January 31, 2008
$4,999 for Djokovic's sweaty Australian Open shirt
Yep...the lucky person who caught Djokovic's winning adidas shirt at the Australian Open is doing what any red-blooded capitalist should do...sell it on eBay!
The starting bid is AU $ 4,999 (US $4,445.61). The description:
This shirt was worn by new Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic in the Men's Final on Sun 27 January 2008. Caught (full of sweat!) in the audience Row A Seat 108. Comes with the ticket as a proof of authenticity, plus any photos as needed. Collectable Value - Novak is the first Serbian to win a Grand Slam final and the youngest ever winner at Melbourne Park.
from Down the Line
January 30, 2008
January 29, 2008
Federer to sign biggest tennis endorsement ever with Nike
Friday could be a $13 million day for Roger Federer.Street & Smith's Sports Business Journal reports that Fed's 10-year extension with Nike could be worth as much as $13 million a year. Its not yet clear whether that amount is performance based or not. In addition to being the biggest tennis deal ever, it would also make Federer one of the top-paid at Nike in any sport. Putting it in perspective, Maria Sharapova’s Nike deal is believed to guarantee her around $6 million a year, and Agassi’s Nike deal from 1995 was more than $100 million and was royalty-based.
With tennis a secondary sport in the United States, the deal is seen as more about branding than selling shoes and shirts. The article also says that adidas and Polo were sniffing around Federer, seeing if they could steal him from the swoosh.
January 27, 2008
Djokovic takes Tsonga and Australian Open Title in 4 Sets
At long last, one of the Serbian contingent has a Grand Slam tennis title. Novak Djokovic, after beating Roger Federer in straight sets, took down Jo-Wilifried Tsonga (the Cinderella story of the tournament) in 4 sets - 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6. Tsonga, who in the semis beat the stuffing out of Rafael Nadal in straight sets, put up a noble fight but came up a little short. We're sure to see more from him. Congratulations to Novak!
It was also a big night for adidas and Wilson, who sponsor both players head-to-toe.
Shoes:
Both wear the adidas Barricade V.
Djokovic wears the white version
Tsonga wears the black version
Racquet:
Both swing the Wilson K Blade Tour
Apparel:
Djokovic wears adidas YOC Group
Tsonga wears the adidas Edge Group
January 26, 2008
Sharapova Wins Third Jewel in Grand Slam Crown - Prince O3 Wins Too
Maria Sharapova Leads O3 Dominance Down Under En Route to Third Grand Slam Title
Bordentown, NJ – January 26, 2008 – At only twenty years old, Maria Sharapova has already captured three of tennis’ four Grand Slam titles. With her Prince O3 White in hand, Sharapova soundly knocked off the No.1, No. 3, and No. 4 seeds on her way to capturing her first-ever Australian Open title.
From the moment she took to the court for her first round match carrying her new gold racquet bag over her shoulder, Sharapova was completely focused on the task at hand. The fifth seed, who dedicated much of the off season to her fitness, showed no signs of an ailing shoulder that plagued her for much of 2007. Rather, over the course of two weeks, Sharapova made clear that she was the one to beat – wowing crowds with a display of power, shot-making and the controlled intensity she is known for - ultimately defeating Ana Ivanovic 7-5, 6-3 in the finals.
Continue reading: "Sharapova Wins Third Jewel in Grand Slam Crown - Prince O3 Wins Too"
January 24, 2008
Day 10 Aussie Open Results and the Womens Floral Singlet
It is getting down to the nitty gritty now at the Australian Open.
Maria Sharapova took care of Jelena Jankovic 6-3, 6-1 in the first women's semi.
Ana Ivanovic recovered from an awful start to beat Daniela Hantuchova in the other women's semi-finals.
But the big story - underdog Jo-Wlfried Tsonga beat world #2 Rafael Nadal in straight sets, 6-2 6-3 6-2. Tsonga awaits the winner of the Federer/Djokovic match.
Today at the Aussie Open Shop?
Womens Floral Singlet
A celebration design with plastisol and glitter print on our ladies v-neck singlet with kangaroo pocket and wide waistband. Available in white and light blue. US$30.62
Prince and Tennis Channel Giving Away a Trip to 2009 Australian Open!
Imagine yourself, actually in Oz next year - taking in all the non-stop action of the year's first Grand Slam, and all the sun, surf and beauty of Australia, in person! Make that dream a reality. Prince, the presenting sponsor of Tennis Channel’s “Heating Up Down Under” sweepstakes, is offering a chance to win a trip for two to the 2009 Australian Open, complete with a special trip to the McWilliams’ winery outside of Sydney.
Log onto Tennis Channel's website, fill out the entry form and keep your fingers crossed.
Official Rules can be seen at the Tennis Channel website.
For more information on Prince products, click here.
January 23, 2008
January 21, 2008
Australian Open Day 9 + The AO 550 T-shirt
We're running some maintenance on our blogging system, so I can't post the live results, sorry. Here is the link to find all the good news from the Australian Open.
But, here is probably our favorite Australian Open product so far, the Mens 550 Tee, which runs US $26.37. The green tee tells the story of the competition with overlayed plastisol (whatever that is) and gel print. 100% combed cotton jersey, garment washed for a soft handle.
Feliciano Lopez no longer with Nike, now with Joma Sport
Feliciano Lopez got ousted early this year at the Australian Open by Richard Gasquet 6-2, 6-1, 6-3. But that gave just enough time to notice his new threads. Lopez used to be with Nike, but he is now apparently with Spain-based Joma Sport.
From DownTheLine; images from Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
January 20, 2008
Aussie Open Day 8 + The AO Performance Wristband
Today and tomorrow we'll be running some maintenance on our blogging system and I won't be able to post live. So here is the link to find all the good news from the Australian Open.
Today's Australian Open product? The Performance Wristband. It better be a performance something, it costs US $11.42. It also sports the Australian Open logo.
January 19, 2008
Day 7 Australian Open Action + The Canvas Women's Tote
It is Saturday at the Australian Open...or Sunday...or Monday...or whatever the hell day it is there. But its Saturday here in the U.S. The two big stories of the past day: Federer got pushed to the limite, enduring 5-set match against Janko Tipsarevic, prevailing 6-7 (5-7) 7-6 (7-1) 5-7 6-1 10-8. And James Blake staged a big comeback to defeat flashy Frenchman Sebastian Grosjean 4-6 2-6 6-0 7-6(5) 6-2. More News
So if you're wandering around the AO, you need something to hold all your stuff. So how about the Canvas Womens Tote for USD $26.37? The canvas bag has a flower graphic and australian open branding, but not the logo, which makes it an understated look.
January 18, 2008
Day 6 at the Australian Open + The AO Vibration Dampener
OK...I woke up at 4 AM this morning and could not fall back asleep, so I watched the Australian Open, what the hell else is on? The silver lining of this situation is the match I just finished watching - Andy Roddick vs. Phillip Kohlschreiber. I don't think I'm the first to observe that the Oz Open is sometimes a little boring, but that all changed with this match. Kohlschreiber won 4-6, 6-3, 6-7, 7-6, 8-6 in a match with perhaps the highest level of play I've ever seen. Both players were swinging out on the ball and making very few errors. A bummer for Roddick, who played extremely well, and a great win for Kohlschreiber, who I think will break into the top 15 or 10 soon.
Well, due to sleep deprivation, that's the news for today. If you want more news click here.
Our product for today? The Australian Open Vibration Dampener. Comes in a 2-pack for US$8.78.
OTHER AUSTRALIAN OPEN STUFF AT AMAZON.COM
January 17, 2008
Day 5 @ the Aussie Open + The AO Backpack
When one door closes another opens. So too does Day 4 at the Aussie Open end and Day 5 begins. Here are some of the Day 4 highlights:
- 2003 French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero beat Alun Jones
- World No.2 Svetlana Kuznetsova defeated Tsvetana Pironkova 7-6 (7-0) 6-2
- Russian No.27 seed Maria Kirilenko had an easy win over Akiko Morigami of Japan.
- Venus Williams, the No.8 seed, defeated Camille Pin of France 7-5 6-4.
- Women's No.9 seed Daniela Hantuchova won over France's Alize Cornet in straight sets.
- Indian No.32 seed Sania Mirza pulled out a close 6-1 4-6 7-5 win over Swiss Timea Bacsinszky.
- Dmitry Tursonov lost to American Sam Querrey in four sets 7-6(5) 4-6 6-4 6-2.
We also have the AO Backpack for US$39.73
A great looking backpack with room to store everything you need for a big day at the tennis or even a great school bag.
OTHER AUSTRALIAN OPEN STUFF AT AMAZON.COM
January 16, 2008
Australian Open Day 4 + The AO Men's Brush Drill Cap
Day 3 Australian Open highlights:
- Men's 6 seed Andy Roddick breezed past Germany's Michael Berrer.
- Nicole Vaidisova beat Alicia Molik in straight sets on Rod Laver Arena, 6-2 6-3.
- Women's Top seed Justine Henin is safely through to the third round with a 6-1 7-5 win over Russia's Olga Poutchkova.
- Men's No. 2 seed Rafael Nadal beat the stuffing out of Frenchman 6-0 6-2 6-2.
- Serena Williams beat Meng Yuan in straight sets
- Australian Casey Dellacqua stunned No.15 seed Patty Schnyder 4-6 7-5 8-6
- Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga beat American qualifier Sam Warburg 6-4 7-6 (7-4) 6-2.
- Maria Sharapova easily beat Lindsay Davenport in their second round match.
The AO Men's Brush Drill Cap
Mens Brush Drill Cap has spliced panels, full Australian Open logo and Grand slam feature piping in front peak. Available in navy and platinum gray - we like the navy personally. US$26.37 at the AO Shop.
January 15, 2008
Day 3 at the Aussie Open + The AO Women's Signature Tee
Highlights from Day 2 in the land of Oz:
- China's Shuai Peng lost to Russia's Alisa Kleybanova.
- Daniela Hantuchova proved to be too much for the USA's Vania King, beating King 6-3 7-5.
- World #3 Novak Djokovic has defeated Germany's Benjamin Becker 6-0 6-2 7-6 in a fairly easy romp.
- Japan's Akiko Morigami pulled a straight-set upset over Michaella Krajicek.
- Australian Joe Sirianni has lost a tough five-setter in the first round against Serbian Janko Tipsarevic.
- Aussie crowd favorite and overall feisty individual, Lleyton Hewitt, beat the stuffing out of Belgium's Steve Darcis.
- Marcus Baghdatis from Cyprus fought through his leg injury to beat veteran Thomas Johansson.
- Top qualifier Robin Haase defeated No.17 seed Ivan Ljubicic in a match lasting nearly 3 hours.
Australian Open Womens Signature Tee
This attractive tee has floral graphics at front flocked, is cap sleeved with ties, and has a longer length for a flattering look and comfort. Comes in blue and pink, and runs US$31.48.
Ektelon T-9 Roadster Indoor Court Shoes
Lateral movement's important for just about all court sports, which makes it dangerous territory if you have weak ankles. Due to the sheer speed of the exchanges, this is particularly true with Racquetball. Which is why you might want to check these out. The Ektelon T-9 Roadster has a durable upper. But its easy to break in and breathable due to the synthetic leather AIRMesh panels. The added technology in the linings, Dri-Lex, deliver serious moisture management. And as we mentioned, the contoured, thickly padded collar hugs the ankle for comfort and lateral support.
Ektelon T-9 Roadster Indoor Court Shoes
January 14, 2008
Sharapova goes white, not tan, in the land of Oz
We've been following the "drama" around Maria Sharapova's Nike, Australian Open dress for the last week or two, thanks to DownTheLine. Now, the rumors are over and we're seen Sharapova officially in action. A clean, classic dress...not the tan, somewhat unflattering dress we've seen lurking around. Nice work Nike.
Read more about Sharapova's Aussie Open apparel on What's All The Racquet:
Did Nike let Hantuchova wear Sharapova's signature threads?
More on Maria Sharapova's Oz Open Nike dresses
Maria Sharapova Australian Open Outfits - FIRST LOOK
(images via AP Photo/Rob Griffith)
Tennis Books on Kindle - Amazon's New Reading Device
Are you a tennis fan and a tech aficionado? Then you need Kindle, Amazon's new wireless reading device and these great tennis books.
Tennis Beyond Big Shots
"Tennis Beyond Big Shots is one of the most unique books I've read. A must for every player's library." - CHRIS EVERT, 18-time Grand Slam Champion
"Greg's book could be a blueprint for how I've approached the game from my junior days through my career on the professional and senior tours. Tennis Beyond Big Shots will permanently improve your game." - MATS WILANDER, Former No.1 Pro Player
"Greg Moran shows how you can win many more matches simply by making small changes to your game!" - CLIFF DRYSDALE, ESPN TV Tennis Analyst, Former World Top Ten Player
Breaking Back
In 2004, James Blake's life was getting more perfect by the day. A rising tennis star, with each passing year his game seemed to improve. In 2002, he was named Sexiest Male Athlete by People, and along the way he continued to gain in the rankings and earn respect on the court. Each day seemed to offer a new milestone, a new achievement; he was leading a charmed life and loving every minute of the ride. But that life came to an abrupt halt in May 2004 when Blake broke his back in a freak accident on the court. A few months later, as Blake was recovering from his injury, he suffered another tremendous setback when his father -- the man who had raised him and provided the inspiration for his tennis career -- lost his battle with stomach cancer. Shortly after his father's death, Blake's situation was further complicated when he contracted Zoster, a rare virus that paralyzed half of his face and threatened to end his already jeopardized tennis career. Breaking Back tells the story of the tumultous year that followed these three devastating events, detailing how Blake persevered through hardship to become one of the best tennis players in the world. Here Blake explains how the wisdom and words that his father imparted to him over the years gave him the ability to succeed in the face of these seemingly insurmountable odds. Though these trials proved the most difficult of his life, ultimately this trifecta of tragedy became the culmination of all his father's lessons, showing Blake that even in death, his father was still teaching him how to be a man.
You Cannot Be Serious
McEnroe, the feisty New Yorker whose brilliant serve-and-volley style of play was at times overshadowed by his on-court antics, captured 17 Grand Slam championships during a 15-year "wild ride" on the professional tennis tour. Now, he and journalist Kaplan take a candid look back at this colorful career. Smashing racquets and screaming tirades against linesmen and umpires only cemented McEnroe's role as the explosive bad boy of tennis. Yet the Hall of Famer shows surprising insight here. He explores why matches were constant battles against "the other guy and myself," admitting that the relief of not failing was at least as strong as the joy of winning. McEnroe fully details his most significant triumphs and losses (e.g., the 1984 French Open final, in which he held a two-sets-to-one lead over nemesis Ivan Lendl, and the classic Wimbledon five-set defeat by Bjorn Borg). His three Wimbledon and four U.S. Open singles titles were special, but perhaps his proudest achievement was the five Davis Cups he helped to secure at a time when other top players were more interested in the money to be made in tournaments and exhibitions. McEnroe also writes openly about his turbulent former marriage to actress Tatum O'Neal, and current status as father to six and husband to pop star Patty Smyth. Readers will be happy to learn that his anger-management counseling seems to help him defuse "certain situations" effectively. Recommended for sports and general collections.
Holding Serve: Persevering On and Off the Court - by Michael Chang
Often characterized as David facing Goliath on the tennis court, at 5'9" and 150 pounds Michael Chang is used to playing with the big hitters. What he lacks in stature, he makes up for in determination. A serious contender at any Grand Slam event, his bold statement of faith in God makes him a role model we can all look up to. "What's nice," Michael says, "is that, as long as my priorities are straight, I'm able to go out with the mentality to really leave the winning and losing up to the Lord." In Holding Serve readers get a unique glimpse at Team Chang, Michael's powerful family unit that he credits with much of his success. Michael also shares the story of how he became a Christian and the central role his faith has played in his achievements.
Check out Kindle: Amazon's New Wireless Reading Device
January 13, 2008
Australian Open Begins + The Official Players Towel
Day 1 at Australian Open 2008, and defending champion Serena Williams is kicking things off, taking on Jarmila Gajdosova of Australia on Rod Laver Arena. No.3 Jelena Jankovic is first up on Vodafone Arena, against Tamira Paszek from Austria. Andy Roddick goes against Lukas Dlouhy after that on Vodafone.
The first night sessions on Rod Laver have Aussie Alicia Molik taking on Kaia Kanepi, followed by world No.2 Rafael Nadal against Viktor Troicki. Margaret Court Arena's night match has Carlos Moya and Stefan Koubek squaring off.
On to our first look at the Oz Open products. We love big tennis towels, especially when they are from the Grand Slams. This is the Oz Open's Official Players Towel. Its 100% Cotton and comes in a rope tied bag. 75cm x 125cm. It runs AUD $54.99 (USD $48.45). Click here to check it out.
Video Review - Yonex RQiS 1 Tour
There is an excellent, thorough review of Lleyton Hewitt's new stick at Tennis-Warehouse. Better yet, its in video form, a new feature of their site. Click here to see the video.
If you're busy and just want the bottom line to see if you want to play test it, here you go:
-A little lacking on power
-Excellent access to spin
-Flexible in the throat
-Very comfortable
-Overall, a control-oriented racquet that would be well-suited for the advanced player (4.5+) that likes to really tee off on the ball with a long, fast swing.
Heard enough and want to buy it? Buy the Yonex RQiS 1 Tour here.
From Tennis-Warehouse
Butterfly Amicus 3000 Plus Table Tennis Robot
The Butterfly Amicus 3000
is one, if not THE, big dog in the table tennis robot world. It has a wide range of capabilities, including the ability to program balls for speed, spin, and placement - making it perfect for drills and practice.
Features:
-Timer runs the table tennis robot for 1-10 minutes, then pause for up to 2 minutes before continuing
-Frequency setting up to 100 balls per minute
-Remote on/off switch
-Step and Sample buttons, used together allow you to test settings before running the sequence
-The AFC (Automatic Frequency Control) function simulates a ôreal game experienceö, when drilling between topspin and underspin
-Step and Sample buttons, used together allow you to test settings before running the sequence
-The AFC (Automatic Frequency Control) function simulates a ôreal game experienceö, when drilling between topspin and underspin
-Memory storage that can store up to 99 separate routines
-Adjustable Height that allows balls to shoot from different trajectories
-Side mount is now included (Save $81.99)
Check out the Butterfly Amicus 3000 Plus Table Tennis Robot
