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]

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]

PHOTO OP: Roger Federer's game on Lindsey Vonn's surface - who wins?

Roger Federer and Lindsey Vonn came together on a make-shift tennis court atop a glacier in the Swiss Alps as part of the #chocolateheaven promotion for Lindt Chocolate. The company is opening a new store in town and brought along the sports superstars to help with the launch.

Now THIS is what you're supposed to do on ice:

ICYMI: The pair shot a video that features them talking about the challenge via Skype.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images, Reuters]

Sweet Relief: Sharapova launches Sugarpova pop-up shop

Maria Sharapova launched a pop-up shop for Sugarpova in Wimbledon Village at 89 High Street this week ahead of The Championships. The so-called "candy lounge" features a juice bar with drinks inspired by the Sugarpova flavors and a photo booth to commemorate your visit.

The Roland Garros champ even popped up inside the photo booth for some fun with British lady baller, Laura Robson. Is it me or is it weird to see her hanging out with another lady baller? Nope, it's WEIRD.

More shots from this week's launch below.

[Photo(s) credit: @mariasharapova]

VIDEO VAULT: Nadal + Ronaldo + Nike = BRILLIANT

Footennis is SO very.

[Via Nike Football]

VIDEO VAULT: Thank you, Wilson

Most tennis commercials for pretty much anything make me want to turn the channel. Actually, they work pretty well as white noise for bedtime (counting sheep just doesn't cut it anymore - boo). They bore me to whatever is worse than tears.

But after catching these commercials by Wilson for their Juice & Steam racquets--in particular this one starring first-time major quarterfinalist Kei Nishikori--during some of Tennis Channel's Australian Open coverage, I felt a strange sensation building inside my belly. No, not gas. It was a giggle. A loud and true giggle.

I cracked up at a tennis commercial. Miracles really do happen kids.

[Via: Wilson]

PHOTO OP: Tipsarevic takes it off for Extreme Intimo

Can you believe Janko Tipsarevic of all ballers is following in Rafael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco's foot steps and stripping down to his skivvies for Extreme Intimo? Let me be the first to say HE'S COME A LONG WAY.

More images from the ad campaign and behind-the-scenes video after the jump - click the header.

VIDEO VAULT: Djokopova

Need I say more?

[Via: HEAD ]

VIDEO VAULT: Nothing gets between Nadal and his Armanis (you wish)

Here's some behind-the-scenes footage of Rafael Nadal shooting another ad campaign for Emporio Armani and Armani Jeans Fall Winter 2011 and 2012 collections.

So I guess the ad has something to do with Rafa running in a full tux while being chased (by some rabid Rafanatics, no doubt) followed by a strip down to - what else? - his Armanis. And there's some other stuff I couldn't be bothered to figure out. I mean, HE STRIPS DOWN TO HIS UNDIES. That really is all.

[Via: RafaUpdates]

VIDEO VAULT: Sharapova loves HEAD

You gotta give it up for Maria Sharapova. She's a much better actress than she's EVAH been as you can see in this new promo for her new HEAD Instinct racquet. Need proof? Well, let me take you down memory lane, back to a time when the Russian blondezilla was just ending her long injury layoff and hair wings were all the rage. They were all the rage, right?

[Via: HEAD]

VIDEO VAULT: In the shower and in bed with Andy Murray

Click here to watch the full video

Yeah. It's exactly how it sounds. The Brit baller is starring in a new short film going viral for his sponsor HEAD. It's a promo for their Facebook page in which fans can interact with Muzz throughout Wimbledon.

Here's how: Fans should visit and "LIKE" the HEAD FB page (click here) to gain access to exclusive content, prizes and tweets by Muzz. They can leave personalized messages for him on the page and his faves will be adorned on the racquet bag he carries out for his matches at the All England Club.

Boy, if this is a day in the life of Muzz then I'm def surprised. I thought he was a one woman kinda guy (hiya, Kim) but he's got all kinds of different people with him in all kinds of interesting places. And, apparently, it's ALL WORTH IT. What a man whore.

Check out Muzz in the new adidas duds he'll be wearing at Wimby after the jump...

VIDEO VAULT: Sweetness

Give it up, Sugarpova.

Celebrating 40 years of Lacoste at Roland Garros

I wanted to give props to Lacoste for the 40 years of sponsoring one of the best tourneys on the planet, Roland Garros. Of course, I needed to start with the great kits they gave their lady ballers this year (love the boys, too, but I showed my appreciation already), in this case Sam Stosur + Alize Cornet, and the outfits for the chair umpires and line judges:

The French sportswear brand has also dedicated a section of their website to mark this milestone:

It features a fun video highlighting their heritage, the 2011 Roland Garros Collection and a special edition polo and t-shirt for men and women celebrating the partnership:

Each piece showcases a triple logo: the iconic crocodile, the Roland Garros trophy and the official RG logo.

So, if you get the chance check it out!

[Photo(s): Getty Images, AFP PHOTO / MIGUEL MEDINA]

MEDIA MASHUP: WTA tour launches "Strong is Beautiful" global ad campaign

(This post was also removed during BLOGGER'S major fail this week. Apologies again.)

The WTA announced the launch of a new global ad campaign entitled "Strong is Beautiful" which features some of the biggest names on the tour. It will roll out over the next two years covering 80 markets and incorporating TV, print and digital ads along with a strong social media component. The WTA hopes to engage fans from around the world and bring along new fans by showcasing 38 of the current and future stars of the tour.

Photog Dewey Nicks, who shot a select group of lady ballers for a brilliant slide show and video last year for The New York Times Magazine right before the US Open, was brought on board to helm the creative and shoot the ads.

The first spot to be released is called 'Sugar & Spice' and focuses on the qualities needed to be successful in the competitive world of tennis:



The second spot, called 'Countries', is narrated by Caroline Wozniacki and focuses on the global nature of women's tennis:



The remaining spots are individual ads featuring Victoria Azarenka, Li Na, Ana Ivanovic, Serena Williams and Kim Clijsters all discussing a quality or challenge that has made them unique. I adore these ads in particular because Vika, Li + NaturAna get to narrate in their native tongue. Now there's some global for you. You can check out these videos after the jump (click the head).

Kudos to the WTA for this awesome campaign. It's visually stunning, modern, elegant, and even haunting. The ads, at their core, really transcend the sport and have the potential to connect with fans, new and old, in all different kinds of ways. And isn't that just the recipe for growing the sport? Genius. Oh, and thanks for not hiring this guy to take the reigns. Yeah, going the Maxim route probably isn't a plan for success. Just a thought.

Visit the WTA Facebook page to view all the upcoming ads as well as their dedicated YouTube page for more videos.

(UPDATED) FASHION FIX: Are you "All In" for these adidas tees?

Have you guys seen these new adidas t-shirts their boys have been wearing during their practices in Estoril? How much do you WANT?

These tees are part of the adidas' latest brand marketing campaign called "All Adidas" which features the tagline "All In". It launched last month with a series of commercials that highlights their connections with worlds of sports, music and fashion. David Beckham, Leo Messi, Derrick Rose, B.O.B and Katy Perry all make appearances in these fast-moving, visually exciting spots. The brand has a dedicated YouTube page for the new campaign where you can watch all of the commercials.

So back to these most highly coveted tees. Apparently, they're not being sold to the public which makes absolutely no sense at all. Maybe they thought there wouldn't be a demand, but maybe that's because they haven't made a PR push and no one really knows about them yet. So, let's get the word out. I mean, these tees are like tennis' version of the sports jersey. How awesome would it be to have your fave baller riding your back?? Uh, don't answer that. Focus on the tees, people.

UPDATE: So it's settled. Go here, find your country or region, click the "Contact Us" link and let them know "I WANT A BALLER ON MY BACK!" That is all.

[Photo(s): @AnaTennisGirl TwitPic]

PHOTO OP: He's got wings!

The Falcon has landed.

Novak Djokovic and his latest, greatest hits made their hilarious entrance into the Sony Ericsson Open for their opening round match last night in Miami. The Serb donned the helmet and goggles from his recent HEAD masterpiece and carried his racquet in a hard shell case with a shout out to his sponsors Facebook page. You guys, I need a Nole in my life. Seriously.

 
He and a number of other ballers including his opponent Dennis Istomin also wore red t-shirts with Japanese flags to acknowledge the devastation in Japan; the ballers walked the stands to collect donations from fans for the relief efforts:

All told they raised $300,000 including contributions from the WTA women's tour, the ATP World Tour, the International Tennis Federation and the four Grand Slam tournaments.

Nole took to Twitter after crushing Isto 6-0, 6-1 (extending his winning streak to 19) saying, 

Had a loooot of fun tonight on the court. Especially coming in with suitcase,glasses,hat.. Hope you guys liked it too :-)) p.s. It worked !

I know I'm biased but the tennis community, led by Nole, deserve HUGE props for the attention and effort they continue to give towards the relief efforts in Japan including the football/soccer match and gala dinner. And like Rafole, a number of the top ballers recorded video messages of support to the stricken country (to be released shortly.)

Whenever there's a global crisis you just know the tennis world will come together and show support. Kudos.

More images from last night after the jump - click the head.

VIDEO VAULT: Serena Williams spins her top (and other parts)

Check out this supposedly unauthorized Top Spin 4 promo starring Serena Williams and another woman called 'The World's Sexiest Gamer.' It features the former top lady baller in a onesie and thigh high boots showing off her gaming skills - a typical night at the ReRe mansion, no doubt.

I don't see what the big deal is here. After the catsuit and other near-nekkid ReRe moments this one is actually pretty tame.

Thanks jovan017!

Nadal wants you to drink responsibly (no, really)

Rafael Nadal has become the latest ambassador for Bacardi Ltd. and will star in a series of ads for its "Champions Drink Responsibly" campaign. The announcement will be made today during an event at the New World Symphony Space in Miami Beach.

The first spot (above) featuring the world's top baller is geared toward the message that champions watch out for their friends while drinking and includes the line "I'd always tell my friends where the line is." According to the Miami Herald, the second ad will focus moderation and features the message, "I try to beat everyone at tennis, not at drinking."

I enjoy socializing with my friends and family and drinking responsibly is important no matter what your game is,” Nadal said in a statement. “That is why I’m teaming up with Bacardi Limited as I want to take the lead in promoting social responsibility to fans and consumers around the world.

The Spanish lefty will participate in events around Wimbledon, the U.S. Open and other tourneys to help get the message out. He joins Formula One world champ Michael Schumacher who became the first face of the campaign in April 2008.

I always find it interesting when athletes partner with brands like Bacardi Ltd. that go against the athletic ideal (more in the minds of the fans than the athletes themselves me thinks) of strictly healthy eating/no drinking.  It's a fine line for them and could torpedo their well-crafted image. Granted, it's an educational campaign about responsible drinking, but Rafa still wasn't afraid to admit he enjoys "socializing" (as he put it) within limits from time to time. Like we didn't know that already.

[Via: The Miami Herald]

VIDEO VAULT: Falcon flies again

It made me laugh, it made me cry. And it comes with an Oscar-worthy score.
 
[Via: HEAD]

Wimbledon wants to rub baller parts in your face

Would you like your tennis in 3-D?

The All England Club officials announced the tourney will be showcasing the men's semifinals and the men's and ladies' semifinal and final matches live in 3-D capable theaters around the world as part of a multiyear partnership with Sony.

Nice. We'll be getting protruding and sweaty baller parts rubbed right up in our faces. Good GAWD - that could be completely drool inducing or downright scary.

Can't wait!

[Photo(s): Time.com]