The Return of the Giant

Last night I got to see what promised to be a very interesting battle between two great champions, as Robin Soderling and Juan Martin del Potro clashed in the third round of the Miami Masters. Robin has been in superb form this year winning already three titles, while del Potro experienced a recent resurgence after the injury that sidelined him for most of the 2010 season. I am slowly turning into a del Potro fan as I really appreciate the effort he put into his recovery. It must have been extremely frustrating to sustain the injury while at the peak of his career. However, he remained positive, worked hard, battled doubts and uncertainties and made it back where he probably belongs, i.e. among the best players in the world.

The first signs of  rejuvenation were shown in Australia, where del Potro scored his first wins in months. He continue to impress during the American hard court season where he played two back-to-back semifinals, at San Jose (i.e. lost to Verdasco) and Memphis (i.e. lost to Roddick). He then captured his first trophy since the 2009 US Open at Delray Beach by overcoming Serbian Jarko Tipsarevic in the final. He carried the momentum at Indian Wells where he beat Stepanek, Ljubicic, Dolgopolov, Kohlschreiber and Robredo, before failing to Nadal in the semis.

Getting back to the match against Soderling, I honestly think it gave us the most conclusive proof that the Giant Killer from Tandil is back at his best. The two have very similar styles as they both possess powerful serves and killer forehands. Nevertheless, del Potro held the upper hand from the very beginning. I was really impressed by his solid, flawless game. Besides his usual weapons, his return of serve was just magnificent. By constantly trying to stay aggressive and by succeeding to neutralize Swede's powerful serve, Juan Martin was able to undermine his opponent. At the end of a surprisingly short battle, del Potro came out on top, administering a clear defeat to his higher rank rival. It was by far the most important victory since his comeback and, based on his current disposition, I foresee it won't take long until the Argentinean will make a top 10 return. For me, he's just below Nadal and Federer. Nowadays, Djokovic raised his level and could be a tough nut to crack, but I think that if del Potro unleashes his full potential, he definitely stands a chance of turning the tables. If he stays injury free, I predict a great future for this Giant who can rule supreme.

photo: GETTY IMAGES

Tennis Moods Style: Maria Sharapova

With three Grand Slam titles to her name and 17 weeks spent at number 1 in the world, Maria Sharapova is probably the best Russian tennis player of all time and one of the most loved and popular champions this game has ever created. Since bursting out on the scene with her sensational Wimbledon success at the age of 17, Maria was constantly in the limelight. Acknowledging her immense potential, Nike were quick to sign her off, but once she has proved her tennis credentials, the partnership grew and in 2010, an eight years renewal of the deal was worth, according to the Guardian, $70m (£43m). Additionally, special attention was always put in creating Sharapova's on court persona. Helped by an unique wardrobe, the Russian quickly established herself as one of tennis' most genuine fashionistas. 

Through the years Maria featured a pocketful of unique outfits. What I really like about her is that she's not afraid of taking risks and she's always standing by her choices. With her tremendous fashion sense, she's developed a coherent style for her. Moreover, she's allegedly planning to launch her own collection of accessories following on the footsteps of Venus Williams and proving that nowadays, tennis player can successfully manage multiple careers. 

Below are the most memorable Sharapova looks, beginning with my favourite outfits and ending with the ones that failed to impress me.

The Wows:

The 'Audrey Hepburn' Dress - Under the nightlights of a packed Arthur Ashe Arena, the Russian glowed in this classy LBD, beating her opponent (i.e. the Belgian Justine Henin) in straight sets to conquer her first US Open title in 2006. Before the final Maria was considered the underdog, but she surely did not look the part on court. By winning the match, the Russian taught us an important lesson: always dress big for big moments. Sometimes, the trick might pay off.

 

@ Roland Garros 2007

@ Roland Garros 2009

@ Roland Garros 2010

The 'French Chiffon' Collection - Maria's love affair with clay has yet to produce a happy ending, Roland Garros being the only Slam to elude her. However, if she cannot impress the audience with her clay-court game, the Russian made a habit of mesmerizing them with her looks. For Sharapova, the French Open is all about chiffon and her 2007, 2009 and 2010 outfits are clear indications of this. Considering the venue is Paris, the capital of haute-couture, her choice is utterly appropriate. I really like these three dresses, especially the 2009 one, as they bear a strong Sharapova trademark, they are flawy, spectacular and coherent with her diva-like style.

The 'Librarian' Outfit - Sharapova showcased this cool school uniform while playing at the 2007 WTA Tour Championships in Madrid. Although it didn't get her the title, the Russian once again lived up to the expectations, making another smart choice, considering this was an indoor event held in early November. Also, great colour combination with the pale pink and the burgundy. Maria's deux-piece was by far the fashion highlight of the end of season.

@ Wimbledon 2008

@ Wimbledon 2009

The 'DareDevil' Looks - After winning the title in 2004, Maria's ride at Wimbledon was kind of a roller-coaster. However, she always liked to push the boundaries and to dare the conservative English crowd with her outfits. The best example lies in the 2008 see-through blouse she matched with a pair of shorts and blazer, as well as in the 2009 military blazer. Both looks stirred deep waters, but nonetheless I like the blazer idea as it's fashion forward.

The 'Snow White' Dress - In 2008, a year after her humiliating defeat to Serena Williams in the final, Maria Sharapova returned to the Australian Open to regain her honour and her fashion credentials. Wearing a classy white dress, the Russian did just that. She went all the way to securing her third Grand Slam title and proved that when the occasion asks it, she can tone down her style.

The 'Working Girl' Dress - At the 2010 US Open wore a cool, fresh turquoise dress styled with a black collar and lining. Although it retains a clerical vibe, the dress is quite sensational. After some mishits with her more glamorous looks, it's good to see the Russian back at her fashion best.

@ Roland Garros 2006

@ Birmingham 2007

@ Warsow 2009

The Queen Of Tutu - Maria, considered by many a hot tennis babe, is a tall, slim player. However, her body structure has one small imperfection: her rather big shoulders. Consequently, she looks at her utmost best when she is wearing sleeved tops. However, another way to successfully mask this is by using a full-bodied skirt. Because of this, the tutu is the perfect choice. Adding volume in the lower part of her body, balances the overall proportions making Sharapova look stunning.

The OK-ish

The 'SpiderWeb' Garment - Wore during the 2009 American hard-court season, this dress it's actually the coloured version of the monochrome white one she showcased at the Wimbledon earlier that year (see above). However, the emerald green brings the dress to life, giving it a bit more power, more personality. Although I do not fancy the matchy cap, I do like the overall look.

@ Stanford 2007

 

@ Roland Garros 2008

The 'Black&White' Collection - A black&white outfit is actually not a bad idea and Sharapova has managed to produced some exciting looks throughout her career. They aren't her finest fashion statements, but they are great pieces. I do like the white version of the 2007 US Open dress and the fact that she left out the beads and rhinestones, toning it down to make it more suitable for the tennis court. Also, the short transparent sleeves (Stanford 2007) or the white stripes (RG 2008). These are all small details that can make or break a garment and this time, the Russian's gamble paid off. 

@ Wimbledon 2007

@ Rome 2008

@ Wimbledon 2010

@ Cincinnati 2010

The 'Raffles Power' Outfits - I always think that Maria looks at her best in a full-bodied outfit and using raffles can be a really wise idea. While the 2010 Wimbledon dress is a total mishit, the Cincinnati one is stunning. I love the colors and, again, applaud the short sleeves. Also the raffles on her 2008 Rome top are great.

@ Auckland 2011

@ The Australian Open 2011

The 'Regular' Collection - For a player who has had so many outstanding looks throughout the years, any short than spectacular can seem dull, boring or not living up to the standards. This is exactly what happened at the start of the 2011 season. Although her clothing was perfect for tennis match and it fell a bit short of creativity. Nothing spectacular, nothing out of the ordinary, and the Russian seems to have lost her fashion edge. I hope she has more tricks on her sleeve for the remaining of the season. 

And now the oops:

@ The Australian Open 2010

@ Indian Wells 2010

The 'Too Much Noise' Looks - There was just too much happening with Sharapova's attire at the start of the 2010 season. The white-blue colour combination makes a strong statement on its own, but to add to it a striped tulle and raffles is just too match. While I strongly encourage edgy looks these ones had just too match going on. Unfortunately for the Russian, her fashion failure was backed up with an even more significant loss, as she was defeated by fashion rival Maria Kirilenko in her first round of the Australian Open.

@ US Open 2009 - The 'Night' gown

@ US Open 2009 - The 'Day' gown

The 'Tennis Pacient' Dress - At the 2009 US Open, Maria looked like she has suffered severe injuries all over her body and someone found stiches and bandages and covered her with them. The headband does not help either, so it's actually much better with the cap. Also, the colour combination is off putting for me. The black-silver is a bit too cliche for night, while the pink-neon yellow is a bit too much for a day look. I do like the back of the black dress though

The 'Lady in Red' - The red dress style with the black see-through blazer she showcased at the 2007 US Open is way too precious for a tennis match. The Centre Court is surely not the place to wear beads and rhinestones. Don't get me wrong, the garment is stunning though, but to go clubbing one night. As an on-court look I think the choice is far-fetched. Sharapova pushed it too far this time.

The 'I'm Confused' Dress - I was puzzled by the dress she wore at the 2007 Australian Open. Although I like the design, I cannot figure out why she felt the need to add the drawing on the side of the skirt. Although the matchy blazer (also contains the drawing) makes the outfit look coherent it creates the impressions this looks is overcooked.

The 'Fiasco' Dress - Although I was such a big fan of her 'Daylight' 2010 US Open dress, I think her 'Nightlight' was a total fiasco. That black collar matched with a tulle skirt was wrong. Also, not to mention the black blazer with its weird construction. I feel like more buttons were required there to give it a better fit.

The 'Red String' Dress - I like the fact that Sharapova is not afraid of taking risks when it comes to fashion. They sometimes pay off, but there are also times when they don't. Such an instance happened at Miami in 2007 where her black and white attire failed to convince. I think it is too flat for her body structure (again the big shoulders). Plus that red thin string belt is a bit too kitsch.


The 'Vintage' Outfit - I am usually a huge fan of vintage, but Sharapova's 2006 Zürich attire failed to impress me. Maybe it was the lavender-grey combination in no contrast to the Russian's pale skin tone, or the blouse's heavy pattern matched to the pleated skirt, but Maria's look was somehow dusty.

photos: GETTY IMAGES