The 2012 HARD Fashion Scoop

After a thrilling London Olympics, the tennis world got back on track quickly, resuming the North American hardcourt season, which will culminate with the US Open at the end of August. This time of the year marks the transition period between Wimbledon and Flushing Meadows, so, fashion wise, players are switching from the tradition all-white London attire to more vivid, colourful pieces. Roger Federer and Maria Kirilenko stuck to white though, but there were others who opted for powerful, bold colours such as neon yellow or strawberry pink.

In the battle of the titans, both Nike and Adidas upped their game. While the first proposed an interesting colour palette, mixing blue, black and white with some neon touches, Adidas displayed a colour splash of pinks and blues to create some trademark cool, hip garments.

Roger Federer - RF Group NIKE

Federer was once again at his imperialist best in a classy white-navy ensemble. I love the discrete touches on the sides of his shorts, as well as on the sleeves. Although this is not the epitome of creativity, the Swiss showcased once again a clean, well-thought look.

Maria Kirilenko - AdiPure

I was a huge fan of this outfit since I first saw it at Wimbledon. It is stunning. I love the dark green stripes and the fabric of the skirt. For me this is one of the standouts of 2012 and I was happy to see Maria continue to wear it after Wimbledon.

Serena Williams - NIKE

Juan Martin del Potro - NIKE

Although I am not a big neon fan myself, Nike proved it pays close attention to current trends by introducing some neon yellow tops to its fall collection. Serena Williams and Juan Martin del Potro were quick to pick up the opportunity, though in the American's case I feel she somehow took the easy way out. While the outfit is extremely current, I was a bit let down by its dullness.

Venus Williams - EleVen

While I prefer the black&white version of her 2012 EleVen collection, Venus Williams continues to spice up the tour with her out of the ordinary, spectacular clothing. Aiming at making a strong statement, the American opted for a bold strawberry pink which to perfectly complement her dark skin tone.

Sorana Cirstea - AdiZero

Ana Ivanovic - AdiZero

Angelique Kerber - AdiZero

Jo-Wilfired Tsonga - AdiZero

Lucie Safarova - NIKE

Petra Kvitova - NIKE

Contrary to what happened last year when Nike was crushed by archrival Adidas, this time around things were a bit more balanced with both manufacturers producing interesting summer garments. While Adidas had a canvas feel with the colour splash displayed on the sides, Nike showcased some more structural pieces with blue and black lines being the motif. The only downside was again Kvitova's belly which continues to be revealed without any restrictions.

Samantha Stosur - Asics

The smaller manufacturers try hard to come up with interesting designs but they seldom succeed. It's the case of Asics, Sam Stosur's new sponsor, who followed on the geometric trend, but failed to deliver due to the ill-picked colour combination and the cheap overall feel.

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Li Back to Winning Ways

Although she achieved a huge milestone for her country by becoming the first Asian to win a Grand Slam, Na Li suffered a severe meltdown in the months following her triumph at the 2011 French Open, very similar to what Ana Ivanovic experienced after winning the same title in 2009. Consequently, her poor performances saw her drop out of the top 10 earlier this season as the Chinese was struggling to get her career back on track.

The last part of 2011 was miserable and although she showed a few glimpses of her vintage form in 2012, she was still unable to win another WTA tour. She played three Premier finals though, in Sydney, where she was defeated by Azarenka, in Rome, where she lost a nail-biter to Sharapova, and last week in Montreal, where she succumbed to an inspired Petra Kvitova. However, fresh of her good run in Canada, Li entered Cincinnati bursting with confidence. After a battling 6-3,4-6,6-3 victory over Romanian Sorana Cirstea in the second round, the Chinese caught fire. She easily dismissed Swede Johanna Larsson before crushing Agnieszka Radwanska 6-1,6-1, to end the Pole's quest for the world number 1 ranking. What followed was another marathon match against a rejuvenated Venus Williams, but Li overcame a mid-match breakdown and regrouped in time to seal a 7-5,3-6,6-1 win.

Disputing her second final in as many weeks, Li was determined not to let this chance slip away too. She started shaky though against powerful Angelique Kerber, the German quickly building a 6-1,3-1 lead.  At this stage, Kerber, who scored some great wins this week over extraterrestrial Serena Williams and Petra Kvitova, looked like the comfortable winner. The Chinese player had other plans however and, displaying some sensational shots, she quickly turned the encounter around. With everything going her opponent's way, Kerber found no way to fight back, as Li won her first title since the 2011 Roland Garros.

Her tremendous run of form on the American hardcourts can also be justified by her recent collaboration with Carlos Rodriguez, none other than the former coach of Justine Henin. Riding on such a great run of form, Li will definitely be amongst the outsiders for the US Open starting in a week.

When trailing 1-6,1-3, Na Li looked finished, but the feisty Chinese fought back losing only one more game to deny Germany's Angelique Kerber the biggest trophy of her career.

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Almighty Federer Strikes Again

I admit I was worried for Federer after he failed to achieve his biggest dream, losing the Olympic final to Andy Murray, so I was really curious to see if he could recover in time for his North American hardcourt debut. Any signs of worries quickly vanished after Roger cruised through the Cincinnati draw to reach the final without dropping a set. The competition may not have been the toughest, but Bernard Tomic, Mardy Fish or an inspired Stanislav Wawrinka can all pose a threat, but Federer's brilliance showed once again as he dismissed them all in straight sets.

With only a slim margin separating him from Djokovic at the top of the rankings, the Swiss had to reach the final to be guaranteed he retains his position going into the US Open. He did just that and in clinical fashion too, setting up a final showdown with the Serb to battle it out for the title. The match started rather surprisingly with Federer playing sublime tennis to record his first bagel against Novak in 28 meeting. Although Djokovic fought back in the second set, he could come nowhere near his opponent's serve. He did manage to hold his own serve though pushing the act into a tiebreak. However, it was Federer who came out on top clinching thus his fifth crown at this event. He also tied Nadal's 21 Masters 1000 titles record.
This success marks yet another achievement in what has been a sensational 2012 season for Roger. His astonishing Wimbledon run seems to have freed the Swiss who is now able to play his best tennis once again. In this kind of form, he establishes himself as the main favourite going into the US Open. And with Rafael Nadal out with a severe tendinitis to his knees, Roger's chances increase even more.

Roger Federer showed just why he is the best player in the world at the moment, rooting his closest rival, Novak Djokovic, 6-0,7-6 to clinch his first Cincinnati crown and tie Nadal's Masters 1000 mark with 21 titles.

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Extraterrestrial Serena Brought Back To Earth

In a time when she seemed invincible, Serena Williams paid the price of a busy summer schedule succumbing to Germany's Angelique Kerber in the quarterfinals of the Cincinnati Open. Williams who has won both Wimbledon and the Olympics in singles, as well as doubles, entered Cincinnati hoping to extend her perfect North American record, ensuring thus the perfect preparation for Flushing Meadows.
Between the two grass-court events, the American also successfully defended her Stanford title, so although she looked in cruise control in earlier rounds, the numerous matches took their toll and she found it difficult to keep up his Kerber's consistency. The German who rose to prominence with her spectacular semifinal run in New York a year ago, has been enjoying a stunning season so far. With titles in Paris and Copenhagen, and wins over the likes of Sharapova, Clijsters, Li, Wozniacki or Venus Williams, she is now an established top 10 presence. Beating Serena is never easy. Not even when the American is fatigued, so all credit must go to Angelique for hanging tough mentally to secure a relatively straightforward 6-4,6-4 victory.

A funny incident happened at a press conference when Serena seemed convinced she won this title before. “I’ve won this tournament, by the way. I have. When it wasn’t big. But it counts. I did win this tournament, didn’t I?” she said. "Maybe I didn't. I can't keep up. I don't think I did," she continued, smiling. "Okay, whoops. Yeah, I didn't win this tournament. I thought I did. I really thought I did. See, I have something new to do now!" Unfortunately for her though, her quarterfinal loss will prevent her for accomplishing her goal this year.

A model of consistency, Angelique Kerber is pilling up big wins under her belt. Her latest victim was Serena Williams. The German won their clash 6-4,6-4, ending the American's 19 winning streak run.

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Olympic Victory for Victoria

She might be underestimated as the world number 1, but Victoria Azarenka showed just what she's made of at the 2012 London Olympics, winning two historic medals for her country, Belarus. 

Crashed by Serena Williams in the singles semifinals, Azarenka regrouped to defeat her former doubles partner, Russian Maria Kirilenko, to claim the bronze. It's true that after her sensational start to the season, the Belorussian lost momentum, failing to collect another title, and thus being overshadowed by Sharapova's success at Roland Garros and Serena's phenomenal run at Wimbledon. Things didn't go that bad though. After a surprising defeat to Sharapova in the Stuttgart final, she succumbed to Serena in the Madrid final. The French title was hers for the taking, but the nerves and the pressure got the best of her and she lost in the fourth round to Dominika Cibulkova. After that she lost only to her nemesis Serena, both at Wimbledon and now at the Olympics, in both occasions unluckily running into the American in the semis.
To be honest, with Serena in such a devastating form, Azarenka did not really stand a chance to collect the individual gold medal. However, she fancied much better in the mixed doubles where she teamed up with Max Mirnyi. The Belorussian duo started as prime favorites, but had to withstand a strong assault, especially in the latter stages. After barely escaping Indian Sania Mirza and Leander Paes in the quarterfinals, they had to come back from a set down to defeat Americans Lisa Raymond and Mike Bryan in the semis.
Victoria and Max are not at their first appearance together. The two share a prestigious past, winning the 2007 US Open and the 2008 Roland Garros titles together. Although they did not team up much since, the magic was still here and the Belorussian denied a perfect ending for the British audience, overcoming Laura Robson and Andy Murray to claim the gold medal.

With Serena completely demolishing Sharapova in the women's final, Azarenka is guaranteed to retain her number 1 rankings. So, independent on all the controversy, she is still the best player in the world. Next stop for her is the Canadian Open in Montreal, where she faces a really difficult draw.

Azarenka defeated Maria Kirilenko 6-3,6-4 to claim her first Olympic medal, joining silver medalist Maria Sharapova and champion Serena Williams on the Olympic podium.

Azarenka achieved her Olympic goal, winning the gold medal in mixed doubles alongside partner Max Mirnyi. The Belorussians were joined on the podium by Britons Laura Robson and Andy Murray (silver) and Americans Lisa Raymond and Mike Bryan (bronze).

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Hard-Working Maria Grabs Olympic Medal

One of the most overlooked players on the WTA tour, Russian Maria Kirilenko experienced quite an outstanding London Olympics, advancing to the semifinals in both singles and doubles. In singles she pulled off the upset in the quarterfinals, defeating former Wimbledon champion, Czech Petra Kvitova. The Russian beauty was unable to follow up though, losing to her compatriot, Maria Sharapova, in the semis. However, her chances of a medal did not vanish completely, as she faced world number 1 and former doubles partner, Victoria Azarenka, in the bronze medal match. 

As expected, Azarenka's powerful groundstrokes prevailed, leaving Maria miserable as she wasted a huge breakthrough opportunity. Luckily for her though, she could focus all her misfortune into achieving the feat in the doubles. Faith was not kind however, as she and teammate Nadia Petrova were draw to face the unbeatable Williams sisters in the semis. The Russians lost and Kirilenko once again failed short in her quest. At this stage, her Olympic dream seemed to drift further away.
She still had one shot though. The bronze medal clash with Americans Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond. Although they lost the first set, the Russians fought back, taking advantage of Huber's injury to turn things around and ensure a 4-6,6-4,6-1 victory. The result marks a really solid period in Maria's career. After her Wimbledon quarterfinal, she is now the proud owner of an Olympic medal. 

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Murray Finds Perfect Time to Shine

A month after his heartbreaking loss to Roger Federer in the Wimbledon final, Andy Murray showed he has it in him to win the big matches, thrashing the Swiss to win the Olympic gold medal in front of an ecstatic home crowd. 

The Briton produced a sensational display from start to finish, blowing Federer off the court to finally achieve the British dream and fulfill the heavy expectations that laid on his shoulders. Coming off his marathon victory over del Potro in the semis, the Swiss had no fight left in his tank, being beaten 2-6,1-6,4-6 in what should have been the completion of his life long dream, the individual Olympic gold medal.

"This is the biggest win of my life," said Murray after winning the biggest title of his career. "This is the best way to come back from the Wimbledon final ... I felt so fresh."

Having fallen in four Grand Slam finals, Murray shows some winning spirit to delight the home nation with a galactic triumph that confirms him as a tennis champion. It remains to be seen if the Briton can now fulfill his potential and win that elusive Slam. Federer might have been under the weather, but the newly found mental strength can propel Murray as a serious contender for the number 1 ranking. I said it once and I stress it again, but I think Andy is better than Djokovic, so seeing the Serb achieve such an outstanding 2011 season, I am positive Murray's time to shine will come soon.
Murray added a silver medal to his tally, teaming up with teenager Laura Robson to advance to the mix doubles final. The British tandem, who needed an IFT wildcard to make it into the draw, delighted the home crowd with some inspired play. Although they've won the first set 6-2, they ended up losing the gold medal to the experienced Victoria Azarenka and Max Mirnyi.

In a rather surprising order, the men's singles podium featured Juan Martin del Potro, bronze, Roger Federer, silver and Andy Murray, the gold medal winner. 

Besides his success in singles, Andy Murray teamed up with 18 year old Laura Robson to claim silver in mixed doubles. The duo lost the final to Belorussians Victoria Azarenka and Max Mirnyi.

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A Giant Medal for del Potro

One day after his heartbreaking defeat to Roger Federer in the longest three setter in Open Era history,  Juan Martin del Potro shook off the disappointment and took the court to battle it out for the bronze medal with former world number 1, Novak Djokovic. Although he trails the Serb 1-4 in their head-to-head record, del Potro showed no signs of intimidation. A crucial break in the latter stage of the opener got him the first set. An increasingly frustrated Djokovic found it difficult to stay in touch with the powerful Argentinean and a break of serve in the opening stages of the second set proved decisive. Some whipping forehands and killer serves were enough to ensure a sensational 7-5,6-4 victory.

"I think I'm the most happy [person in] the world at this moment," said a physically drained, yet overly enthusiastic del Potro "It's our (Argentina's) first medal at this Olympic Games. It's the first time in men’s singles. I think it means a lot for us. I wish a fantastic day for [Argentineans] to celebrate this with me… It's amazing. It's history, I think. It's time to celebrate all together.

"After a really sad day two days ago, it's not easy to recovery and to play these kind of matches. But I had energy in my body, in my heart and that's helped me to play this big challenge. I think I played really close to my best level, like against Federer."

Shaking off the disappointment of losing 15-17 to Federer in the semis, del Potro defeated former world number 1, Novak Djokovic, 7-5,6-4 to claim the Olympic bronze medal.

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Golden Serena Crowned Olympic Champion

Ever since making her comeback last June, Serena Williams was expected to resume from where she left off, quickly regaining her reign at the top of the women's tennis. Things didn't go quite so smooth though, but it all seems to have clicked after the sensational triumph at Wimbledon where she claimed her 14th Grand Slam crown, in addition to winning the double title with her sister Venus.

Unbeaten since, the American wrapped up the Stanford title, before taking a devastating form into the Olympics. Easy wins over the likes of Jelena Jankovic, Urszula Radwanska, Vera Zvonareva and Caroline Wozniacki, propelled her in the battle for her first individual medal. Just like she has done so many times, when shove comes to push, the American upped her game and produced a sensational display, leaving her rivals thunderstruck and enable to fight back. It was the case of world number 1, Victoria Azarenka, who once again failed to find an answer to Serena's tremendous serve, losing 1-6,2-6 in a repeat of their Wimbledon semifinal. 

Attempting to join Steffi Graf as the only player in history to achieve a career Golden Slam, the American absolutely crushed Russian Maria Sharapova, the French Open champion, 6-0,6-1 showing why she is the best tennis player in world. "I've never played better," a jubilant Williams said. "Playing against Maria you have to be at your best. I knew that. She won the French Open, she never loses this year. She's playing the finals of everything so I knew it was going to be tough."

Not only did Serena will all Slams and the Olympic god medal, but she is also the only player to have achieved the same feat in doubles as well. Reflecting on her accomplishment, the American declared: "It's too much. I never expected gold in singles. I was so happy with my doubles golds. I thought if my career's over I have my gold medal, now I have everything, literally. I have everything there is to win in tennis. Where do I go from here? Now I can go to Disneyworld," she added.
A day after winning the singles gold, the American added the doubles gold too, teaming up with sister Venus to become the first duo tennis to win the same discipline at three Olympic editions. The Williamses have previously won gold in Sydney in 2000 and in Beijing in 2008.

Much like the rest of the field, Maria Sharapova was no match to Serena Williams. The American absolutely smashed her Russian opponent 6-0,6-1 to complete a career Golden Slam.

Golden girl, Serena Williams, shared the podium with Maria Sharapova, silver, and world number 1, Victoria Azarenka, who beat Maria Kirilenko for the bronze medal.

Serena became quadruple Olympic champion after she and sister Venus beat the Czechs Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka to secure their third gold in doubles.

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