And now for an excerpt that deals strictly with the other love of my life. The game of tennis. After the Australian Open and the Monte Carlo Masters event tournaments, Roland Garros comes in at number 3 of my favourite tournaments. I love the Aussie Open for watching players struggle with the scorching summer heat in January and love the Monte Carlo tourney for the French Riviera ambiance that seeps through my television screen- all players just look more happy and relaxed- a sure sign they're taking in lavish off-court recreational activities at the casino or on one of the many the moored yachts after dark (assuming they are not resting up for a big match in the later rounds).There is something about the French Open, however. Roland Garros. Currently on day 3 of the action and on the cusp of the 3rd round, tennis fans from all around Europe can access the tournament so easily. The tournament has quite the eclectic audience. Serbs, Spaniards and the Swiss can all hop a train with appealing travel times. It is the only Grand Slam to be held on the famous red clay and considered to be the most physically brutal tournament in the world because of its lack of tie-break scoring in the 5th set of a match. The climate is just right for the players- not too hot or cool... Paris at the start of the summer is blissfully temperate. The French fans in particular have a line-up of top players.
The fierceness of these French players- Amelie Mauresmo (now retired), Marion Bartoli, Julian Benneteau, Richard Gasquet (Hottie), Gael Monfils etc. call to mind gutless Musketeers dueling behind the baseline for the title- making jabs with the racket and employing the quickest footwork to save points and make winners.
Making observations about what these and other players are wearing is not only the job of the fashion-conscious. Sportscasters and former players are always ones to discuss the attire on the court. Fashion in tennis is evolving. Serena and Venus Williams really started ignoring the traditional "whites" on court back in the early 2000s. Venus Williams specifically, took an interest in on-court fashion a few years ago and developed her own line entitled Eleven. Maria Sharapova collaborates with Nike on custom designs and with her input, the company sponsors her with au courrant pieces that perform.
Legitimate fashion designers have branched into the sporting world and they have found that tennis allows not only for creativity, but the opportunity of dressing a single individual.
Stella McCartney has been working with Adidas to create feminine detailing on one and two piece tennis outfits for some time now. Those who are sponsored by Adidas are lucky enough to have custom dresses, skirts and tops designed by the British fashion talent. Caroline Wozniacki, the young Dane who currently sits pretty at number 1 and who has yet to even win a Grand Slam, was seen in a navy dress with frills around the shoulder and neckline, pictured above. The dress was specifically created for this tournament and has bright orange accents that play with the bright red of the clay. McCartney's designs are always super feminine and sporty using breathable fabrics, often with no seams. As the spokeswoman of the line, world number one Wozniacki dresses up her Stella McCartney for Adidas outfits with long earrings and necklaces that I personally don't find practical for intense, prolonged physical activity. (Who can forget the match when Serena Williams suspend play because her blinged out, dangling earrings fell out and she then had to kneel down to pick up the tiny diamonds off the court). Tennis fashion adds another element to a game of strategy. It is clear that there is a conscious effort by Wozniacki, to created her own look- as she even matched her fingernail polish to the dress. Perhaps each little effort she makes is part of her overall match strategy to off-set her opponent- part of her overall game that gives off a radiant aura of feminine power, confidence and pride.
But we must nod to the men taking risks on the fashion front as well. Who can forget the capri-length pants Nadal used to wear at every match- or the Nike wrap headband that was adopted by a few of the players, namely Nadal and Federer to keep their swish European hair styles at bay.
Caroline Wozniacki in Adidas by Stella McCartney dress (and tank below) in Blueprint 
Maria Sharapova Spring 2011 from by Nike
French Open Smash Knit tennis dress by Nike, part of their Serena Williams Collection
