Experiencing the New Sensation: Milos Raonic

The beginning of 2011 saw the emergence of a new tennis sensation on the ATP tour: Milos Raonic. After a brave run in Australia where he made it into the last 16, losing in a tough four-setter to David Ferrer, Raonic unleashed his huge potential during the American hardcourt season. It all started in San Jose the last fortnight. After some easy wins against Xavier Malisse, James Blake and Richard Berankis, the 20 years old Canadian benefited from the withdrawal of French Gael Monfils to advance into his first ATP final. Encouraged by his meeting with idol Pete Sampras, Milos took full advance of his powerful ground strokes and giant serve to beat Spaniard Fernando Verdasco in two tie-breaks. By capturing the title, the Montenegro born Raonic became the first Canadian men player to achieve this feat, emulating Greg Rusedski's record dating back to 1995.

This wasn't a one hit wonder though, as the impressive run of form continued. After disposing once more of Verdasco, barely escaping Stepanek and overcoming Fish in the semis, the red-hot Canadian made it all the way to the final in Memphis. He came second-best in a tight final against American Andy Roddick who eventually won his 30th career title. Although their games are very much alike, the experience proved decisive in helping Roddick seize a hard fought 7-5 final set victory. Milos' excellent accomplishments saw him rise to number 37 in the world, the highest-ever ranking for a Canadian men's singles player. 

The question that arises now is not whether Raonic has the game to challenge the world's best, but if he can remain consistent enough to threaten Federer, Nadal & co. on a regular basis. During the last decades, many shooting stars came into public scrutiny. Mario Ancic, Marcos Baghdatis, Frenchmen Monfils, Tsonga and Gasquet, Americans Isner and Querrey or recently, Latvian Ernest Gulbis, are just some examples of players who, at some point, promised to dominate men's tennis. Although their results have been notable, no one really stood out. They've all made it into the top 20, some even to top 10, but they couldn't pose a thread to the dominance of Nadal or Federer. Still, there was a player who managed to break this barrier and  win a Grand Slam. Argentinian Juan Martin Del Potro captured the 2009 US Open after a memorable final against  the Swiss Maestro. For me, he is the only wonder boy who actually delivered on the huge expectations. He experienced some physical issues last year, but once he's back to his best, he will surely be competing for the most prestigious prizes once again.

Even though I am just getting familiarized with Milos, I actually noticed some similarities with Del Potro's game. Both can heavily rely on a devastating serve. Moreover, their forehands are of killer's magnitude. Consequently, if he stays healthy and keeps his feet on the ground, I could really see Raonic become a force to be reckoned with on the men's tour.

photo: GETTY IMAGES

Tennis Mood Style: EleVen = Game, Set & Glam!

Ever since they joined the WTA tour, the Williams sisters knew how to make a fuzz. Venus was the first one to burst into the scene in 1997 by making it all the way to the final of the US Open. She caused quite a commotion with her unique hair style, wearing the family's trademark pearls and beads. Not wanting to lower the standards, she was always keen on pushing the game's boundaries and taking tennis to the next level. Leaving aside their groundbreaking game, the Williams siblings brought something extra to the table. Along with Serena, Venus pioneered a new era, one in which fashion plays an utterly important role. Not being afraid of taking risks, she narrowed the gap between off-court and on-court outfits by introducing more complex pieces of clothing.
Valuing education and wanting to have a back up for her tennis career, Venus dedicated a considerable amount of time to her study. Between tournaments she found time and energy to go to school. Consequently, in 2007 she received her degree in Fashion Design from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. Even when she was under contract with Reebok, the American was deeply involved in designing her on-court outfits. Thus, after graduating, launching her own label, EleVen, seemed the most suitable decision. The event occurred in late August 2007 and coincided with the US Open. A strategic move from the American I should say, as she got to endorse her line in front of the fully crowded Flushing Meadows arenas. Through the years, Venus has been one of the most talked about tennis players. Her fame exceeds the courts and her larger than life persona ensures her instant media coverage. Considering all this, becoming the spokesperson of her business proved by far the wisest thing she could have done. Her visibility is huge and she's always been associated with a unique, edgy style, exactly what her new line tries to envision. The designs are extremely cool, fresh and hip. As the colour palette is impressive, the pieces are innovative and the range of products is wide, EleVen should be an smashing hit amid her clientele. Compared to her Reebok outfits, the EleVen ones are sexier, edgier and the themes are more diverse. From sporty chick to glamorous diva, from rock babe to fairytale princess, her label seems to be able to satisfy all tastes. 

Needless to say, I am a huge fan of her line. In a world where the players look dull and very much alike wearing the same sponsored outfits, Venus Williams with her EleVen line provides a much needed alternative. So far, no another player  has been signed to join the team. This might very well be aimed at ensuring the American's uniqueness. However,  though it revolves around her, I am sure the brand is not going to die once her career is over. As I see it, EleVen is a really smart business idea enabling Venus to remain in the sport for as long as she desires. At 30 years old, tennis is not her top priority anymore. At times I feel like she's playing it just to showcase her new creations. One, or two matches are all it takes to make everyone talk about the new ideas Venus came up. In the end this leads to the increasing visibility of her label. Encompassing such great vibe and one-of-a-kind designs, EleVen possesses all the required qualities to become one of the leading sportswear brands. Long live EleVen!
Below I picked just some of EleVen most memorable outfits.
 

The beginning @ the 2007 US Open. This marked the first time Venus showcased her label, EleVen. The American wore some really cool, hot pieces ensuring instant success. On her way to the semis, Williams had plenty of chances to promote her designs. I totally liked her colour palette. She carried on the great work, making her label one of the finest and probably the most spectacular and unique from the WTA tour.

'The Frog' during the 2008 Fed Cup. During one of her rare appearances in Fed Cup, the American made a less fortunate fashion choice by picking this grassy green ensemble, which didn’t complemented her at all.

The 'Classy White' dress' @ the 2008 Wimbledon. On court, Venus defeated younger sister Serena for her fifth Venus Rosewater Dish. As Serena opted for a Poirot trademark trench coat, she scored a fashion win as well, retaining her Fashion Diva status with this Sweetheart outfit. She wore different variations of this outfit (i.e. in black and yellow) throughout the seasons.

The '4th of July' dress @ the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Venus once again produced a great look when the entire world was watching, wearing a classy black/ white attire, styled with some red stripes and a really cute hairdo. The American did what was expected of her and won the gold medal in doubles with sister Serena.

The 'Bad Fashion Day' dress @ the 2009 Roland Garros. Though playful and with an edge, I find it not such an inspired choice. However, as usual, I appreciate its uniqueness.

The 'Blooming Back' dress, during the 2009 season. Venus made a passion for this design, which she wore several times throughout the season. Whether in pink, yellow or white, the outfit provides the perfect example of how an great tennis apparel should be: hip, playful, simple, but edgy.

The 'Pretty in Pink' dress @ the 2009 US Open. This is my favourite piece in her collection. The intense pink contrasting with her skin colour and the youthful design provide the perfect blend in this great tennis outfit.

The 'Bare-Naked' dress @ the 2010 Australian Open. Showcasing a hot yellow dress, Venus proved she definitely knows how to use fashion to her advantage. The nude touches create the illusion that she's almost naked, that she's revealing more than she actually does.

The 'Orange Boudoir' dress. Through the American hardcourt season, Venus unleashed her imagination and transformed the tennis field into her boudoir. Her lingerie inspired line included this orange satin dress.

The 'Infamous Lace' dress @ the 2010 Roland Garros. She may not have won the title, but she stole the show with this black lace dress and the nude underpants! Once again I applaud her courage, a genuine fashion pioneer. Though it's practically the same dress, the magnitude of the effect was much higher.

The 'Tina Turner Tribute' dress @ the 2010 Wimbledon. The American added a bit of edge to the conservative event with this Tina Turner signature dress. When looking at it the first thing that pops up is Tina Turner singing 'Rolling on a river'.

Center Court Catwalk @ the 2010 US Open. With the New York Fashion Week in mind, Venus took Flushing Meadow by storm once again. Armed with an impressive series of  unique outfits, the American brought the Fashion Week on the Center Court. From the numerous dresses wore during the New York fortnight, I really liked the black 'Glam-Rock' dress (last picture). Her see-through 'Fireworks' piece ensured  the much needed attention and raised the controversy her brand needs in consolidating its place on the market.

photos (top-down / left-right):  GETTY IMAGES (x23), AP, GETTY IMAGES (x12)

Cette Fois C'est Vraiment Fini! Au revoir, Justine!

When she first burst into the tennis scene, la petite Justine took the world by storm. With her exceptional one-hand backhand and her fierce determination, Henin quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with on the WTA tour. Her breakthrough year was 2001 when she made it into the semifinals of  the French Open and the final of Wimbledon. From then on, she kept improving her game and in 2003 she became the best player in the world, as well as Belgium's first Grand Slam champion by conquering Roland Garros. After a series of physical problems, Justine came out stronger than ever in 2007. After opting to miss the first part of the year to recover from her divorce from husband Pierre-Yves Hardenne, Justine won practically everything. She beat Ivanovic to capture Roland Garros, Kuznetsova to win her second US Open title and Sharapova to secure the Season's Ending Championships. The latter battle was, in my opinion, one of the most entertaining disputes of all time. Both gave their all, with Justine finding that little extra something, that  edge to ensure she came out on top. I think it also marked the beginning of the end for her. She even mentioned that when announcing her first retirement in 2008. She felt she was nearing perfection. Her level was so high, that it didn't leave much room for improvement. She felt tired and her tank was emptied. Thus she took what she thought was her only choice. She quit. The world was in shock. How could the  undisputed best player in the world just forfeit tennis? Her reasons were hard to understand, but she kept true to her inner belief and stayed away from the sport. At least until 2009. After witnessing her main rival, Kim Clijsters, come out of retirement and win the US Open, the fire was relighten. Once again she had something to prove. She came back in 2010 but fell short of emulating her compatriot's success by losing the Australian Open final to Serena Williams. It's interesting to notice Clijsters having the upper hand in the second part of their rivalry as she has won all their three matches. In the last one, at Wimbledon, Henin injured her elbow so badly that she had to miss the rest of the season. She announced a comeback in January for the Australian Open, but her attempt was cut short, when losing to Kuznetsova in the third round. Apparently her elbow failed to recover and her efforts Down Under took their toll. After consulting it with her doctors, the Belgian champion was forced to retire for a second and final time. Once again it came as an enormous shock to everyone. Now though, Henin was really affected by the circumstances. She clearly had other plans going forward. She mentioned playing until the Olympic Games in London were she might have joined forces with Kim in the doubles. Furthermore, the elusive Wimbledon trophy seemed to permanently follow her. Since returning to the tour, she's made of that her top priority. Unfortunately, as compared to 2008, this decision was not deliberate, but imposed. Her frail body succumbed eventually, so there was nothing that could be done. For me, this marks the undoubtable end of her prolific career.

At 1.67m tall, the small Belgian persona and grit proved larger than life. Her accomplishments ensured her a place among the greatest tennis players in history. She was utterly dominant on clay, her favourite surface, winning Roland Garros four times. Consequently she will always be remembered as the 'Queen of Clay'. For me, she was one of the most exciting player to watch. A really determined champion, who at the top of her game was beyond anyone's reach. Her reigning period (i.e. Roland Garros 2007 to Australian Open 2008) was probably the most dominant era in women's tennis. During this time lag, she lost just once (surprisingly to Marion Bartoli in the semis of Wimbledon) and it can be argued that in this period she was closer to perfection than any other player I've known. Justine will definitely be missed. However,  her life surely doesn't end here. Allez!

A look back at Justine's golden career

@ Wimbledon 2001: Justine announced herself to the world by reaching her maiden Grand Slam final. Her dream run was ended by defending champion, American Venus Williams.

@ Roland Garros 2003: Henin became the first Belgian to win a Grand Slam defeating compatriot Kim Clijsters 6-0,6-4 in the final.

@ US Open 2003: Henin continued her dominance over her compatriot, defeating Kim Clijsters once more 7-5,6-1 to conquer her second Grand Slam crown.

@ Melbourne 2004: In a tight final, Justine once more got the better of Clijsters, beating her 6-3,4-6,6-3. 

@ 2004 Athens Olympic Games: Justine won gold for her country, disposing of Frenchwoman Amelie Mauresmo in the final act.

@ Roland Garros 2005: Justine returned to her winning ways in Paris, collecting her second French Open trophy with a routine 6-1,6-1 victory over rejuvenated Mary Pierce in the final.

@ Roland Garros 2006: The Belgian successfully defended her Suzanne Lenglen crown, beating Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-4,6-4 in the final.

@ Wimbledon 2006: Justine lost her second Wimbledon final, this time after a rather surprising 6-2,3-6,4-6 loss to Amelie Mauresmo.

@ WTA Masters Cup: Henin gained revenge on Mauresmo, beating the Frenchwoman 6-4,6-3 to claim the Season's Ending Championships.

@ Roland Garros 2007: Justine collected her last French Open title, rooting Serbian Ana Ivanovic 6-1,6-2 in the final.

@ US Open 2007: in a period of utter dominance, Henin added another Grand Slam to her resume, defeating Svetlana Kuznetsova in the Flushing Meadows final.

@ WTA Masters Cup: Henin's last big trophy came at the end of 2007 when she overcome Maria Sharapova in a high-quality match to successfully retain her Season's Ending crown.

@ Australian Open 2010: Justine came out of retirement and made it all the way to the Australian Open final where she lost 4-6,6-3,2-6 to American Serena Williams.

photos: GETTY IMAGES