Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Monaco Takes A Big Step Forward

Juan Monaco is one of the feisty clay-court players who has threatened the top 10 since bursting into the scene in 2007 with titles runs in Buenos Aires, Pörtschach and Kitzbühel. However, years have passed and the Argentinean got a bit lost, losing touch of his goal after failing to win another trophy, even though he contested seven finals. 
2012 proved a turning point in his career. After managing to break the 'curse' and return to the winning circle following a victory over Carlos Bercocq in Vina del Mar, Juan felt at ease. He started playing his best tennis again and little by little, he fought his way back towards the top of the rankings. Another title in Houston, backed up by some decent results in big tournaments and two weeks of magic were all it took for him to accomplish an important career milestone: cracking the top 10.
Fresh off a great performance in Stuttgart, the Argentinean continued his love-affair with the German clay managing to avenge his defeat to Tipsarevic in the final with a spectacular triumph in Hamburg. Monaco was utterly sharp when it mattered most, taking out defending champion, Spaniard Nicolas Almagro, in the semifinals, before dashing the home hopes with a 7-5,6-4 victory over Tommy Haas in the final. "I can't complain about the way I played today," he said. "I was 4-1 down in the first set, but I never gave up. I was fighting every point, very focussed and very motivated to win this tournament. I think it was very important to win the first set. In the last two games of the match I think I played very well."
Haas, the author of a spectacular comeback which saw him beat Roger Federer for the Halle title, was quick in complimenting his opponent. "All credit to him. He performed really well, especially when it came down to the big points. I tried to play my best; I thought I played really well throughout the match. Having the crowd support really lifted me to another gear, but it just wasn't enough today." Although he fell short in his quest to lift his first hometown trophy, Haas focused on the positives of what has been another dream week for him: "I really didn't know if I was going to be able to get this feeling one more time, especially here in Hamburg. To have experienced another week like this with getting to the final is obviously another dream week for me."
While Haas achieved a new comeback high cracking the top 35, Monaco joined fellow Tandil mate, Juan Martin del Potro inside the top 10.


Visibly upset, Tommy Haas threw his racquet several times during his match against Monaco. The Hamburg native was seeking a first triumph at his hometown tournament. The defeat was the first in a final since 2002.

By denying Haas, Juan Monaco won the biggest title of his career. He was also guaranteed a place inside the top 10 for the first time in his career, being ranked at number 10 as of Monday, July 23.

photos (top-down): ?, GETTY IMAGES (x2), ?, GETTY IMAGES

Monday, July 23, 2012

The Fighter

Andy Roddick has always felt at ease on the American hardcourts. However, after some really disappointing months at the beginning of the season, his credentials going into the North American swing were pretty low. He managed to get back to winning ways in July with a title run in Eastbourne, but after a third round loss at Wimbledon to Spaniard David Ferrer, Andy seemed to still be struggling with a lack of confidence and a rather poor display.
At a time when most of the top players opted to take time out to prepare for the upcoming London Olympics, the American chose to find remedy for his crisis and entered Atlanta, a tournament he won as an 18 year old in 2001. Relying on his solid serving, Roddick advanced without much trouble to the semifinals where he faced top-seeded compatriot, John Isner. In a battle of big servers, it was Andy who proved more efficient holding his serve throughout the encounter and managing to break Isner two times to seal a hard-fought 6-4,6-7,6-4 victory and book his place in the final.
A huge favorite against Luxembourger Gilles Müller, Andy got off to the worst possible start. Visibly hindered by a nasty shoulder injury, the American was barely able to put a serve across the net and his opponent too full advantage of the situation. Quickly, Müller bagged the opener and with Roddick continuing to struggle, he looked set to finally break the duck and win his maiden career title. Having served superbly throughout, Gilles got tight at the conclusion of the second set, allowing his opponent to get into the match. A poorly played tiebreak proved the decisive point of the final, as Andy, once back on level terms, was unreachable. He broke Müller's serve at the beginning of the decider and carried to advantage to the end, serving out the win at 5-2, leaving the Luxembourger to rue on yet another missed opportunity. He is now 0-3 in title matches.
“I know by now the score of a set is irrelevant. Whether it’s 7-6 or 6-1, it still counts the same. With most other sports, you get way up in the first quarter and it actually means something in regards to the rest of the game. In tennis, it’s not really the case too often, with the exception of momentum. You just try to start over and put some holds together. I was able to [slide] out the second set and I think he might have gotten a little tired in the third,” declared the American after a match that provided another clear example of how sheer determination and a tremendous fight can dug you out of some deep trouble. Andy is a great fighter and he showed he was plenty of gas left in the tank, so I hope he will stick around for a few more years. “I’ve won 32 times now and every one of them, I’ve never assumed I was going to win again,” said Roddick. “I’ve always appreciated it... I go through the process of playing, work hard, and hope that I can put myself in position enough times to create some success.”
With his second title in the last three tournament, his season is starting to turn around and he now looks set to challenge Federer, Djokovic and co. for the Olympic gold, especially as the tournament is played at Wimbledon, on grass, his favorite surface. 


Although injured, Andy Roddick delighted the American crowd coming from behind to ensure a 1-6,7-6,6-2 victory of Gilles Müller to win his second Atlanta crown. The Luxembourqer was chasing his maiden career trophy, but has now fallen 0-3 in title matches.

photosGETTY IMAGES

Friday, July 20, 2012

Nadal Gives Up Olympic Dream

In a shocking statement, Rafael Nadal, the defending champion, has announced yesterday that he is forced to pull out of the upcoming London Olympics, due to tendinitis on his knee. The Spaniard whose last match was a second round Wimbledon defeat to Czech Lukas Rosol, has been troubled by the injury since winning a record seventh Roland Garros title.
"I am not in the right physical condition to compete at the London Olympics and for this reason I will not travel as arranged with the Spanish delegation," declared a light-hearted Nadal.
"I have to think about my team-mates, I cannot be an egotist and think about myself here. I have to think about Spanish sport, and that one of my team-mates who is better prepared than me can take my place and compete to the best of his ability. I've waited until the final moment of my preparation and my training, but I cannot do it," he added.
"Today is one of the saddest days in my career. Carrying the flag for Spain at the opening ceremony was set to be one of the biggest honours, one of the most special moments for me. For this reason I hope you can understand how difficult it has been for me to take this decision."
As sad as this news is for tennis, it only increases Federer's chances of winning the only elusive title his resume is lacking, the Olympic title.


Nadal won the gold medal in Beijing defeating Chilean Fernando Gonzales in the final. Novak Djokovic won the bronze.

photos (top-down)Reuters, GETTY IMAGES (x2)

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Time To Say Goodbye: The Bandana Man Retires

My first memory of Arnaud Clement goes back to the 2001 Australian Open when the Frenchman contested that epic semifinal against compatriot Sebastian Grosjean. Both players gave it their all, and while Grosjean looked like the eventual winner for most of the encounter, Arnaud dug deep and fought back sensationally, recovering from two sets to love to seal his berth in his maiden Grand Slam final. Although he eventually succumbed to American Andre Agassi, that fortnight guaranteed him a place in the history book. No matter what will happen going forward, he will always remain the 2001 Australian Open runner-up.
Clement was a man of the big matches. He lacked the consistency to be a regular top 10 figure, but on a given day, he could battle it all with the world's greatest on equal terms. He won four ATP singles titles, in Lyon in 2000 (d. Rafter), Metz in 2003 (d. Gonzales), respectively Montpellier (d. Ancic) and Washington (d. Murray) in 2006 and got his highest ranking at number 10 in April 2001, following his incredible run Down Under.
In addition to being an excellent singles player, Clement experienced tremendous success in doubles also. Teaming up with Llodra, he won his sole Grand Slam trophy in 2007 at Wimbledon and contested the Australian Open final in 2008. The duo has also been the rock of the French Davis Cup squad, obtaining lots of valuable points, especially in 2010, when the team finished runner-up to Serbia in a dramatic final. Reliving his biggest success, Arnaud stated: “I had always considered myself to be a calm person, but to play the match together and to share the victory was an emotional moment for us. It wasn’t just the way we played, but also the setting, the chance to play in the final on Court Number 1; the court was full to bursting, there was a great atmosphere. It was the only doubles Grand Slam that I’ve won and to do it with him was great. I am glad it was here and with him.”
He ended his singles career at the French Open, but his final showing ought to have been at Wimbledon. A singles quarterfinalist in 2008 and a doubles champion in 2007, Arnaud targeted a glorious exit, hoping to rekindle the doubles magic he shared with compatriot Michael Llodra. Llodra was quick to reply, dumping his regular partner, Nenad Zimonjic, and agreeing to play with Clement for one last time. Also, he celebrated his good friend in his own manner, opting to wear Clement's famous bandanas for this tournament. The pair lost in the third round to the Bryan brother in a tight five setter.
Although he will always be remembered as a One Slam Wonder, the 'small' Frenchman played a vital part in the development of French tennis. "To me he's a big guy, although he's a bit small," said Tsonga. "He's a short guy. But he's always set the example. He's always fought on the court. And I guess you need to be his size and play tennis to realise how huge this is, because he's fighting against much bigger guys. Everything he did during his career is setting the example for young players. Apart from that, there is not much to say. But exemplary, that's the word I would use to describe him." 
Clement will continue to maintain an active role with the French Federation even after his retirement, as he will assume the Davis Cup captaincy, replacing Guy Forget at the start of the next season.

Clement contested one singles Grand Slam final at the 2001 Australian Open, when he lost to American Andre Agassi 6-4,6-2,6-2. During his run to the finals, he defeated the likes of Roger Federer, Greg Rusedski, Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Sebastien Grosjean.
Clement won his last singles title in 2006 in Washington, defeating Andy Murray in the final. The Frenchman took out Lleyton Hewitt and Marat Safin in earlier rounds.
Clement claimed his sole Grand Slam trophy in 2007 at Wimbledon, when he teamed up with Michel Llodra to beat the Bryan brothers in an epic final.
Clement and Llodra played another Grand Slam final at the 2008 Australian Open, when they were defeated by the Israeli team of Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram. 

Clement and Llodra claimed one of their biggest in the 2010 Davis Cup final when they defeated the Serbs Victor Troicki and Nenad Zimonjic.  Although France lost the final, Arnaud and Michel were their country's heroes.

@ Roland Garros 2012: Following his second round defeat to Belgian David Goffin, Clement was honored for his illustrious career under a packed Phillippe Chatrier Court.

@ Wimbledon 2012

Clement's most emblematic bandanas


@ Miami 2009
@ Roland Garros 2009
@ Paris Indoor 2009
@ Australian Open 2010
@ Indian Wells 2010
@ US Open 2010
@ Montpellier 2010
@ Paris Indoor 2010
@ Roland Garros 2012

photos: GETTY IMAGES

Monday, July 9, 2012

Worthy Murray Wins Hearts

With the weight of a nation resting on his shoulders, Andy Murray's life was never easy, especially not at Wimbledon. This year though, he somehow managed to turn things around, drawing inspiration from the crowd as he sealed his berth into his first final at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Nadal's shocking exit left the bottom half of the draw empty and Andy took full advantage. He still had to bring out his A-game, but he got passed David Ferrer in the quarterfinals and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the semis and booked a final showdown against sixth time former champion, Roger Federer.
Contrary to his previous Grand Slam finals in which he appeared nervous, shaky and ended up beating himself up to defeat, this time around, Andy started with a fierce look in his eyes. Under a packed Central Court, it seemed like his time to shine has finally come. Pumped up with adrenaline and playing superb tennis, he produced a stellar display to take the first set 6-4. Some missed chances early in the second allowed Federer to come to life in this match though and there was nothing stopping the Swiss Maestro in claiming his seventh Wimbledon crown after that. Federer played some of the best tennis of his career and although Murray hung on, it just wasn't enough to bring him the Scot that elusive Grand Slam trophy.
Losing is always tough, especially if we are talking about a Wimbledon final in which you gave it your all, and Murray's defeat left him heart-broken. "I am getting closer," said a visibly emotional Murray, as he struggled to regain his composure and accept the runner-up trophy. "I'm going to start crying again... Everybody always talks about the pressure of playing at Wimbledon, how tough it is, ... the people watching make it so much easier to play - they make it incredible," he added while receiving a rapturous round of applause from the warm crowd.
Now that the fourth chance went begging, the question of if and when will Murray win that maiden Slam is on everyone's mind. As Federer stated in his post-match conference, "I really do believe deep down he will win Grand Slams, not just one. I do wish him all the best. This is genuine. He works extremely hard." 
Murray's game is exquisite. He is not lacking in any departments and after seeing the huge mental progresses he did during the fortnight, I am sure his time will come. It must! Let's take Djokovic for example. I am sure the Serb is no better player than him, but due to his mental strength he took his career to the highest of heights. The Scot needs to do the same. Probably the first Slam is the toughest, but I am sure that after the 'curse' is broken, Andy can dominate as much as Novak did it during the last year and a half. His brave performance today and the genuine emotions he displayed after the match have won everyone one. If tennis is a fair sport, he ought to win a Slam!


Andy Murray lost his fourth Grand Slam final, being beaten 6-4,5-7,3-6,4-6 by Roger Federer. Although painful, Murray must take the positives from this experience. He played a great match, but Federer was just unreachable today. Relying on such a complex game, Murray's time will surely come; he just needs to be prepared when the opportunity arises.

 photos: GETTY IMAGES

The World's Greatest

In 2010, a surprise quarterfinal defeat to Soderling at the French put an end to Roger Federer's reign at the top of the rankings. In recent years, Nadal's power and athleticism and the emergence of Novak Djokovic overshadowed the Swiss, who quickly fell behind his arch rivals. Although he contested some semis, even got to the final of Roland Garros last year, Roger was unable to claim another Grand Slam crown since his success in Australia in 2010. 
After his heartbreaking loss to Djokovic at the US Open though, the Swiss decided to change something in his approach. He took time off to recharge his batteries, brought in Paul Annacone to help him develop a more aggressive play and extended his schedule in order to catch up with his rival. The trick paid off and Federer started winning. First it was Basel, then Paris followed by the Masters Cup in London, capping a sensational ending to 2011. 2012 was by no means less spectacular with wins in Rotterdam, Dubai, Indian Wells and Madrid, but he was lacking a Slam to mark his return to the top of the game. 
He might have fallen to Nadal in Australia and to Djokovic in Paris, but his best shot was always the Wimbledon grass. After a run to the finals in Halle, Federer stated loud and clear that this would finally be his year. He run into all sorts of problems early on though, having to come back from two sets to love to beat Julien Benneteau, in the third and to shake off a scary back injury to dispose of Belgian veteran, Xavier Mallise in the next round. However, unlike the last couple of Slams, this time, when push came to shove, Federer delivered. After a routine win over Youzhny in the quarterfinals, he finally got the better of Djokovic, sending out the defending champion. The result also meant that the Swiss now had a chance of regaining the number 1 ranking from the Serb, provided he wins the final. 
The championship match proved a a pretty heated encounter with both him and British hope, Andy Murray, eyeing a place in the history book. While Roger was trying to emulate the last records standing, Murray has hoping to become the first Briton to win Wimbledon since Fred Perry's 1936 triumph. With Murray all pumped up, Federer started rather shaky, dropping the opener 4-6. However, after overcoming some tense moments in the second to win it 7-5, Roger released all the nerves and was able to produce a stunning display to succumb Andy's resistance. He served out the match 6-4 in the fourth to claim his 17th Grand Slam crown, 7th at Wimbledon and 75th overall. Also, starting on Monday, he will regain his number 1 ranking, breaking thus Pete Sampras' record of 286 weeks as number 1. 
Asked what the victory meant to him, Federer replied: "This just feels amazing. I never stopped believing. I have great momentum, great confidence and it all came together for me. It is a magical moment for me. I think I played some of my best tennis in the last couple of matches. I couldn't be more happy being back here as the winner. It is a great moment. It feels nice to get my hands back on the trophy. "
At almost 31 years old, Roger shows no signs of planning to hang up his racquet anytime soon. Much like Serena Williams, the Swiss' love for tennis grew stronger in time and he is hungrier than ever for success. Welcome back Mr. Federer! Thanks for giving me this moment! As it happened in Australia with Azarenka winning the title, these are the occasions that remind me why I love this sport.


Cheered by his young twins, Federer achieved his dream of having his kids witness him win a Grand Slam title. His box did not miss his wife, Mirka, his father and his coach, Paul Annacone. 

With his 4-6,7-5,6-3,6-4 victory over Andy Murray, Federer rewrites once more the history of tennis. He ties Pete Sampras with seven Wimbledon crown, broke the American's record of 286 weeks as number 1 and extended his own record to 17th Grand Slam titles.

photos: GETTY IMAGES

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Radwanska Shows What She's Made of

Agnieszka Radwanska has always been tipped as an extremely handy player. A former Wimbledon and French Open junior champion, the Pole has the talent to challenge the big names in tennis, but, lacking the powerful game, she was overshadowed by the big-hitters Victoria Azarenka, Maria Sharapova and Petra Kvitova. 
Something ticked last summer though and a series of successful tournaments put Agie back in the spotlight. Showing a consistency of steel, she managed to quietly climb up the rankings, making it all the way to number 3 at the start of the Wimbledon fortnight. Even though theoretically she should be amongst the heavy favorites, few actually expected her to go deep in the draw. Lacking any lethal weapons, the big names don't really fear her and that's probably what makes her such a dangerous opponent. Her ability to mix up shots, to play with different effects and to not make mistakes eventually frustrates her stronger rivals. She just plays with their mind and that's what helps her win matches in which she starts as the underdog.
She proved it again this year at Wimbledon where Radwanska wrote history for her country, becoming the first Pole (male or female) to get to a Grand Slam final. And she did it by beating some fierce competitors along the way, namely Maria Kirilenko in the quarters, respectively Angelique Kerber in the semis. Contesting her first Slam final against Serena Williams, she knew it would take something special to trick the American. At one point she almost made it, but Serena's huge serving and killer groundstrokes eventually proved too much for her to handle. Although credit must be given to her for recovering from 2-4 down in the second set to push the match into a decider, Williams managed to relax, regrouped herself and served her way to her fifth Wimbledon crown.
If she would have won the final, Agnieszka will have become the new world number 1 on Monday. Unfortunately though, she now needs to wait some more before finally achieving that objective. She will be ranked just below Victoria Azarenka, at number 2, setting a new career high.

photos: GETTY IMAGES

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Serena Back Where She Belongs

She was threatening to return to her Grand Slam winning ways ever since she made her return in June last year, but it took Serena a few months to finally get there. However, the inevitable happened today when the American sealed another Wimbledon crown with a tense three sets victory over Agnieszka Radwanska in the final. 
This edition wasn't exactly a walk in the park for Serena. After some bumpy encounters early on, she brought her A-game when she needed it most, taking out defending champion, Petra Kvitova, the number 1 player of the world, Victoria Azarenka, and ultimately the tenacious Pole, to tie her sister Venus with 5 Wimbledon trophies. "I've always wanted what Venus has," the younger Williams said in the on-court interview. She and Venus now own a combined 10 out of the last 13 Wimbledon singles titles.
The triumph was very emotional for Serena, who had to battle a lengthy foot injury and survive a near-death experience before making her comeback last year. "Oh my God, I can't even describe it," she said in her on-court interview. "I want to thank Jehovah for letting me get this far. I almost didn't make it a few years ago, but now I'm here again and it's so worth it. I'm so happy. I've dreamed of being here again. It shows if you never give up, you can achieve anything."
While many were expecting the Williams sisters to be long gone by now, both Venus and Serena have stated their intensions of being around for many years to come. Serena, a 14th Grand Slam champion now, has said: "I'm so happy to be on the court. I feel like this is where I belong. I mean, maybe I don't belong in a relationship. Maybe I don't belong somewhere else. But I know for a fact I do belong on this tennis court." This kind of commitment from the American is worrisome for her opponents. Although she might not be ranked number 1 in the world anymore, Serena is undefeated against top5 rivals in the last year, so a return to the top of the rankings is expected anytime soon.
A few hours after contesting the singles final, the American was back on court for the doubles championship match. As expected, she and sister Venus, rooted Czech Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka to win their fifth Wimbledon crown.

Serena claimed her 14th Grand Slam title disposing of Agnieska Radwasnka 6-1,5-7,6-2. It was the American's 5th Wimbledon crown, and first since 2010.
Venus and Serena retained their doubles magic, addicting a fifth Wimbledon crown and taking their tally to an impressive thirteen Grand Slam titles. In the final they beat Czech Hlavackova and Hradecka 7-5,6-4.

photos: GETTY IMAGES

Friday, July 6, 2012

Azarenka Still Too Frail for Serena

Since making her return to full-time tennis last June, Serena Williams has been many people's tip to dominate the women's tour. However, the American hasn't really lived up to the expectations, falling to Marion Bartoli in the fourth round at Wimbledon, to Sam Stosur in the US Open final, to Russian Ekaterina Makarova in the fourth round of the Australian Open, and most shockingly, to Virginie Razzano in the Roland Garros opener. Even so, she was still one of the hottest favourites for year's Wimbledon title.
Although she struggled early on, the Parisian drama was not to be repeated, as she booked her place in the last eight without any major scare. In true Serena fashion though, she stepped up her game when she needed it most, displaying her finest tennis to dispatch last year's champion, Petra Kvitova, in a convincing manner. Unfortunately for the former world number 1, Victoria Azarenka, she would be the American's next opponent. The Belorussian has really had a great season so far. However, although ignited by a 26 winning streak to start off the year comprising titles at Sydneythe Australian Open, Doha and Indian Wells, Victoria was not able to stop a full-geared Williams. Like in their US Open encounter last year, Serena came out swinging, easily taking the first set. Azarenka fought back in the second and push it into a tiebreak, but Serena's huge serving made the difference once more, helping her seal a 6-3,7-6 victory.
The American will battle Pole Agnieszka Radwanska for the title, and Azarenka will be cheering on heavily, as she needs her to win the title to regain her position atop of the rankings. If Radwanska emerges victorious, she will be the new world number 1 on Monday.


Although she lost, Victoria might find comfort in the fact that she could regain her number 1 spot, provided Williams goes on to win the crown, beating Agnieszka Radwanska in the final.

photos: GETTY IMAGES

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

The 2012 WHITE Fashion Scoop

Every summer, Wimbledon is home to a white fashion showdown, with the world's best players putting on their all white garments to comply with the strict regulations of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. 
Although these rules restrict creativity and limit variety, they also force designers to push themselves and come up with really outstanding pieces. It is extremely difficult to distinguish oneself in a pretty homegenous environment, that's why there are very few Wimbledon looks that are memorable. However, the ones that are so are guarantee to pass the test of time. Compared to last year when Venus Williams wore the infamous lace jumpsuit, this season there wasn't really any garment to match those standards. There were some cute clothes, but they all lacked that extra bit of something that makes them stand out.
As far as trends are concerned, many manufacturers opted for transparency. It's the case of AdiZero, EleVen or Stella McCartney. Also, both Fila and Lotto produced some golden encrusted pieces to add a bit more glam and sophistication to their lines.

Sorana Cirstea - AdiPure

Maria Kirilenko - AdiPure
This really cute AdiPure baby doll dress is actually my favorite of this edition. The mix of fabrics and the dark green lines give it a vintage look which very matches the history richness of the tournament. The brand's main ambassador Maria Kirilenko looked divine, but the team added a new beauty, 'stealing' Romanian Sorana Cirstea from AdiPure.


Ana Ivanovic - AdiZero
Fernando Verdasco - AdiZero

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga - AdiZero
AdiZero maintained its cool, fresh vibe producing some stunning pieces for its players. The pink stripe sweetens the clothes, gives them some warmth as well as it produces a great visual focus point.

Caroline Wozniacki - Adidas by Stella McCartney
Wozniacki's camp is struggling at the moment. Beaten in the first round by Tamira Paszek, the Dane failed to also impress fashion wise, wearing the white version of the dress she showcased earlier this year at the Australian Open.


Roger Federer - NIKE 'Roger Federer' Group

Serena Williams - NIKE
Serena Williams and Roger Federer are two players known for their Wimbledon extravaganza. While the Swiss toned it down, giving up his infamous RF blazers, Serena returned to her 'blazer' days. She was successful when she wore them in the past, so it's expected that, once again, the American will be amongst the ones to beat.

Victoria Azarenka - NIKE
Julia Goerges - NIKE

Maria Sharapova - NIKE 'Maria Sharapova' Group
Nothing else that really caught my eye in the Nike camp. Sharapova is still not at the fashion utmost best, but the Russian kept faithful to the direction she pursued since the start of the season with that small touches of neon flashes. 


Venus Williams - EleVen
After she made a much anticipated fashion return with another sensational EleVen line, I was expecting Venus to really shine at her favourite venue. The five times Wimbledon champion though, opted for a shock-less dress, a great design which still retained some of the American's edgy side.

Vera Zvonareva - FILA


Kim Clijsters - FILA
It wasn't to be a golden last Wimbledon for Kim Clijsters, but the Belgian looked very much like the tennis royalty she is in this golden encrusted Fila garment. She may have lost fourth round to Angelique Kerber, but she will always remain the Golden Kimmie!



Bethanie Mattek-Sands - UnderArmour
Words are not enough to describe Bethanie Mattek-Sands' style. The American, a regular feature of the fashion scoop, has one big quality though: she knows how to draw attention. This time around she dyed her hair in a strange mixture of purple, red and green, while retaining the trademark knee-high socks and the special make-up.


Mike & Bob Bryan - K-Swiss
Marion Bartoli - LOTTO

David Ferrer - LOTTO

photos: GETTY IMAGES