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]

VIDEO VAULT: Serena Williams talks and sings while Roger Federer just talks

Serena Williams loves her some karaoke. It's been well-documented, of course. But I still give her props for getting up on stage at the Delta OPEN Mic event last night in front of actual people and doing her rendition of "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend". Jack Sock, Orange Is The New Black’s Uzo Aduba and Laverne Cox, comedian Kathy Griffin, 30 Rock’s Katrina Bowden, Glee’s Darren Criss, and celebrity fitness trainer Shaun T joined the 17-time Grand Slammer at the party.


Roger Federer sat down with sponsor Wilson to talk about winning Cincinnati, his new racquet, and a little about his pre-match routine which includes not missing the match. His words. Swear.

Will Bethanie Mattek-Sands go all Johnny Weir on Tennis Channel?

Brace yourselves, Tennis Channel viewers. The broadcasting company today announced the addition of Bethanie Mattek-Sands to the on-air coverage team for the US Open starting next week. Yes, that BMS. And this one. And the one above. Not a bad way to spend an injury-induced layoff.

I think it's an absolutely inspired choice by Tennis Channel and I'm harboring very high expectations for her broadcasts:

Dear Bethanie Mattek-Sands: Please go full-on Johnny Weir during your Tennis Channel broadcasts. Because that would be AMAZING.
— rich rodriguez (@DTL_Rich) August 20, 2014

She really needs to Johnny Weir (see the Nick McCarvel-penned definition here) the shit out of her on-air time. Like this:

And this:

And, well, this:

But @4AllSurfaces posed a very interesting question on Twitter:

@NickMcCarvel @DTL_Rich @BMATTEK @JohnnyGWeir but who will be her @taralipinski ?
— Ang (@4AllSurfaces) August 20, 2014

Andy Roddick. No question for me. Why, do you have a better choice?

[Photo(s) credit: BMS - Getty Images]

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]

Rafael Nadal officially withdraws from the US Open due to wrist injury

Today Rafael Nadal officially withdrew from the US Open with the right wrist injury he sustained in practice at the end of July. He made the announcement via his Facebook page:

I am very sorry to announce I won’t be able to play at this year’s US Open a tournament on which I’ve played 3 consecutive finals in my last participations. I am sure you understand that it is a very tough moment for me since it is a tournament I love and where I have great memories from fans, the night matches, so many things… Not much more I can do right now, other than accept the situation and, as always in my case, work hard in order to be able to compete at the highest level once I am back.

Siento anunciar que no podré participar en el US Open, torneo en el que en los últimos años he tenido muy buenos resultados. Entenderéis que es un momento duro para mi porque es un torneo que me encanta y en el que tengo muy buenos recuerdos, de los fans, de los partidos nocturnos, de tantas cosas. No me queda otra que aceptar que no puedo competir este año y como siempre trabajar para que cuando vuelva esté preparado de la mejor manera para competir.

Roger Federer, who won the Cincinnati Masters over the weekend, will take over as the second seed. Here's the potential list of the men's top eight seeds: 1. Novak Djokovic 2. Federer 3. Stan Wawrinka 4. David Ferrer 5. Milos Raonic 6. Tomas Berdych 7. Grigor Dimitrov 8. Andy Murray

It's never good news when a top baller withdraws from a major, especially when he's the defending champion. He had such a sensational season last year after dealing with another injury-induced absence from the ATP tour. Let's hope Rafa's recovery is swift and he's back in action soon.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]