Wilson releases next generation BLADE rackets, includes four new models

What do Serena Williams, Milos Raonic, David Goffin, Madison Keys, and Gael Monfils have in common? The Wilson Blade is their weapon of choice. The racket maker has announced the next generation of Blades that includes four new models: BLADE 98 16x19, BLADE 98 18x20, BLADE 98S and BLADE 104.

The BLADE is the second attacker-focused product to emerge from Wilson’s new PlayerID system. For this system, Wilson categorized three core playing styles in today’s game: Baseliner, Attacker and All Courter. The PlayerID system helps players better select products that speak to their playing style and enhance their overall performance on the court. The introduction of the next generation BLADE rackets follows Wilson’s highly successful re-invention of its attacker-style Pro Staff franchise, which launched in 2014.

“BLADE is an incredible story of how to take performance tennis engineering and design to the next level,” said Hans-Martin Reh, General Manager, Racquet Sports. “We really dug into the playing style of attacker athletes and what they need to optimize their game. Then we looked at materials, construction, string pattern, weight, head size and feel, to design a racket that gives these powerful players greater control, feel and a bigger sweet spot.”

The new 2015 BLADE features a bold, new design with lime green accents on a sleek, black base, and is technology-packed. Evolutionary Braided Graphite and Basalt construction allows the BLADE to be more elastic and reactive at the point of contact for enhanced feel and greater control. The racket also includes Wilson’s Parallel Drilling, a technology that ensures the racket’s grommet holes are parallel with the string bed. This expands the sweet spot size by up to 26 percent, resulting in more power and a forgiving feel.

Further, the BLADE 98S delivers precision spin through Wilson’s patented Spin Effect Technology, which creates 200+ more RPM’s on every shot and enables players to get more balls in the court. And the BLADE 104, Serena William’s racket of choice, has a larger head size and bigger sweet sport.

The BLADE is available for pre-order now at select retailers and will be in retail stores and on Wilson.com in mid-January.

[Photo(s) credit: Wilson]

Andy Murray is officially a brand, logo included!

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray are known as the "Big 4" of men's tennis. But after today, they are also now known as the "Big 4" of...personal branding?

The Brit baller unveiled his personal logo, designed by Aesop, ahead of the year's first major, the Australian Open, that kicks off next week. It will be showcased on his tennis bag and on his warm-up t-shirts provided by new clothing sponsor, Under Armour. Their 4-year partnership was announced last month.

The inspiration behind the logo was the number 77, a reference to the number of years between the last British man to lift the Wimbledon trophy, Fred Perry, and Muzz's triumph at SW19 in 2013. (It also happens to be the name of his management company.) The logo combines the number 77 with his initials.

So how does Muzz's logo stack up to the other members of the Big 4?

Federer's, the first to be unveiled, does what logos are supposed to do. When you see the logo, it's instantly recognizable and you know who it's referencing. Plus, the use of negative space is smart and it represents Fed's brand values of quality, precision, and timelessness.

The bull logo for Rafa fits him perfectly. Strong, stubborn, hard working, and determined are all qualities represented by the bull and qualities the Spaniard displays every time he steps onto the tennis court.

There are two reasons why the eagle motif was used for Nole's logo; it's the national bird of his home country, Serbia, and it represents his style on the court. The eagle is hard to make out here, but the use of long, curved lines does mimic the world number one's supreme agility and flexibility on the court.

Ironically, Muzz's logo is somewhat reminiscent of the adidas logo with the use of three lines. Compared to the other three, I find it rigid and flat, which he can sometimes be when he's not playing well. But it's no-nonsense and does without any fuss. There's something very Muzz about that, too. So I guess it's perfect. I also see a pitchfork. Carry on.

[Via TheGuardian.com]

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/]

Kei Nishikori has super human eye-hand coordination and a cool get-up

If you needed more evidence that the Kei Nishikori brand is blowing up globally, here you go.

The U.S. Open finalist is featured on the cover of the January 19 issue of TIME magazine under the headline 'The Way of Kei'. Kei posted on his Facebook page that he is "very honored" to be the magazine's cover star.


Nissin Cup Noodle also released their latest commercial featuring their global brand ambassador. In the spot, Kei is outfitted to resemble Miyamoto Musashi, and he brandishes a wooden sword carved from a paddle just as the Japanese sword master was said to have done in his famous battle with Sasaki Kojiro. Apparently, Kei actually hit the shots seen in the spot with the wooden sword - no special effects needed.

With those moves, I'm sensing a video game starring Kei is in the works. Because that would be AMAZE.

[Kotaku.com, photo(s) credit: TIME]

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]

VIDEO VAULT: Serena Williams has an espresso with her bagel at the Hopman Cup

Hello 2015! I may be up and ready for the New Year, but the same can't be said for Serena Williams. The top lady baller is in Perth, Australia, for the Hopman Cup where she's teaming up with John Isner. She was facing off against Flavia Pennetta when the Italian fed her a bagel in the first set. That's when ReRe decided she needed to kick it up a notch, so she did what any of us would do - she ordered an on-court espresso. Personally, I would've gone for a triple shot mocha with whipped cream. Delish.

Letter to DtL readers: An update from yours truly

What's up, DtL readers?

I wanted to let you know I'll be back to regular posting once the new tennis season begins. Since my last update, I've been busy working on a portfolio for my work and I really wanted to focus on it. It's taken some time but I'm happy to announce that it's live at RichRodriguezWrites.com. You can find links to my writing and PR work there.

In the meantime, enjoy the Davis Cup final, the off-season, and see you in 2015!

Rich

Ana Ivanovic to Bella magazine: "I don't meet too many guys."

A striking Ana Ivanovic is featured on the cover and in a feature story for the Fall Fashion and Travel issue of Bella magazine. The magazine asked the former top lady baller about dating and relationships.

I would say, yes - there is always time, if you meet the right person. One of the downsides of the job is that I am travelling so much, and I don't have so much time to go out and socialise, as people who have a more traditional job might do, so it's hard. I don't meet too many guys.

Ana was formerly linked to ATP baller Fernando Verdasco and golfer Adam Scott. She was most recently rumored to have dated German footballer Bastian Schweinsteiger.

[Via: Daily Mail UK; Photo(s) credit: Bella NYC Magazine]

HOW NOT TO BE A GRACIOUS LOSER--JUST A LOSER--BY FABIO FOGNINI

Here's a story for all of you up-and-coming ballers out there that I'd like you to hear.

You're a veteran on the ATP tour (Fabio Fognini) and you come up against a wild card ranked 553 in the world (Wang Chuhan), who is playing his first match on said tour in front of his country people in Shanghai. The match also happens to be the first round of a Masters 1000, a pretty big stage. Shockingly, he beats you 7-6 (5), 6-4 and is understandably ecstatic while you're understandably disappointed. So how do you react to this moment?

CHOICE A: Purposefully bump into your conqueror



CHOICE B: Flip off the crowd



CHOICE C: All of the above because I'm a total ass hat.

CHOICE D: None of the above. I'm bummed but he earned it. Kudos!

Sadly, this veteran baller chose C. You would hope these professionals would know how to act because, well, they're professionals. Not this baller. 

The moral of this story? DON'T BE AN ASS HAT KIDS.

[Photo credit: Getty Images]

Maria Sharapova got an upgrade in flight and in print

Remember that time Maria Sharapova eye-spied a fellow passenger reading about her on a flight and tweeted about it? And remember how I was on-the-floor shocked that she, a former world No. 1 and 5-time Grand Slammer, was riding alongside her minions in coach class? Well, the Sugar Queen got an upgrade in more ways than one.

Hey buddy, remember me? I got an upgrade and a front page picture. Miss you xoxo #whatadifferenceaweekmakes pic.twitter.com/Syzn4832FB
— Maria Sharapova (@MariaSharapova) October 6, 2014

Winning big titles makes EVERYTHING POSSIBLE.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Tomas Berdych

"I just said to my coach now that I probably played over 700 matches in my career, and I met guys like Andre, Roger, all those probably in their best times. But I have never, ever experienced anything like that."

- A stunned Tomas Berdych after his 6-0, 6-2 drubbing at the hands of Novak Djokovic in the China Open final

High praise. The only time they were on the same playing field was right before the first ball was struck. Nole literally raced out to a 6-0, 5-0 lead before finally getting broken by Berd. It was simply an awesome performance against a quality opponent by the 5-time champ, who remains unbeaten in Beijing.

Nole stated earlier in the week that securing the year-end No.1 spot was a big priority for him, and the possibility of achieving it again gives him motivation. No kidding.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: Grigor Dimitrov feeling flexy

Grigor Dimitrov took out Spain's Pablo Andujar 6-4, 6-4 at the China Open and will try become the first baller to defeat Novak Djokovic in Beijing when they meet in the quarterfinals. The Serb is riding a 21-0 streak at the tourney.

Grisha doesn't seem too concerned about the world number one's record:

"[Novak] has always played well here. At the same time I like my chances. I've been practising well. I had a good block before the last bit of the season. In a way I'm excited to just come out there and play that match. Of course... I'm going to give my all." 

I actually give the Bulgarian a chance because I think he may have learned a few things from their semifinal meeting at Wimbledon. In that match, Nole was shaky and Grisha had his chances but let the moment get to him. There should be less pressure here; and the Serb has not been his supremely confident self since that championship run at the All England Club.

The ATP site also posted a Player Profile on Grisha. Check it out here.
 
[Via ATP.com; Photo(s) credit: Emmanuel Wong/Getty Images]

Andy Murray and adidas reportedly set to split at season's end

There's a good chance Andy Murray will be leaving adidas when his contract expires at the end of the season, according to The Telegraph's Simon Briggs:

Andy Murray's long-standing partnership with his clothing sponsor Adidas is unlikely to be renewed at the end of the season, according to sources within the equipment industry, as the Scot goes in search of one last big kit deal to cover the final five years of his career.

Murray, who beat Jerzy Janowicz yesterday in his first match at the China Open, will finish with close to £15 million – including performance-related bonuses – from the five-year contract with Adidas that is due to end in December.

For their next move, though, it seems that Murray’s agents are - eyeing niche brands that would base their strategy around him - and which might even offer him equity in the company, as the American nutrition specialists Fuse Science did last year. The example of Tomas Berdych, the Czech player who broke away from the traditional tennis labels to join high-street retailer H&M, could turn out to be a precedent.

In 2010, Muzz joined the German sports apparel giant after a stint with British fashion label, Fred Perry. Can you imagine the marketing push the company would have made for him last year when he became the first British man since Perry to claim the title at SW19? Anyway, it sounds like Muzz would like to return to a smaller brand where he can be the face. While it was certainly worth the jump to adidas from a financial standpoint, the company never did anything to make him stand out from the rest - no special collections or marketing strategies. He's always looking to do things a little differently (see: the appointment of Amelie Mauresmo as head coach), so it probably didn't sit well with him to be just another baller in their stable.

Any guesses on who his new sponsor will be? I think he'll go towards fashion rather than performance. Maybe a Brit brand such as Topman, French Connection, or Burberry? Ralph Lauren, although not exactly niche, has been involved in tennis for some time and could be looking to take that next step (plus they'd most likely have the funds). Perhaps The Gap or JCrew? Clearly I'm very interested.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: The 2014 China Open Player Party

The China Open Player Party has come a long way. So long traditional garb, hello sometimes questionable fashion choices. But I have to say, for the most part [SPOILER ALERT] these looks aren't screaming, "Wait, what the hell were you, or your stylist, thinking?!"

It's safe to say our ballers have come a long way, too.

THE GUYS

Novak Djokovic. The Serb usually goes for relatively safe, classic looks for these events and this outfit is no exception. First of all, I love the blue, but Nole's bordering ever so slightly on game show host here.

Rafael Nadal. I wasn't kidding when I said they've come a long way, especially Rafa. Back in the day, he would never show up wearing anything that actually fit him well. That's no longer the case. Aside from the slicked back hair, I think he looks quite good here.

Tomas Berdych. I'm not a huge fan of denim made to be distressed. I much prefer either raw denim or denim that has been distressed naturally and over time. In this case, Big Berd's jeans give his look some edge and make it less conservative than Rafa's. As we've seen on-court with his H&M kits, the Czech isn't afraid to be bold.

THE LADIES

 

Serena Williams. She dares to be different and this striking dress is no exception. It's certainly in the theme of the evening. But if ReRe's trying to out-Milos Milos Raonic with her one-sleeve number, SHE WINS.

Ana Ivanovic. I'll keep it short here and say she looks lovely. It feels like, on-court and off, she's coming into her own this year.

 

Caroline Wozniacki. What I just wrote for Ana? Ditto for Woz. Great look.

Simona Halep. If this haircut is a new one, it's fantastic. Plus, the pops of yellow against the simple black dress are just right.

Genie Bouchard. You really can't go wrong with a great pair of jeans, a simple white blouse and black heels, and easy flowing hair. Smart, classic look.

Andrea Petkovic. Head-to-toe black is easy and always looks chic. Petko gives the outfit a little kick with these fantastic shoes.

Heather Watson. Fine, she's still very young as this outfit shows. It's a little casual for this event, in my opinion, but at least she's not trying to look older.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

Roger Federer is going to be VERY busy in India

Roger Federer needed some help. So he did what any self-respecting, social-media savvy tennis baller does these days who's in a dilemma (let me throw a little alliteration at you). He went straight to his fans. And he has many. Like, more than 2.2 million and growing.

What's the dilemma? As you may have heard, Fed is stepping in for Rafael Nadal in the inaugural International Premier Tennis League, and he'll be heading to Delhi, India, in December to lead the Indian Aces. Here's what he tweeted this past Monday:

I need some help from my supporters in India. I'm only in Delhi for a few days, so can't visit all amazing places that I'd like...
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) September 23, 2014

Maybe you guys could help #PhotoshopRF? Show me where I should visit and I'll retweet the best pics!
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) September 23, 2014

Apparently he got so many stellar submissions that he needed to create a collection of his own. And so did I. Here are some of my faves:

@rogerfederer #PhotoshopRF You could maneuver a coracle in the Hogenekal Falls pic.twitter.com/nBdehF694p
— Darshu Tikle Tukaye (@darshutikle) September 24, 2014

#PhotoshopRF #rogerfederer @rogerfederer Expierencing Indian culture <3 pic.twitter.com/NwKQGVwGUB
— Imperfect_wolf (@Imperfect_wolf) September 24, 2014

@rogerfederer This is how Roger Federer enjoys NAVRATRI @ Gujarat. #PhotoshopRF pic.twitter.com/PVeluokhFl
— Anil Gupta (@anilgupta003) September 24, 2014

@rogerfederer Get "Fed Up" #PhotoshopRF pic.twitter.com/RhOeY0MHmB
— Vijay Menon (@menongitis) September 24, 2014

Omg whoever did this for #PhotoshopRF yesterday,this is epic ;) pic.twitter.com/LeXRvvfeDl
— Yami (@Yamistic) September 24, 2014

You're a very courageous person! #PhotoshopRF @rogerfederer pic.twitter.com/YnNaH1Onuv
— ö.o (@pemberencir) September 25, 2014

@rogerfederer and Mirka in Kerala to resolve the - "Who's turn to do nappies" - debate once and for all! #PhotoshopRF pic.twitter.com/1IRqQ8XjoY
— Subin Jacob (@sozigzag) September 25, 2014

Last. I promise. #PhotoshopRF @rogerfederer pic.twitter.com/NmFeyfVYxE
— Rameez (@Sychlops) September 23, 2014

@rogerfederer In Bollywood Singham Style #PhotoshopRF #singhamreturns #Bollywood pic.twitter.com/BOFQvkiUdq
— Sarang (@sarangsp) September 24, 2014

Maria Sharapova flies coach and tweets about it #reallynotreally

Hey buddy, I'm right behind you... :) pic.twitter.com/deVaMfetzr
— Maria Sharapova (@MariaSharapova) September 25, 2014

Forget the funny-haha, I-saw-you-looking-at-me part of this tweet from Maria Sharapova. Does anyone really believe the Sugar Queen is flying coach? MARIA SHARAPOVA. SHE'S NOT LIKE US. AT ALL. REALLY NOT.

Rafael Nadal: "I feel much better...I'm in good shape."

Rafael Nadal returned to action today after almost three months away to play an exhibition match against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in Astana, Khazakhstan. He defeated the Frenchie 6-7(2), 6-3, 6-4.

After injuring his right wrist in practice, he skipped the entire North American hard-court season, including the US Open, to rehabilitate it. He hasn't played a competitive match since falling to Australian Nick Kyrgios in the Wimbledon fourth round.

Prior to the match, Rafa and Jo-Willy met with the country's president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, and gave him an autographed tennis racquet case.

"I feel much better...I'm in good shape," said the 14-time Grand Slammer in an interview on-court after the match. "The wrist, I think, starts to be forget. And now I need to take the rhythm again. This takes time. This match today helps me, but I'm going to have a tough comeback for sure in Beijing and Shanghai. But my goal is try to worry as much as possible, practice as much as possible to be ready for what's going on in the end of the season."

Here's video of the on-court interview with Rafa:



Good test for the wrist against one of the heaviest hitters of the ball out there. It's great to hear he's  not so focused on his wrist right now, but on getting in match shape for the remainder of the season. The fall indoor stretch has never been a good one for him historically. But the fact that he's back on the court and healthy is reason enough to be excited.

[Photo(s) credit: inform.kz]

Nike honors Li Na with "Be the Bird that Sticks Out" campaign

Nike has announced a brand campaign to honor Li Na called "Be the Bird that Sticks Out." The image is of a phoenix spreading its wings and it captures "Li’s pioneering spirit of daring to stand out, and encourages young people to have the courage to follow their dreams." She referenced the phrase in the Facebook post announcing her retirement earlier today.

Here's what Nike said about the campaign and its meaning:

The campaign, "Be the Bird that Sticks Out," derives from the Chinese proverb, "The bird that sticks out always gets shot,” a stern reminder to keep in line, follow the rules and be aware of the perils of resisting convention. Li boldly provided an example of someone who stood for what she believed in. She chose her own path outside of the traditional system and soared to a level of success that few Chinese athletes have reached. By following her instincts, Li became one of the best tennis players in the world and forever changed the game in China. Li’s strong will and determination deliver a clear message: History and records are often rewritten by birds that dare to stand out.

It's a beautiful image and tribute. Very fitting for Li. 

[Photo(s) credit: Nike]

[UPDATED] THE LOW DOWN: Li Na to announce her retirement from tennis according to reports

CCTV, the Chinese state-owned news outlet, is reporting that reigning Australian Open champion, Li Na, will announce her retirement according to her agent, Max Eisenbud:

#LiNa, China’s two-time Grand Slam winner, expected to announce #retirement due to injuries, according to her agent pic.twitter.com/3fTFL9hYvO
— CCTVNEWS (@cctvnews) September 18, 2014

Li, who reached a career-high of No. 2 in the rankings, withdrew from all the summer hard-court tourneys, including the US Open, to deal with a recurring knee injury.

If she does retire, it will be unfortunate timing for the WTA. Asia has been a big focus for the women's tour recently, and Li is the region's most recognizable star (and the second highest-earning female athlete in the world behind Maria Sharapova). The season-ending WTA Championships was moved from Turkey to Singapore this year for the first time. Moreover, the inaugural tournament in Li's hometown of Wuhan is set to begin next week (she's still on the competitor's list).

I'll update this post if and when the news is confirmed.

UPDATE: Li Na confirmed the retirement reports in a lengthy and beautifully written post on Facebook. You can read it here. It's a MUST. Maria Sharapova, also represented by Eisenbud, posted a note on her FB page saying: 

A truly respected athlete and person, wishing Li Na much happiness and health in her next chapters of life.

We hear about the injuries and sometimes see them as they happen, but I don't think we ever really know the extent of the pain and suffering some of these athletes endure on a regular basis all in the name of competition and performance. By her own account, she was suffering significantly and more than I even understood.

It makes sense. She has nothing to prove on-court, and off-court she has seen the fruits of her labor born out in front of her eyes. Even in retirement, Li will continue to inspire others in her country and around the world to overcome adversity and achieve their dreams. She is a trailblazer the likes we don't see very often. And it's not just about her tennis; the way she handled herself on-court and in interviews was stellar. Seriously, there's really no one on the WTA tour that can cut up the way Li does. SERIOUSLY.

Thank you, Li Na.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: I'll see your Wheaties box...and raise you Cup Noodles

US Open finalist Kei Nishikori is being honored by Nissin with his likeness on Cup Noodles for being the first man from Asia to reach a major final.

[Via: For the Win, photo: Yoshikazu Tsuno/AFP]