England’s Club; an adoration that momentarily overshadowed Federer’s record breaking achievement for when the match ended, the crowd congratulated Fedex with a generous applause but was soon chanting Roddick’s name as he gracefully stood up and thanked them. Call it a moment of divine stature of the quality of today’s match.
The final turned out to be unexpectedly scintillating and seesawed given how heftily Federer had dominated Roddick in the past. And that made the record breaking feat for the Swiss all the more meaningful and memorable. Fedex is also back to World No. 1 spot now but he was humble in accepting that it has come in Nadal’s absence. However, he did flaunt his triumph by donning a jacket with number ’15′ inscribed for the trophy presentation. Attending his coronation were the great of the greats in tennis – Rod Laver, Bjorn Borg and the guy who has slipped to no. 2 in record books – Pete Sampras.
Talking of history, it was not in the destiny of Venus Williams to achieve a similar feat to Federer when Serena Williams outplayed her to claim the Venus Rosewater dish. After playing the longest semi final and perhaps, the best ladies match up in recent times, against Elena Dementieva, Serena Williams was absolutely indefatigable.
(AP photos)
And, lets hear it from the Champions of Wimbledon 2009 -
Roger Federer: “It was so different to what I experienced the last few years with Rafa, you know, where it was a baseline game. Today it was a serve and return game, which is more classical for grass. I mean, it’s frustrating at times because I couldn’t break Andy till the very, very end. So satisfaction is maybe bigger this time around to come through, because I couldn’t control the match at all.”
Serena Williams: “I think if you hold three Grand Slam titles maybe you should be No. 1, but not on the WTA Tour obviously… That’s just shocking. But whatever. It is what it is. I’d rather definitely be No. 2 and hold three Grand Slams in the past year than be No. 1 and not have any.”
I think Sampras summed it the best -
Roger has that ability to make the tough things look easy. He was also a little lucky today, but that’s not surprising. The great ones are always a little lucky.
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?
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.
Fashion Statements
Monday, June 22nd, 2009| Overall Rating | No Ratings |
The Fashion Statements at The Championships, Wimbledon 2009
By MTF Contributor Nistha Tripathi
On the first day at All England’s Club, here is a wrap-up of ‘who wore what’ before one gets engrossed in number of aces and tie-breaker records.
(img: Getty Images)
Seeded 2 but the current favorite after Nadal withdrew, Federer heralded an era of fashion and panache into Gentlemen’s game at the Wimbledon. Nike has given him a ‘Military General’ look this year in their trademark white and gold combination, and a golden trophy with 5 inscribed in the shoes (really!!). No matter what, the guy is most talked about when it comes to Wimbledon and though many might not find the gaudy ensemble to their taste, who cares. I think the least likeable part of his look this year is the golden belt on his shorts, I hope I don’t get to see that anymore often!
Federer, who is very active on Facebook right since Madrid Open started, had unveiled his dress and jacket personally for his fans with these words-
“Here is the full kit I will be playing in during The Championships. Thanks for all the support and great messages….keep them coming.”
Talk about pampering the fans! No wonder his posts get thumbs up from 20-30K fans.
(From Federer’s Facebook post)
The Swiss got to open the Championships in absence of the defending champion Rafael Nadal. Nadal is being sorely missed by his fans. Many of them claim, “the Wimbledon is already over for me”.
(img: Getty Images)
Tiffany & Co. had announced that Sharapova will wear Paloma Picasso earrings at The Championships. But that is the only scintillating news about the glamorous Russian’s appearance for Wimbledon this year. On the wardrobe front, she decided to embrace a more traditional tennis look than the previous ‘swan’ and ‘tux’ ensemble! Not so surprisingly though after her dismal performances in the past. Let’s see how far this elegant design gets to be on court this time. Her jacket is more ‘military band’ like but far better than Roger’s I suppose.
(img: Reuters)
(img: Getty Images)
The outspoken, rebellious and temperamental of the Williams sisters is definitely concentrating more on game than the fashion statement. Besides the two marks that Nike has given her in tribute to her 2 victories here, there is nothing eye-catchy about Serena William’s outfit. The trench coat like jacket reminds me of her Mackintosh of yester year.
(img: http://www.womenstennisblog.com)
And lastly, another diva Ana Ivanovic will be sporting the white Adidas Adilibra dress. She along with defending champion Venus Williams, compatriot Jankovic and top seeded Dinara Safina will test their mettle tomorrow. Let’s see what the ladies bring to the ramp.
On the sidelines, Nadia Petrova had some weird frill starting from somewhere on the shoulder and going somewhere to ‘no-idea’! Figure out for yourself.
(img: Getty Images)
And here’s the quote of the day-
Q. There are so many new names in the game, many not from our country. Is it hard to follow who’s who?
SERENA WILLIAMS: I just know the standard: everyone is from Russia. Sometimes I think I’m from Russia, too. I feel like, you know, okay, all these new ?ovas. I don’t know anyone. I don’t really recognize anyone. You know, that’s just how it is.
Q. So are you saying you came to Compton when you were seven years old from Russia?
SERENA WILLIAMS: I think I am, and I think my name must Williamsova.
So much for the first day without any huge upsets except James Blake and Feliciano Lopez.
Wimbledon ’09 Fashion
Saturday, June 20th, 2009| Overall Rating | No Ratings |
Before we cover the catwalk at Wimbledon’09
by MTF Contributor Nistha Tripathi
With Wimbledon right on corner, the topic that heats up besides who will be ultimately lifting the trophy is inevitably the fashion element. The fashion and sports world keeps a close eye on some of the most glamorous names on the tour and what new designs will they be flaunting off during the two weeks at SW19. As the attires are restricted to all-whites, the creativity heightens in terms of design and style.
Sharapova, the most talked up name in connection with ladies tennis fashion besides the Williams sisters, was already in news unveiling a ‘phone blinking dress’ in Central London. The unique concept is supposed to help you keep track when your phone rings in a crowded place. How? – the white dress lights up up on one side when your phone rings!
Glancing back at the fashion ensemble at Wimbledon 2008, the Russian had come into the limelight for wearing another unique outfit consisting of a ‘tuxedo’ styled shirt and shorts. Unfortunately for her, the design fell into obscurity after her preposterous second round loss at the Championship.
With that, we come to the inevitable question- What will the sportswear designers offer for Wimbledon 2009? What would be Roger Federer’s fashion statement as he heads into the grass courts looking to surpass Pete Sampras. Rafa is out! It would have been interesting to see what Nike had in mind after a ‘much talked about’ pink and fluorescent yellow match up in Paris? What do Williams sisters have in store as they look for another in-family finale? And, what trend will Andy Murray don heading as a local favorite to conquer a special feat in British tennis history? For all that and much more, stay tuned for the 2009 fashion lineup at All England Club!
