Miami rising: Victoria Azarenka and Novak Djokovic are four-of-five on the Miami front, winning their respective title matches over the weekend and capturing their second title, each. Nole took down Rafael Nadal in what many were calling the best match of the year so far, the Serb winning 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (4). Vika had an easier time in the final, winning a shriek-fest against a resurgent Maria Sharapova, 6-1, 6-4.
Four and one: Novak won this title way back in 2007, beating (remember this guy?!) Guillermo Canas. Djoko would lose in the ’08 final to Andy Murray. Oh, and BTW: Nole is now 24-0 on the year. As for Azarenka, the Belarussian scrapped together a title just in time, so it seems. After starting the year a precocious 9-5 she won six straight matches in Key Biscayne, including victories over Kim Clijsters and Vera Zvonareva in the run up to the title. Azarenka won this tournament in 2009, beating Serena Williamsin an odd final. Comebined, Djokovic and she are 4-1 in Miami title matches.
It’s been a week (ten days) of fashion fun in Miami. This is always the part of the season where players try out a little something new on the court after their Aussie kits have been worn and they gear up for the clay and grass court swings. Color? Obvi! It’s Miami. There’s one thing that never changes in Key Biscayne: the overhang on the suite boxes. We love the sea green, evergreen and ligh pink/peach hue of the pattern that has been a part of this tourney as long as we can remember. It screams Miami.
Here’s a review of what we saw this week in Miami. Vote for your fave in the poll below.
Serious business: Gone are the wings and the dragon motifs that started Novak Djokovic‘s partnership with Sergio Tacchini. They’re instead relying on a combination of piping, color blocking, and textures (with matching shoes) to create a more sophisticated look for the current world No. 2.
Miami: After defeating Mardy Fish 6-3, 6-1 in the semis of the Sony Ericsson Open in Key Biscayne, Nole awaits the winner of the match between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. In head-to-head stats, Nole’s up 3-0 against Roger (with wins in Melbourne, Dubai, and Indian Wells) and 1-0 against Rafa (Indian Wells). As we’d said before, we’re banking on Djokovic remaining undefeated at least through the rest of this tournament. (SEO Draw: See how the event has unfolded.)
No Aravanes were hurt in the making of these clothes: Even with Aravane Rezai out early at the Sony Ericsson Open — the 20th seed got upset by Peng Shuai in her opener — golden fashion lived on via Maria (Nike); in that flattering Sergio Tacchini dress on Dinara Safina; in the simple details of Radek Stepanek‘s normally eccentric clothes from Alea; and on Marcel Granollers‘ crew, by Joma.
Here’s Maria Sharapova at the Sony Ericsson Open, hitting before her semifinal match against Andrea Petkovic. Petko was ailing (shoulder) and Maria ran away with it: 3-6, 6-0, 6-2.
Jelena Jankovic became one of Andrea Petkovic‘s scalps at this week’s Sony Ericsson Open, losing 6-2, 2-6, 4-6 to the German upstart in the quarterfinals. If it’s any consolation, Jelena’s put together a decent run so far in 2010: one final (Monterrey), two semis (Dubai and Qatar), and the fourth round at Indian Wells.
Anta: Jelena’s moved on from the pink dress she used to start the beginning of this year. Same slinky shape, but now in orange, with two blue stripes curving their way down the left side; the lines frame an odd print of fading circles and yellow stars. We saw the dress up close (while on Jankovic) but couldnt tell whether the pattern was a burnout.
Not her best (and really, we miss the ginormous white bags that came with last year’s clothes!), but props to Jelena for infusing our spring with even more neon.
In the trenches: Speaking of Petko, she’s currently playing for a spot in the SEO semis against Sharapova (as of this post, Andrea won the first set but is down a bageled set and 0-3 vs. the Russian). Maybe Maria’s getting tired of that dance.
TSF was heartbroken to find out that Dmitry Tursunov wasn’t going to play at Indian Wells and Miami this year. Tournaments just aren’t the same without his pastiness hanging out in the practice courts (exhibits A and B). So as we felt the withdrawal kick in during our first days in the desert, this man saved the day.
Ridic.
Anyway, Igor Andreev made it as far as the second round at this week’s Sony Ericsson Open in Key Biscayne, where he lost to John Isner 4-6, 7-5, 6-7 (2). But that’s okay, Igor: winning isn’t why we keep you on our radar.
The tennis:Roger and Rafa play their quarterfinal matches today (vs. Simon and Berdych, respectively). The winner in that top half of the draw will play the winner of the Fish/Djokovic semi. We expect Nole to take this whole thing. Who’s your pick for the winner? (Browse: SEO Draws)
And in case you’re interested in seeing Igor clothed, some pics of his current Sergio Tacchini kit below.
(practice image by TSF; match images via Getty Images)
When in Florida, do as the Miamians do — show skin! The ladies playing in this week’s Sony Ericsson Open did their part, with keyholes and other cutouts showing up in kits during match play.
From left to right: Dominika Cibulkova in Lacoste; Kim Clijsters in Fila‘s Center Court Cap Sleeve Top (Buy); Ana Ivanovic in the adiZero Dress (Buy). Not pictured: the adidas Response tank, worn by the likes of Andrea Petkovic during practice; see it here.
Brackets: Kimmie is still in the running for the SEO title after that super-close three-set fourth-round match against Ivanovic (poor Ana was up 1-5 in the third and had five match points). She now faces Vika Azarenka for a spot in the semis. (Browse:SEO Draws)
Maria Sharapova took over three hours to defeat 26th seed Alexandra Dulgheru 3-6, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5) in the quarters of this week’s Sony Ericsson Open in Miami. Up next will be Andrea Petkovic, who’s already upset Caro Wozniacki and Jelena Jankovic on the way to the semis. And things don’t look good for Maria: Petko’s already beaten her once this year, at the fourth round in Melbourne.
In the bottom half of the women’s draw, the Radwanksa/Zvonareva and Clijsters/Azarenka matches’ll determine who ends up with spots in the semis. (Scan: SEO Draws)
But who cares about Masha’s ugly stats — 17 double faults; twice as many unforced errors as Dulgheru — or that she rolled her ankle late in the third set? Take a look at those turquoise teardrop earrings from Tiffany! Matches her turquoise dress, of course.
What an apropos shirt on Juan Martin del Potro, who — even though he fell to Mardy Fish 7-5, 7-6 (5) in the fourth round of this week’s Sony Ericsson Open — has continued to work his way back to the top of the game after last year’s debilitating wrist injury: he followed up two early round losses in Sydney and Melbourne with three semi appearances (San Jose, Memphis, Indian Wells) and a title at Delray Beach. Next week’s rankings should put him just inside the top 50.
Draw: Up next for Fish is a possibility of taking over the top American spot on the ATP (ousting Roddick). He’ll need to defeat David Ferrer to get this done. (Scan: SEO Draws)
We couldn’t find this yellow Nike crew on any retailer’s site, but we’re all about the subtle circles up top and the honeycomb columns on the bottom. Looks like an equalizer display, no? (Update: This is the Showdown Movement Top, $55. The polo version is available at Tennis Express.)
Fundraiser:Kim Clijsters did her part to raise awareness and funds for those affected by the tsunami that hit Japan while the tennis world had all eyes at Indian Wells. Working with her sponsor, Fila, a shirt was designed and turned around in about a week — ready for sale at the Sony Ericsson Open in Key Biscayne. All proceeds will be donated to relief efforts.
Info: We’re not really big on wearing autographed things, but this one’s an exception: men’s versions available for $30 (in red or navy); women’s in black and red for $28. Unfortunately, only for sale at the tournament. They’re selling like hotcakes, so hopefully those who want it can get it.
Brackets: Kimmie is still in the running for the SEO title. She faces Ana Ivanovic today for a spot in the quarters. The winner will meet Vika Azarenka. (Draws:SEOpen)
Group Shot! Two more images of the players wearing their Japan shirts after the cut. We love Victor Troicki‘s photo face! (more…)
No words for this Joma shirt on Feliciano Lopez. Was a half-erased whiteboard the inspiration for this print pattern? In their defense, the other tee floating around at this week’s Sony Ericsson Open in Miami — that blue crewneck on Marcel Granollers — gets high marks, esp. for that gold print on the collarbone.
Meanwhile, Feli’s out early again, this time losing to Rafa Nadal in the third round (and after two tight three-setters before that). And life goes on…
Browse: This shirt isn’t for sale (thank god?) but you can check out the rest of the Joma goods here.
Rafa‘s back in graphic print at this week’s Sony Ericsson Open in Miami. The design’s nothing to write home about — another nod to that rebel/youth market that Nike‘s had since Agassi — but we paid attention to the green and yellow meshy overlay on the Courtballistecs. Still, there are some who want tenis a la Nadal, so here you go: Nike Rafa Tennis Crew, $85; Courtballistec 3.3, $125; Rafa Tennis Jacket, $90.
Spanish brawl: Rafa took care of Kei Nishikori and will next face fellow Spaniard Feli Lopez for a spot in the Round of 16. (See the SEO draws.)
Browse: That green and yellow has us thinking about how to spruce up our spring with colors of the Hi-liter rainbow — read on!
Spring blues:Andy Roddick hobbled his way to an early exit at the Sony Ericsson Open on Saturday. He finished the match but seemed bothered all along by an unidentified injury and some chest congestion (whatever it was, he needed three visits from the trainer). Draw: Cuevas will face Gilles Simon in the third round; Simon beat Rainer Schuettler 6-4, 6-3.
Sam Querrey is through to the third round at the Sony Ericsson Open after defeating Mikhail Kukushkin 6-3, 6-2. He’s now among a small group of Americans still in the running: the seeded Fish and Isner; the tattooedBogomolov; and James Blake. Top American Andy Roddick lost to Pablo Cuevas today 6-4, 7-6 (4). Up next for Sam is Victor Troicki. (Brackets:SEO Draws)
Fashion: We are all about the Lichtenstein-esque spots on these K-Swiss polos. Buy:Fading Stripe Crew, $45, tennisexpress.com.
More: Two more pics (including one of his tummy!) after the cut…
Gut check: Things can’t be feeling very good for Australian Open finalists Li Na and Andy Murray. The two runners-up are a combined 0-9 since making their respective runs to the Melbourne title matches (including their losses there). Murray hasn’t won a set since beating David Ferrer in the SFs Down Under, losing to no. 143 Donald Young in straights at Indian Wells two weeks ago and following that up with a startlingly embarrassing loss to Alex Bogolomov Jr. 6-1, 7-5 yesterday in Miami.
Things have been a little brighter for Li – but not much. Following a hard-fought three-set loss to Kim Clijsters in Melbourne, she’s traded sets with countrywoman Peng Shuai and another Belgian, Yanina Wickmayer, only to fall in three. In Miami this week, little-known Johanna Larsson (who had never even played a top 25 player) beat Na 7-6 in the third set after the Chinese no. 1 had multiple match points.
“I just didn’t have that spark,” Murray explained after his loss yesterday. Yeah, we noticed.
Maria Sharapova beat Czech Petra Martic in her opening round of play at the Sony Ericsson Open in Key Biscayne. Her 6-3, 6-2 victory was also the debut for her new Nike outfit, the Cross Court Statement. It’s refreshing to see Nike go back to using a more sophisticated trim, with gold lines criss-crossing across the front and back of the dress. (Does anyone even remember Roger‘s gilded Wimbledon shirts?). Note that her shoes also had blue/gold detail.
Speaking of throwbacks, this was Maria’s first time playing the Miami tour stop in three years. “This is one of my favorite events,” she shared with Tennis Panorama. “It’s crazy that I’ve missed it this many years because of injuries. So I’m just so happy to get back on that court today and just I love playing in front of the crowd. They’re so enthusiastic. They love their sports and have that Latin flavor about them. You know, it’s fun.” She next plays Sabine Lisicki. (Draw:Sony Ericsson Open)
Buy: Nike Maria Sharapova Cross Court Statement Dress, in Blue Chlorine, $110, nike.com.
(front image via Getty Images; back and shoe detail by JD Bloom for Tennis Panorama News)
Raging Bull: American Alex Bogomolov, Jr. upset Andy Murray with a 6-1, 7-5 win over the Scot in a second-round match at the Sony Ericsson Open in Key Biscayne, Fla. It didn’t help rusty Andy’s cause that he came in with a three-loss streak (starting with that Aussie Open final loss to Nole). Bogomolov, on the other hand, had a few matches under his belt by qualifying for the main draw and beating Victor Hanescu in the first round.
Brackets: Bogomolov will face the winner of Isner/Andreev. They are all in the same quarter as Djokovic. (SEO Draws)
Clothed: Nice colors on that graphic blue/black crew from Athletic DNA. Nope, nothing to do with Charlie Sheen. Buy:Eclipse T Men’s, $49.95.
While it warms our cockles that Japanese brand Uniqlo is tapping into tennis as it takes over the world — their SoHo store was the site of our last buying spree — we’re still waiting to see where they take Kei Nishikori‘s on-court kits. Right now it’s pretty basic, with Uniqlo’s texty square logo punctuating the solid colors on his tees and shorts.
Long haul: As you may already know, Kei signed a five-year deal with the company starting this year. More deets to come (from Uniqlo) about the extent of his involvement with the brand.
Desert Sander: By the way, +J, Uniqlo’s playground for designer Jil Sander, began selling its Spring ’11 goods this week. Check out the lookbook for this desert-inspired collection. (Top marks go to outerwear). TSF can only hope she’ll take a page of out of the Stella McCartney book and start fitting Kei. Can you imagine??
Brackets: Kei — still with a ribbon on his tee to keep awareness of the earthquake/tsunami recovery in Japan — won his first-round match against Jeremy Chardy at the Sony Ericsson Open, being contested in Key Biscayne. His next opponent is top seed Rafa Nadal.
Jarmila Groth and Juan Ignacio Chela dropped by the Miami Metro Zoo before they begin competing at the Sony Ericsson Open in Key Biscayne, Fla. Groth, the 28th seed, will open her 2011 Miami run with a match against Yaroslava Shvedova, who took out Sara Errani 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (5). Groth shares the bottom half of the draw with Clijsters, Vika, and Schiavone, among others. And on the men’s side, Chela will play the winner of the Feli Lopez/Berankis match. He has a potential fourth-round match against Rafael Nadal.
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