Tennis is no longer just about the game, the passion for it or the technique used. Your panache is defined by your sponsor. Simple example, Federer at Wimbledon. When Nike designed his blazer (monogrammed with the "RF" we all know too well), his slacks and waistcoat for the last Wimbledon, one would think Fed is taking the game old school. Every year, as much as tennis fans await the results of the finals, they await Roger's wardrobe (we all remember the Tuxedo look from the 2008 US Open). He has everything down, from his floppy hair, sitting perfectly across his neatly tied bandanna, to the heels of his shoes, embroidered with stars equaling the number of titles won at the All England Club and his "RF". This year, he even jazzed things up with a golden/white belt. Yes, a belt on shorts. Who would've thought.
Fans were more than disappointed when Nadal switched from his tight capri's (which many thought were the reason for his constant state of wedgie-ness, alas, we were wrong) and his sleeve-less shirts showing off his perfectly carved biceps; to a more "mature" look with the regular shorts and t-shirts. Hurmph, so much for individuality.
Its easy to say that Federer shall always remain the best dressed tennis player of his time, on court and off (having sponsors like Rolex, NetJets and Mercedes can only help), but the title for the women is not so black and white. Sharapova and Jancovic are always a safe bet, but this year at Flushing Meadows, Flavia Pennetta (ITA) [10] was safely the best dressed on court. Her simple white dress with neat straight lines, designed by Sergio Tacchini clearly stood her apart.
But forget the fashionista players for a moment and lets focus on the court staff. From the line men and women to the chair umpires and the ball boys, all are draped in the tournaments sponsor. This year, Ralph Lauren took the US Open a step too far. Ordinarily, Ralph dresses the staff of Wimbledon and the US Open, while Lacoste carries the Australian and French. Wimbledon being the classic is always very tastefully managed. But that by no means requires the US Open to be that much more trashy. Ralph Lauren has been admired for years for its simple image that didn't splatter its name all over you so you feel like a billboard. This year Ralph threw up all over the place. The magnified image of the Polo monogram, plastered on the front and the back, on court staff uniforms are an eyesore, to say in the least. Not to mention these shirts are going at $125 a piece. Satan does, indeed, work in mysterious ways.
