FASHION FIX: Rafa's stunning + stylish debut in Melbourne, showcases new-fangled Nike duds (to die)

Rafael Nadal made a stunning debut in Melbourne today, and in more ways than one.

The world's top baller absolutely crushed diminutive Belgian Christoph Rochus 6-0, 6-2, 6-2 in the first round and threw down some sick numbers to boot: 47 winners against 18 errors, 10 aces, 69% on first serve deliveries with 91% success, and made 8 of 9 net approaches.


In addition, the Mallorcan Matador finally debuted his highly-anticipated (and controversial) new Nike Spring '09 stylings I previewed back in November. He's working the Short Sleeve Top in white + classic charcoal, the Long Checked Short in classic charcoal (with some subtle dotting BTW), my fave Air Max Courtballistecs in light green + classic charcoal, and bandana and wrist bands in light green.

How incredibly sexy does he look in these duds?! *swoons*


Rafa was asked about the new look in his post-match presser:

Q. I notice you didn't have a sleeveless shirt on today. Are you sort of getting a bit older?

RAFAEL NADAL: You like it or the prefer the other one (smiling)?

Q. I wouldn't go sleeveless myself. What do you think?

RAFAEL NADAL: I feeled well, no? I feel good. Well, in this moment we gonna play like this. You never know in the future. But right now I am fine like this.

Q. Anything cause the change? Was there any reason to change it up?

RAFAEL NADAL: For change. I don't know.

LOVE. There really isn't anything more to say about this entire ensemble although, like any outfits seen on the runways during Fashion Week, I warn against wearing the complete look head-to-toe.

I mean, who wants to be compared to Rafa? You'll lose - just sayin'.

Now...must...buy.

PS - As if this wasn't enough, here's a BONUS for all you rabid Rafanatics:

Get it while you can!

(images via Getty, AP, TennisWarehouse)

FASHION FIX: Nadal gets the (Nike) blues

Change up: Our philanthropic friend, Rafael Nadal, is the top seed at this week's wordiest tourney: the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament 2008 (are all those words really necessary?) Anyways, the World No. 2 moved into the second round after defeating Russian Dmitry Tursunov 6-4, 6-4 in their first-ever meeting. He'll take on Italian Andreas Seppi in the next round.

Now, if you recall I wrote in length about how much I disliked Rafa's Aussie Open Nike gear - something about 'roadkill'. But I'm def liking this version - it's still the Global Power Sleeveless top and Global 3/4 pant, but the shades of blue mixed with white + grey are much more appealing than the orange-red + grey disaster from earlier in the season. I'd still love to see a more interesting, innovative design on the shirt than the tire track mess, but all in all much better.

(images via Paul Gilham/Getty Images)

Calling on David Beckham: A hairy situation on the men's tennis tour

The tennis news is few and far between these days. The players, both men and women, are fine tuning their hardcourt games for the final Grand Slam of the year, the US Open. A win, or at the very least a good showing, could salvage a player's entire year (are you listening Andy Roddick & James Blake?)

With this free time, I've had a chance to notice a very disturbing, and growing, trend on the men's tour: offensive, unforgiveable hair. And not just bad haircuts but haircuts seemingly grown that way on purpose.

I've pictured a few of the worst offenders here: David Ferrer (Spain - above left), Jose Acasuso (Argentina - above right), Igor Andreev (Russia - below left), Nicolas Lapentti (Ecuador - below middle), and Sergio Roitman (Argentina - below right).

When looking for great hair inspiration, these players need not look any further than new Hollywood transplant, and hair-enthusiast, David Beckham. He has worked every hairstyle known to a man - see for yourself:

If there's one thing Becks can teach these men it's this: it's not the hair...it's how you wear it.

(images courtesy of AP Photos)