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We’re in love with the banner for Fila Japan‘s blog. Yep — that’s pretty much how I fell every time I step out on a court.
BTW, their mascot, Akiko Morigami, has apparently recovered from her injury is now back in the pro tennis fray. She tried to qualify for the Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo last week, but got shut out in the first round by Jill Craybas. If there’s anyone out there with pics of Morigami from the event, I’d love to see ‘em!
(image via fila japan)
The October issue of Vogue has a French-themed spread of beautiful gowns by Parisian couture houses Chanel, Christian Lacroix and, Christian Dior; and shot by Arthur Elgort on location in the City of Lights.
While the women’s clothes took center stage (this is Vogue, after all), we were disappointed that they left French tennis star Gael Monfils as prop — dressed simply in Nike whites. Were they painted into this drab clothing corner by contractual obligations to his apparel sponsor? Le sigh; our loss, since we know that he can look pretty good all made up for the camera.
Flip: You can see the entire spread here.
This week: Monfils is still gunning for this week’s Rakuten Japan Open in Tokyo. He took out Marsel Ilhan in the first round, faces Chiudinelli in the second, and will likely run into Stan Wawrinka in the quarters. Draw here (pdf).
(scans at sarahdenslenoir via GOTOTENNIS)
An ailing and jet-lagged Juan Martin del Potro, the top seed at this week’s Rakuten Japan Open, was upset by Frenchman Edouard Roger-Vasselin 6-4, 6-4 in the first round of the tournament.
The gracious Argentine, who won his first major title at the 2009 U.S. Open, did not give any excuses for his poor performance. “The other guy played good tennis and took his opportunities… Everyone can lose. It happens.”
And Roger-Vasselin thought that his relative anonymity might have helped his cause. “I know him better than he knows me. That’s maybe how I won.”
Buy: The polka dot madness over at Nike continues. This week, del Potro wore the winter version of the sleeveless top, in white with Green Spark dots. It’s also available in black/grey and navy/white. $55 at TW.
(image via Getty)
We probably can’t teach old dog new tricks, so we’re stuck dozing off while looking at pics of Lleyton Hewitt languishing in Yonex. (Can he retire already? Please?)
The Aussie won his first rounder at this week’s Rakuten Japan Open, taking out wildcard Tatsuma Ito 6-1, 7-5. Couple this with top seed Juan Martin del Potro‘s first-round loss to Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Lleyton has a decent shot to get to the quarterfinals!
Buy: For those absolutely interested, you can pick up versions of the Yonex New York Crew for $44.99.
(image via Getty)
TSF updates the “hottest tennis players” list to include some new faces. Do you agree with our Top 4?
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