FASHION FIX: Australian Open Uniqlo kits for Novak Djokovic, Kei Nishikori, and Shingo Kunieda

Here are some images of the Uniqlo duds No. 1 seed Novak Djokovic, No. 5 seed Kei Nishikori, and men's wheelchair champion, Shingo Kunieda, are said to be wearing at the 2015 Australian Open.

There's not much to say about these looks. In typical Uniqlo style, they're pretty basic. It's what we've come to expect from the Japanese retail giant for their ballers.

[Photo(s) credit: tt.tennis-warehouse.com/]

FASHION FIX: Fila's kits for the 2015 Australian Open

Fila has released the gear their ballers will be working at the 2015 Australian Open. The new Platinum collection offers a cohesive range of fashions, marked by fresh new fabrics, design details that showcase a high-end flavor, and stand-out styles. Training pieces were created to complement tennis apparel, for complete looks that can easily be worn on and off-court. As Fila’s most advanced line yet, technology is a crucial component of the Platinum story.

Jelena Jankovic, pictured above, will be wearing the Platinum dress ($90) in white and, appropriately, diva pink.

Germany's Julia Goerges will be sporting the Platinum wide racerback tank ($75) in diva pink/pirate charcoal and the Platinum skort ($75) in diva pink/pirate charcoal.

The women's collection also features a range of complementary pieces highlighted by the Platinum woven jacket, in silver/diva pink, which features embossed FILA neck taping, a bungee puller and stopper at curved bottom hem, a hood with drawcord, and front zippered pockets with lockdown pullers. The Platinum full zip jacket and pant, Platinum shorts, and Platinum capris with tennis ball pockets on the sides round out the collection.

American Sam Querrey will be wearing the Platinum zip placket polo shirt ($75) in white/navy power and the Platinum short ($60) in navy power/shocking orange.

Italy's Andreas Seppi will be sporting the Platinum laser cut top ($65) in navy power/shocking orange and the Platinum short ($60) in navy power/shocking orange.

The Platinum half-zip top and pants complete the men's collection. All styles are available at Fila.com. 

[Photo(s) credit: Fila]

FASHION FIX: Nike and fragment design introduce Nike Court collection

Nike Tennis and Hiroshi Fujiwara’s fragment design label have collaborated on Nike Court, a new capsule collection debuting today during a pre-US Open event in Tribeca, New York. The streetwear designs are inspired by some of Nike's classic tennis styles with modern updates.

The Herrington Jacket is constructed from lightweight fabric and features white zips, stitched detailing, and a mock neck.

The Polo features blue accents on white cotton, as well as ergonomic seams for ease of movement.

The Tennis Classic features a crisp white leather upper and sole is accented with a contrasting heel patch in either blue suede or grey snakeskin embossed leather, while a perforated Swoosh adds a fresh detail to the minimal sneaker.

The Half-Zip features a zip-off adjustable hood, drawstring hem, and large center pocket. A mesh lining and mock-neck collar offer breathability and lightweight warmth.

Personally, I love this collection. Clean, sleek, classic styles with a streetwise sensibility. Plus, Rafa is in the ad. You really can't go wrong.

All the styles are available at NikeLab.com. 

[Photo(s) credit: Nike Tennis]

FASHION FIX: UNIQLO launches 'Match Wear' collection for Djokovic, Nishikori, and Kunieda

UNIQLO just announced the release of the 'Match Wear' collection for their tennis ballers and Global Brand Ambassadors, including Novak Djokovic, Kei Nishikori, and men's wheelchair champion, Shingo Kunieda. Some of these items will be on full display at the US Open beginning next week.

According to the company press release, the match shirt for Nole features an eagle motif (click the image above for a closer look at the motif on his sleeve) – the national bird of both his native Serbia and of the United States – while eagle wings on the back are a nod to his style on the court. Of course, the 7-time Grand Slammer has had a feathered fashion history. While with adidas, he launched a Falcon-themed collection and said at the time:

It’s one of my favorite animals, and I think it describes in some ways my personality as well. I play a pretty aggressive game, and I’m very emotional, and I’m kind of connected to that bird. My grandfather used to call me always when I was younger, ‘falcon, falcon’ – doesn’t make any sense in English, but in our language it does.

It may also have something to do with his love of flying. You can see his full collection here.

For Shingo and Kei, the match wear is designed to look great both on and off the court, featuring red, white, and blue stripes inspired by the American flag, Route 66, blue skies, and the sunset.

Kunieda will sport a V-Neck T-shirt at the US Open, while Nishikori a polo shirt. All the items are available for purchase at UNIQLO stores and online at uniqlo.com. 

[Photo(s) credit: UNIQLO]

FASHION FIX: Nike US Open looks for Serena, Sharapova, and Azarenka

Along with the duds Nike unveiled for their boys, the sportswear giant released images and information on what their lady ballers will be wearing at the US Open. It seems like they're trying to go for some eye-catching, chatter-inducing styles for Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, and Victoria Azarenka this year. If that's the case, then it's working.

Yes, you're looking at leopard print for the Serena Dress, the choice for her day matches. They've been teasing the print during the hard-court tune-ups but in a tank-top version. I didn't mind it so much as a one piece of a total kit, but as an entire dress and in THAT color? Hmmmm.

We all know Maria likes to push the on-court fashion envelope from time to time. See Exhibits A, B, and C. I could go on and on but I'll just stop there. She started teasing the idea of making the biker shorts a more prominent part of her kit during her championship run at Roland Garros this year. You could tell the dress' hemline was taken up so they would show better. The Maria Day Tunic takes it to the extreme, ditching the dress style completely for a tunic. Usually, tunics are a bit more roomy to give the silhouette volume on top paired with a slim look on the bottom. Because the top of this kit is skin tight for performance purposes, the Russian just looks like she decided to wear an apron to the court. Perhaps Forbes' highest-paid female athlete on the planet will be taking drink orders on the changeovers.

I won't go too much into Vika's US Open kit because it's very similar to the one she wore in Stanford. The only difference in this particular image, and it's a major one for me, is that they've dropped the MAGICAL SHORTS for the Printed Pleated Woven Skirt. I much prefer the shorts Vika's wearing in the top photo of this post; they've become her trademark. Hopefully she'll bust them out and not this skirt (although on its own I like it).

Here are the duds Maria (left) and ReRe (right) will be wearing for their night matches. Unfortunately, from what I can tell, there's nothing shiny, shimmery, or eye-catching here. Too bad. These kits really could have used some pops of color or something to make them special. I mean, they are for the US Open night matches.

[Photo(s) credit: Nike]

FASHION FIX: Nike US Open looks for Nadal, Federer, and Dimitrov

The season's final major, the US Open, is less than two weeks away and Nike just officially released the duds for their top ballers. Here's a run down of what their boys will be wearing, including Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Grigor Dimitrov.

The status of Rafa and the defense of his title at Flushing Meadows is still up in the air (we should all reportedly know something by end of week) but what he'll be working isn't anymore. There were rumors about the Spaniard going back to sleeveless a while ago and I had a few things to say and so did others (see comments). Well, it's confirmed #TeamSleeveless. He'll be working the Advantage Premier Rafa Sleeveless, classic Premier Rafa Jacket, the Premier Gladiator Shorts, and the Lunar Ballistec. I'm really loving the varsity-style Premiere Rafa Jacket. Must. Purch.

Fed will be going for his sixth US Open title while wearing the Nike Advantage Premier RF Polo, Nike Premier RF Sweater, Nike Gladiator Premier Shorts and the Nike Zoom Vapor 9.5 Tour. This color combo is much better than the green-on-green polo and grey shorts he's been wearing during the hard-court swing. The blue contrast gives the polo some pop.

After reaching his first major semifinal at Wimbledon, Grisha will look to go a couple of steps further in his Advantage Polo, Nike Freestyle Short, and Nike Sphere Tennis Jacket. I've been a fan of how they've outfitted Grisha this season, especially the Touch Stripe Tennis Henleys he wore in the spring. You could say I'm a sucker for stripes. But I'm going to take a wait-and-see approach on this polo with the mismatched sleeves. It's fun and a bit off-beat. The Bulgarian just might be able to pull it off. I wonder if Maria Sharapova had to sign off on this look.

Here are the looks for Federer's and Nadal's night matches. They're dark. Because night.

[Photo(s) credit: Nike]

FASHION FIX: Victoria Azarenka loses to Venus Williams but wins in Nike

Last night we were treated to an all out battle of WTA titans when former top lady ballers Venus Williams and Victoria Azarenka faced off in the Stanford second round. There was much anticipation for this match up and it didn't disappoint. They both hit stinging groundies and created acute angles as they ran each other to all parts of the court.

The pair had played three times before this match with the American winning all in straights sets. During the match, you could see why. Vika's favorite pattern is to go cross court with her backhand to open up her opponent's forehand side for her down-the-line shot. But Venus' backhand is also her favorite and she holds her own, and then some, against the Belarusians' play. In fact, Venus' all-around game, when at her best, is superior to Vika's. And last night it was again. Since Wimbledon her game has been on point. Vintage, I dare say.

It was Vika's 25th birthday yesterday and, unfortunately, she was hit with another loss to Venus, this time 6-4, 7-6 (1), and a fall out of the top 10 to number 11 in the WTA rankings (switch places with Ana Ivanovic). It's not a surprise since she has tons of ranking points to defend after her great summer last season. She's still shaking off the rust from her injury layoff and should be back to full form soon.

Vika did get some new Nike duds for her birthday match. The now 25-year old was working the Fall Premier Sleeveless Polo in fuchsia and grey and the Fall Victory Short in grey. It's a very sporty look with the classic sleeveless polo getting a severe update. The shorts, of course, are MAGICAL for Vika. If you remember, she first starting wearing shorts for matches during her victorious run to the 2012 Australian Open title. Even though other lady ballers have worn shorts, they've become something of a trademark for her. Sadly, the MAGIC didn't rub off last night.

There was plenty of grumbling on Twitter about this kit. Some liked it while others just hated on it (try "horrid" and "terrible"). Personally, I liked the look for her. It's bold and she prefers to be a little out of the box (think: RedFoo). It certainly doesn't resemble anything else out there right now and that's a good thing. When Nike tries to put her in uber-feminine looks, it never works. Vika has the body type and attitude to pull this look off. One thing: She did seem to be fiddling with the top a little bit which could mean a fit issue or something. Otherwise, it's a winner for me.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

FASHION FIX: Betterer isn't just for Federer anymore

Now you can be Betterer, too. This Nike RF V-Neck tee ($40) is also available in heather grey. Git it.

[Photo(s) credit: Tennis Warehouse]

FASHION FIX: Venus Williams reveals the Strisce Break Back Dress for Wimbledon

Venus Williams today revealed her EleVen byVenus look for this year's Wimbledon Championships where she has won five titles.

The Strisce Break Back Dress ($88) features "a scoop neck and back, stylish mesh inserts at shoulders for enhanced breathability, feminine cap-sleeves, single front pleat on hem and a printed metallic EleVen logo on upper back" according to her blog.

I was wondering what "strisce" meant so I looked it up. It could mean "striped" or "strips" in Italian based on the translations I could find online, which must mean it's spot on. Thanks Internets. I don't see how either one would apply to this dress though. Feel free to let me know otherwise.

It's pretty cool; nothing spectacular but there's really not much you can do with the Wimbledon rules against anything but white.

There's limited availability of the dress so get it while you can.

[Photo(s) credit: EleVen by Venus website]

FASHION FIX: Welcome to a Nike Wimbledon

Hiya. Yes, it’s been a long break but certainly not as long as a Maria Sharapova mid-match dress change, no? It feels good to be back and right before my fave Grand Slam of the year, Wimbledon.

First, let me catch you up on what’s been going on. Let’s see. Well, we’re moving to LA in September, which is pretty insane. I love NYC and it will always have a place in my heart, but sometimes a change is in order. Now I’m California dreamin’ as it were. Think about it – I’ll be getting to play tennis all year long. Why yes, I’ll take it.

We also began the adoption process. Raising children has always been a dream and this year we finally started to make it happen. I would say by this time next year we could be PARENTS. Cray. There were some smaller things that have happened, but those are the significant ones.

I still kept up with the on- and off-court happenings in the tennis world, including the best women's major final in FOREVAH at Roland Garros. Pretty exhilarating stuff from Sharapova and Simona Halep. The men's final had its share of drama, but at long last it didn't outshine the quality and fierceness of the ladies'. But seeing Rafael Nadal capture 9 French Open titles and tie Pete Sampras with 14 was something special. Wait, isn't someone supposedly getting married this weekend? Speaking of marriage, you're better of without him, Woz. TRUST.

Anyway, what's more fitting than a fashion post to kick things off? Nike just released the Wimby duds for their top ballers, although Li Na is mysteriously absent. Your guess is as good as mine. You can click on each image for a closer look.

Rafael Nadal. The men’s top baller will be attempting to win his third Wimbledon title while working the 2014 Premier Rafa Crew, redesigned Nike Premier Rafa Jacket, and the Nike Gladiator Premier 7-inch Shorts.

Roger Federer. The Swiss will be hoping to add to his record 17 major titles at SW19 while showcasing the Nike Premier RF Polo, Nike Premier RF Cover-Up, Nike Gladiator Premier 9-inch Shorts and the Nike Zoom Vapor 9.5 Tour.

According to Fed, "The goal for my footwear and apparel is always lightness, comfort and style. What I'm wearing has to look good, be as breathable as possible and let me be faster to the ball. You can see in what I'm wearing for London that we've honored the tradition and elegance of this tournament, but that there is still real innovation in the fabrics and tailoring of my apparel that reflects my personal style and gives me the best chance of winning."

Grigor Dimitrov. He may have fallen at the first hurdle of Roland Garros, but Grisha will be feeling good with the grass finally under his Nike-clad feet. The Bulgarian will be styling the Nike Advantage UV Crew made from Dri-FIT UV fabric and the Nike Gladiator 2-in-1 Shorts.

Serena Williams. Wanna bet ReRe is gearing up for an all-out assault on the slick stuff after her humiliating defeat in Paris? She’ll take on pretenders for the crown wearing the all-white unique Nike Novelty Knit Dress that features a front bodice crafted from sweat-wicking Dri-FIT jersey fabric.

The world’s top lady baller has this to say about her partnership with Nike: "It's always a fun challenge when I work with Nike Tennis to create looks and clothing that let me express myself and my unique style while respecting the tournament. What I wear on-court is a key part of my advantage out there, so we focus on making my dress lightweight and allowing for full movement while not compromising on style."

Maria Sharapova. After capturing her second title in the City of Light, Sharapova will be looking to do the same in London where she will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of her run to the title as a scrawny but feisty 17-year old. The Russian will be working the unique Nike Premier Maria Dress “specially designed for superior ergonomics while projecting a luxurious silhouette.” Her kicks will be a white and gold NikeiD version of the iconic Nike Zoom Vapor 9 Tour. Additionally, Eugenie Bouchard and Madison Keys will be showcasing the Maria Team Collection that features the Nike Premier Maria Skirt paired with the Nike Premier Maria Tank.

Victoria Azarenka. The Belarussian basher has been hobbled by a niggling foot injury for the last three months, but she plans to return to action at Eastbourne. Vika will mark her arrival on the pristine lawns of the All England Club wearing the Nike Advantage Solid Tank, Nike Printed Pleated Woven Skirt combination and Nike Lunar Ballistec footwear.

All the styles are available at Nike.com.

(via NikeInc.com)

FASHION FIX: Striped socks! At the US Open!

No, it's not your eyes. Those are stripes. On a sock. 

So, at least one of my tennis fashion dreams has finally come true. The other one is, of course, shorty-shorts on the boys, and that one is even starting to happen (hello, legs).

H&M has already come a long way from where they started with Tomas Berdych earlier this year in Oz. And it's a different look for Big Berd, who always leaned towards classic looks with Nike. We've definitely moved into more fashionable territory.

Oh yeah. He won his second round match, too.

[Photo(s) credit: AP Photo/Mike Groll]

FASHION FIX: Venus Williams goes bold at the US Open

Good to see Venus Williams has her game back, at least for her opening round match. The 2-time US Open champ exacted a bit of revenge on Kirsten Flipkens, upsetting the Belgian 12th seed 6-1, 6-2. Flipper had beaten V in Canada a few weeks ago after the American fed her a full-on bagel in the first set. I use the word “upsetting” very loosely here because, well, it’s Venus Williams. Regardless of her ranking (she sits at No. 60 currently), she’s still dangerous when her game is on – and it was this match.

Can we say the same about her latest FASHION FIX? Well, she certainly jumped on the “bold” trend in design and color. She’s all about this season’s striking florals for her latest EleVen by Venus Williams dress.

But it didn’t stop there. V brought out the nail art trend showcasing some bling glued onto her finely manicured hands that matched her electric pink hair. I'd be afraid I might gouge my eye out hitting a backhand or something. But then again, I'm not a 7-time Grand Slammer with laser beams for groundies. She's adept at playing fully accessorized.

Bold and electric. Just like her game used to be. Yes, it pained me to write that, but it’s true. I really do hope she has a good showing in Flushing Meadows.

One reporter in her post-match presser had a word for her hair: restankulous. Like, to be really stank? I’m so confused. Reporter, please explain yourself!

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]