FASHION FIX: Andy Roddick Signature Collection polos by Lacoste

Andy Roddick did more than throw a temper tantrum, kill Babolat and launch a ball into the stands during his short stay in Cincinnati this week. He fell out of the Top 20 with the loss, too. Ouch.

Oh wait. This post is supposed to be about fashion. Right.

The former top baller debuted a new polo from his Andy Roddick Signature Collection with Lacoste. Check it out, plus two other styles I really love, after the jump.

FASHION FIX: The polo returns in red for Federer in Paris

No one would have blamed Roger Federer for feeling a little nervous today. For his first round match at Roland Garros the former top baller was facing the man who almost took him out in Madrid, Feliciano Lopez, a few weeks ago. But today was a different day as a focused Fed dispatched of the Spaniard in straights sets 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (3). It wasn't the cleanest match by either baller (shanktastic!) but you can be sure the Swiss was happy to get that one out of the way. He next faces French eye candy Maxime Teixeira for a spot in the third round. 

Fed also returned to form with his on-court fashion. Since March Madness Nike had been outfitting the Swiss in collarless, high-V neck shirts that seemed, oh, a bit off somehow. Like he was out for a practice or his neck was naked. But, alas, the collars have returned in the shape of a polo - the Trophy Stripe Polo ($80) to be exact! Here it is in sport red:

The polo is paired with the Trophy Woven Shorts (about $48) in white which features cute contrast piping on the pocket:

Rounding out the RG kit I give you the Lunar Vapor 8 Tour ($120) in sport red + white:

Look, it was a nice change to see him in something other than a polo since that's what he wears 99.9999% of the time on court. But if you were to ask me what I thought he looked best in I'd still say the polo. It works well on him. He's all about classic design with pops of color here and there (and this red is a strong choice) and not the technotronic trends that are so popular right now. He's a bit of throwback as we all know.

So, I don't know about you but I'm happy it's back.

[Photo(s): Nike, Alex Livesey/Getty Images]

FASHION FIX: Raonic rocks the color blocks

Milos Raonic fell to Croat Ivan Dodig in Barcelona today and even went pointless in the first set tiebreak before falling 7-6 (0), 4-6, 6-3. I'd say that's a pretty shocking stat for someone with Milos' serving prowess.

But all wasn't so bad considering what the Canadian was wearing in the match. Milos was working the Lacoste Boys Color Block Polo ($55) in white (alternate version in ocean blue).

Yes, I said 'boys' - strange, eh? I did a further search for a men's version but nothing came up. Anyway, I think it's super cute and the color blocking is fun and perfect for spring. The design is still in keeping with Milos' classic stylings but adds that pop of freshness. There's even a jacket in the same style but, please, DO NOT wear them together. I'm begging.

[Photo(s): Reuters, MidwestSports.com]

FASHION FIX: Federer lets the polo go in Miami - sign o' the times?

Is it just me or did it jolt anyone else to see Roger Federer playing his opening round match at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami sans polo? Okay, 'jolt' is a strong word so how about 'supremely surprised'? He showed up working the Federer Trophy Men's Tennis Shirt ($70) in tech grey, gridiron, peach cream and white and proceeded to dismiss Radek Stepanek 6-3, 6-3 tying Pete Sampras with 762 career match wins. 

The last time I can recall seeing the Swiss stylist wearing something other than his fave polo look in a match was back in 2009 at Indian Wells where he reached the semifinals. This outfit definitely gives him a fresh feel but at the same time it's reminiscent of all the techno trends dominating both tours at the moment.

Now I wouldn't have thought too much about it, but earlier in the week I noticed another polo-loving baller, Ryan Harrison, stripped of his button front and collars and dressed in the Nike Men's Spring Challenger Gradated UV Crew ($50) in vibrant blue:

I, of course, had to let my thoughts known to those who may have been responsible i.e. Nike Tennis.

So is this a new trend for the sports apparel brand and/or on the tour or just a quick change up for these two ballers in Miami? Not sure. Listen, I'm all for switching things up but it's also nice to have throwback styles showcased on ballers like Fed, Ryan and even Milos Raonic + Richard Gasquet in Lacoste mixed in with these modern looks with their bright, sometimes acidic colorways. The balance, to me, is what's most important.

I guess we'll have to just wait and see.

[Photo(s): Federer via Al Bello/Getty Images; Harrison via Matthew Stockman/Getty Images]

FASHION FIX: A closer look at Rafael Nadal + Roger Federer's US Open Nike numbers

Here are the duds Nike debuted for Rafael Nadal + Roger Federer last night at the Primetime Knockout Event. Let's take a peek, shall we?

For his day matches Tron will be working the Fall Vamos Court Crew ($65) in hot lime - how fitting - and, to the pleasure of many fans and Brad Gilbert, an all-black look for night. It's the first time he'll be working a full-on black kit at the US Open or anywhere else on tour. So should we crown him Darth Rafa? Uh, not sold on it. I'll stick with Tron.

Both tops are paired with the Fall Vamos Woven Short ($60).

He'll be tearing up the Flushing Meadow DecoTurf blue courts with his fave Air Court Ballistecs 2.3 ($120) in white with lime for day and lime with black for night. It was the global sports brand's intention to keep Tron in all-black at night to highlight these sneaks. And it worked.

Nike has moved 5-time US Open champ Roger Federer in a decidedly different direction from the Spaniard by outfitting him in more classic pieces inspired by the blue collar/white collar shirts that personify New York. Traditional menswear elements including the windowpane collar treatment and stripe are also highlighted.

The Swiss will be working the Victory RF Court Polo ($80) in football blue for day and dark obsidian navy at night matched with the Victory RF Tennis Shorts (about $39 - UK) in dark khaki and dark obsidian navy, respectively.

The 16-time Grand Slammer will be continue with the Lunar Vapor Tour ($120) in white with football blue for day and white with dark obsidian navy for night.

I think it's a smart move for Nike to return to the days of giving Rafa + Fed more distinct looks. There was a moment last season when the two started to dress too similarly - it seemed like Rafa was getting outfitted by Fed. Can imagine that scene? *visualizes...lulz*

Anyway, this direction keeps their individuality and plays well to their personalities. Me likey.

[Photo(s): Nike]

FASHION FIX: Roger Federer thinks pink in Toronto

Last night Roger Federer played his first ATP World Tour match since losing to Tomas Berdych in the quarterfinals of his beloved Wimbledon. The Swiss maestro defeated Juan Ignacio Chela 7-6 (7), 6-3 in the second round (his opening match) at the Rogers Cup Masters 1000. He'll face either Nicolas Almagro or Michael Llodra in the next round.

Fed also broke out a mostly new Nike kit for his play leading up to the season's final major, the U.S. Open. He's working the Victory RF Lawn Polo ($80) that he wore at the All England Club but this time in a new colorway: perfect pink. Right. More on that a little further down.

The polo is paired with the Victory Men's Tennis Short (about $39 - UK) that he, again, wore at Wimbledon but this time in dark khaki (I couldn't locate a specific name given to this colorway.)

Overall I'm liking this change in color direction for Fed's duds particularly the move away from black, navy and white for his shorts. You don't really see brown tones used much at all on the courts. And, while it's quite preppy it's absolutely refreshing.

That being said, I prefer my pinks brighter and not as dusty or as pastel as the shade he's wearing in Toronto. Perfect it is not in my book. What I'm really looking forward to, however, is his U.S. Open day outfit where he's slated to showcase a light blue polo with the dark khaki short. That blue looks on point. Yum.

BONUS: Does anyone know what these letters 'V S W' stand for on the World No. 3's practice tee? *scratches head*

[Photo(s): Nike.com, TennisWarehouse.com, Getty Images]

FASHION FIX: Federer survives Falla, debuts Victory Lawn styles by Nike

Phew.

And that's probably the tamest thing Roger Federer said to himself during his 5-7, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (1), 6-0 escape from his opening round match at Wimbledon against a blazing Alejandro Falla.

The 6-time champ fell behind early in the first set due to some great play by the Colombian and his game continued to falter from there. The World No. 60, who called the trainer a couple of times for an apparent groin injury, even served for the match in the fourth set but Fed managed to break back and dominate for the remainder.

Afterward Fed told the BBC:

I definitely got very lucky out there. I have lost many matches this year which I should have won, this is one I should have lost but I came through. But that is sometimes how grass court tennis works.

It came as a bit of a shock and it's not something I was that prepared for, but you have to draw from experience and physical strength. I live to fight another day.

Fed stats for the match: 101 winners/40 UEs, 21 aces, 59% first serve, 66% success at net. And he still almost lost. Go figure. He'll face Serbia's Ilija Bozoljac for a spot in the third round.


So what new Nike duds is the top seed wearing as he continues his quest to tie Pete Sampras' record of seven Wimby titles?

The Victory RF Lawn Polo in white + gold ($80) which features a 4-button hidden placket, pintucks in the front and pleats at the back yoke.

The polo is paired with the Victory Lawn Short in white + gold (about $52 - UK) which showcases subtle striping.

The Swiss is also working the Lunarlite Vapor Tour in white + gold ($120). In keeping with tradition his version showcases a '6' on back referencing his 6 titles at the All England Club.

And no Fed outfit at Wimby would be complete without his murse and warm up top, which this year was a simple zip front sweater in cream with the RF logo of course:


I'm actually really happy Nike decided to go low key with the sweater warm up. The outfits were getting a bit overdone, as if they were trying to top themselves every year. The entire outfit is clean and classic. Nice.

[Photo(s): Getty Images, Tennis Warehouse, Nike Tennis, AP]

FASHION FIX: Berdych gives Isner the beatdown, hits high style note in Nike

Tomas Berdych equaled his best performance at Roland Garros when he absolutely dominated the towering John Isner 6-2, 6-2, 6-1 to reach the fourth round. He crushed 43 winners against only 10 errors, threw down 9 aces, made 12 of 13 net approaches and won 28 of 30 points when landing his first serve. Gawdy stuff if you ask me.

Pretty Boy Berd is also working what I think is the best boy's outfit of the tourney. Here's a rundown of his latest Nike kit:

Men's Classic Back Spin Net Polo in white + flat pewter ($60)

Men's Summer Back Spin Woven Short in dark obsidian navy + white ($50)

Zoom Breathe 2K10 in black + yellow ($100)

Home and Away Reversible Doublewide Wristbands in yellow + midnight navy ($8)

At quick glance this outfit comes across as pretty straightforward. But I think the pairing of the side stripe on the shorts with the window pane design on the polo is a more successful and smart use of pattern mixing than what Nike tried with Rafael Nadal this season. Plus the pops of yellow on the Zooms and wristbands gets me all giddy inside. Classic with a tennis twist.

Oh Berdy, you're just so easy on the eyes - in all ways.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

FASHION FIX: Fila debuts Center Court and Collezione styles for Roland Garros

If you follow me on Twitter you'd know I made a visit to the Fila offices in Midtown Manhattan, NYC earlier this month to view the collections for this year's majors. I had a great time and plenty of laughs with the team over there while also talking tennis, fashion and other fun nuggets. So here's a little overview of what the Italian sports apparel brand is showcasing at this year's Roland Garros!

The men, including Marin Cilic, Janko Tipseravic and Fabio Fognini, will be debuting the Center Court collection which features a bold color story and fabrications that provide ultimate breathability.

(L) Center Court Color Blocked Crew - $45
(C) Center Court Polo - $60
(R) Center Court Printed Crew - $50

Center Court Short - $45

The ladies of Fila, including defending champion Svetlana Kuznetsova, Agnes Szavay and Anna Chakvetadze, are showcasing the Collezione group which features timeless fashion and a sophisticated blend of style and comfort.

Collezione Dress - $65

(L) Collezione Cap Sleeve - $48
(C) Collezione Sleeveless Tank - $45
(R) Collezione Racerback Tank - $50

Collezione Skort - $45

Visit Fila.com for more information.

[Photo(s): Fila]

(UPDATED) FASHION FIX: Top seeds begin Roland Garros campaign, debut new Nike duds

As reigning Australian Open champs top seeds Roger Federer + Serena Williams own the first leg of the Calendar Slam and are faves to grab the second leg in Paris. They both played their first round matches today and debuted new gear from Nike.

The Swiss stylist began the defense of his Roland Garros crown easily defeating Peter Luczak 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 in his typical, sweatless style. His stats told the tale: 34 winners/11 errors, 7 aces, and 71% success on first serves deliveries winning 80% of the time.

So what new styles was Fed working during this drubbing?

Mens All Court RF Clay Polo in bluegrass + white ($80)

Rush and Crush French Men's Tennis Shorts in white ($34)

Lunarlite Vapor Tour in obsidian + white ($120)

There isn't much you can do with menswear especially with someone who tends to stay with the classics like Fed. However, I was loving the henley-style tops he was wearing during the warm up tourneys because it was a nice change up from the polos he's always outfitted in by the Nike designers. That style is a nice compromise between a polo and a t-shirt. Oh well, it's a hard habit to break I guess.


ReRe had a bit more trouble in the opening set of her first round match, particularly with her serving, but showed her world-class quality in the second closing out Stefanie Voegele 7-6 (2), 6-2. She managed 28 winners against 22 errors, threw down 10 aces, and converted all 3 break point chances against her Swiss foe.

Here's a closer look at the 12-time Grand Slammer's stylish gear for her campaign, sans the sexy knickers:

Women's Electric Love Game Dress in marina blue + electric green ($90)

Air Max Mirabella II in marina blue, cool mint and electric green ($85)

I love this dress although, as I tweeted during her match, it seems a bit more Oz Open than Roland Garros. But it's fun, bright and the pleated trim is a pretty touch.

I say ReRe wins the Williams battle of the knaughty knickers over sister Venus pants, er, hands down.

UPDATE: I found it! Here's the short style Fed is wearing - the All Court Men's Woven Tennis Short. And yes it matters that much to me.


[Photo(s): TennisWarehouse.com, Nike.com, Getty Images]