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: Nike puts Nadal in bold berry

I haven't really liked much of what Nike has given Rafael Nadal this season. It's not that any of it was full-on fug or anything. The duds just didn't make an impression. This week in Tokyo, the Spaniard broke out the Men's Winter Rafa Ace Masters Crew ($65) in bold berry that features a funky graphic on the bottom front and back. While it's still pretty basic I'm LOVING this color - it's deep, rich and looks really good against his skin tone. Plus, it feels fresh next to all the red that's been littering the ATP World Tour - major points.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

FASHION FIX: It's a tee off!

Even though I'd prefer to have my ballers shirtless during their practice sessions, there is one reason to have them clothed: THE PRACTICE TEE.

Shots of Ana Ivanovic, Gilles Simon, Rafael Nadal, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Novak Djokovic, Maria Sharapova and Stanislas Wawrinka in their baller best at Roland Garros after the jump - click the head.

(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]

FASHION FIX: Federer lets the polo go in Miami - sign o' the times?

Is it just me or did it jolt anyone else to see Roger Federer playing his opening round match at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami sans polo? Okay, 'jolt' is a strong word so how about 'supremely surprised'? He showed up working the Federer Trophy Men's Tennis Shirt ($70) in tech grey, gridiron, peach cream and white and proceeded to dismiss Radek Stepanek 6-3, 6-3 tying Pete Sampras with 762 career match wins. 

The last time I can recall seeing the Swiss stylist wearing something other than his fave polo look in a match was back in 2009 at Indian Wells where he reached the semifinals. This outfit definitely gives him a fresh feel but at the same time it's reminiscent of all the techno trends dominating both tours at the moment.

Now I wouldn't have thought too much about it, but earlier in the week I noticed another polo-loving baller, Ryan Harrison, stripped of his button front and collars and dressed in the Nike Men's Spring Challenger Gradated UV Crew ($50) in vibrant blue:

I, of course, had to let my thoughts known to those who may have been responsible i.e. Nike Tennis.

So is this a new trend for the sports apparel brand and/or on the tour or just a quick change up for these two ballers in Miami? Not sure. Listen, I'm all for switching things up but it's also nice to have throwback styles showcased on ballers like Fed, Ryan and even Milos Raonic + Richard Gasquet in Lacoste mixed in with these modern looks with their bright, sometimes acidic colorways. The balance, to me, is what's most important.

I guess we'll have to just wait and see.

[Photo(s): Federer via Al Bello/Getty Images; Harrison via Matthew Stockman/Getty Images]

FASHION FIX: Keepin' it Old School

If you're any kind of tennis gear and equipment head then you probably know of Robert Wallace or have run across his long-running and extensive blog What's All the Racquet? at some point while scouring the Internets. As a fellow tennis fashion fiend I have been following his blog for some time, and it has been and continues to be a great resource for Down the Line! Robert is still going strong with What's All the Racquet? but this time he's not only talking about another brand's goods but also his own newly formed label, Old School Tennis.

Robert had been mulling the idea for years before officially launching the website this past July. The idea spawned from observations of two things he was already passionately covering in his blog: tennis + fashion.

"I watch the grand slams religiously, and what I saw (with the recent exceptions of Fed and Rafa), was that McEnroe, Borg, Connors and Becker were still the biggest draws in the media," said Robert during a recent email exchange. "These are the players I grew up with so I loved it, but there must be something enduring there. Then, I kept seeing fun variations on the 'Viva Che' and 'What Would Jesus Do?' tshirts. Those two ideas came together and the idea for Old School Tennis was born."

The men's range includes basic + ringer tees and hoodies while the women's range features tees, sleeveless tops and tanks. There are even offerings for kids and babies! Seriously, could there be a more fitting image plastered to a screeching baby than this one?

Right. I didn't think so (nor did baby.)

The prices range from $19.99 - $44.99. For more information check out the Old School Tennis website here. One more t-shirt shot featuring Martina Navratilova after the jump (click the head.)

FASHION FIX: Brooklyn Decker trend watch in Hotlanta

Brooklyn Decker, who we last saw decked out in Herve Leger for the ESPY Awards, took a turn for the casual as she watched hubby, Andy Roddick, scrape out a 6-1, 6-7(1), 6-3 win over compatriot Rajeev Ram in sultry Atlanta.

Yes, it's been a near record summer in terms of heat in many parts of the U.S. - including New York City where I'm currently melting - and Hotlanta is no exception. I'm not complaining, though, because it gives people license to wear next to nothing just to survive and that makes my fave past time - people gawking - a much more pleasant experience. At least for me.

But I digress. Back to Brook. The tennis WAG busted out a few trends for her hubby watching:

1) Ray Ban Aviators: Yes, I know I've written about this style maybe a little too much but they're my fave style and the WAGS seem to love 'em too. It's a classic and not a fad like their cousin, the 8o's Wayfarer, which is EVERYWHERE on EVERYBODY right now. But don't worry. Once the Wayfarer gets tired and leaves you, Aviator will be there waiting. You'll see.

2) Boyfriend t-shirt: This trend is all about taking your boyfriend's t-shirt and wearing it as your own, except it's not his - the shirt was made for you. It's an I-just-rolled-outta-of-bed-after-sex-with-my-man-piece-and-threw-on-his-shirt look. Don't act like you've never done it. Or it.

3) Gladiator sandals: Gah! Like the Ray Ban Wayfarers this sand style is everywhere on everybody. I love Brook's color choice but these have been around for a couple of years now. If you don't already have them in your closet then try something new like platform sandals or these cute flats.

4) Chunky necklaces: This accessory trend can get complicated and heavy if you wear too many. Plus, you may need help getting up from your chair and that's never cute (though if you've got A-Rod at your back then you're just blessed.) Keep it simple like Brook is doing here and you should be able to get around all on your lonesome.

P.S. Getty Images listed the woman to Brook's right as Stacy Gardner, Mardy Fish's wife. I'm thinking not.

[Photo(s): Getty Images] 

(UPDATED) + WEDNESDAY NETCORDS: Quick hits from around the grounds

- Novak Djokovic + Gael Monfils guest star in DJ Martin Solveig's new video for his single 'Hello' which was partly shot in Court Philippe Chatrier at Roland Garros. Fantastic Frenchie record producer and DJ Bob Sinclar also makes an appearance as Solveig's opponent.

- “Now I have to run around and be nice to everybody," said Marat Safin about his current role as a Russian tennis official. He also had some words for his sister, Dinara, who's been troubled by a herniated disc in her back. "I think she needs to rest six months and think about the future," SexGawd says of his sister. “Don’t play two weeks here and two weeks there and get [re-]injured.”

- Steve Tignor offer his thoughts on the Fedal dominance at the Slams and wonders aloud how many more each baller will win - and who will end up with the most when all is said and done. 

- Janko Tipsarevic and the very posey Biljana Šešević were married late last week and Serbian mag Story got the exclusive photos. I wonder if she forgot this photoshoot was actually for her wedding pictures?

- Enough with the injury talk and just play ball says Peter Bodo.

- Fierce Tennis gave me serious lulz with its fantastic take on Maria Sharapova's decision to play doubles with Yanina Wickmayer at the Bank of the West Classic at Stanford. Angry grrrls.

- With all the talk of Fernando Verdasco + Feliciano Lopez's boat and beach bromance, it's strange to see Nando going it alone. Trouble in paradise, perhaps? But no worries, his better half was 'uncovered' by the ATP though not in the way you would really like. Ah, well.

- Juan Martin del Potro purchased a road in his hometown of Tandil connecting two recently purchased lands, which caused a rift with some of the town's residents. The U.S. Open champ, who's at the Mayo Clinic getting a check up on his wrist, confirmed the news via Twitter but said the move will keep the tourists away from his home.

- TOT: Nike released this t-shirt to celebrate Spain's first EVAH World Cup win!

UPDATE - I thought this piece of news would be an interesting tidbit to pass along: Stanislas Wawrinka will now be coached by Peter Lundgren. His past pupils include, of course, Roger Federer and most recently Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov. His reason for taking on the veteran Swiss? "When I asked what he wanted help with, he said he wants to return to the top 10," said Peter. "It's what you want to hear as a coach."

FASHION FIX: Nike gets loud with Fall 2009 John McEnroe Collection

Men's Ace T-shirt $30

Nike has just released the John McEnroe Collection for Fall 2009, a sporty group featuring shorts, warm up jackets, and accessories in bright colors and loud prints - how appropriate. The collection also showcases cheeky t-shirts with the tennis loudmouth's likeness and his most famous, dare I say infamous, saying, "You Cannot Be Serious!".

I love this collection because it's functional for on-court play but also has pieces which could be worn on the street. Plus, the design and detailing is inspired and truly captures the spirit and attitude of the 7-time Grand Slammer with its mix of performance + style.

Men's Checkmate Crew $50

Men's Ace T-shirt $30

Men's Checkmate Reversible Short $50

Men's Checkmate Hooded Jacket $100

Men's Checkmate Knit Pant $90

Air Zoom Trainer $80

Check out the full John McEnroe Collection from Nike at Tennis Warehouse!

(images via tennis-warehouse.com)

FASHION FIX: Rog officially returns, goes minimalist + monochromatic at Indian Wells

Maybe Roger Federer is downsizing during these tough times too - fashionably anyway.

The Swiss stylist played his first match since the Aussie Open final defeating Frenchie Marc Gicquel 7-6(4), 6-4 in the third round at Indian Wells. The 3-time champ won 92% of his first serve points and will face a dangerous test in the thin desert air when he faces huge-serving Croat Ivo Karlovic in the fourth round. Scary.


Fed looks to be getting more minimal + monochromatic this season. Gone (for now) is his ubiquitous preppy polo moment and in its place is a the simple Nike Spring V-Neck Top ($60) in dark obsidian navy with white. It's paired with the Nike Spring Woven Short ($45) he wore in Oz but instead of white he's opted for the dark obsidian navy colorway with white side stripe.

There's even a sneaky striped belt underneath to tie it all together.

There's nothing tricky here but the 13-time Grand Slammer could probably wear a racquet bag and make it look stylish. This outfit is no exception.

Clean + classic all the way.

(images via ap, getty, tennis warehouse)

FASHION FIX: Fed's mood still ornery but style is spot on

Roger Federer continued to hone his struggling game with the opening ceremonies only two days away. The Swiss stylist hasn't been in the best of moods yet, but he did take time out to visit the Olympic Village for some shopping, eating, and of course the ever-important photo op.

I'm really loving this Nike "08" black + gold t-shirt with a gold star on the backside (how appropriate) he's working here in a practice session. He changes out into a white + red version (below) during the same practice but this colorway is much better to me.

Anyone out there have any more details on this t-shirt? Do tell!


(images via Getty)

SIGHTING: Serena Williams checks out Tommy Hilfiger's Spring 2008 collection

Fashion fiend: Serena "ReRe" Williams continued her fashion-hopping ways this week. After getting front row duties at Zac Posen's show, the former tennis World No. 1 checked out Tommy Hilfiger's Spring 2008 collection. This time around, ReRe went the casual route, opting for a khaki cotton trench coat, chocolate brown scoop neck tee, and jeans. The hair, one of our favorite styles on ReRe, was still working as well.

FASHION FIX: More vintage Nike tee's

After spotting Rafael "Rafa" Nadal in a vintage Nike t-shirt at the Mercedes Cup in Germany, we've been hooked.

Here's a sampling of a few more of those retro tee's available at Urban Outfitters - get 'em while they're hot! (via highsnobiety)