As thrill builds for the season ending grand slam, NIKE, Included uncovered its US Open clothes and footwear for Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams at a Nike-built, regulation-sized tennis court in the center of Manhattan.
At the new court, located at 23rd Street and Broadway, tennis fans and young men from New York Junior Tennis League, Athletes for Charity, New York City Parks Foundation and Mentoring USA were entertained to inspirational tennis tips and guidance from Federer, Nadal, Williams, and McEnroe. A young representative from each organization had a chance to win a donation for their local group by returning balls from a tennis simulator set to mimic pro shots. The chance to hit against the simulator was also open to the ordinary.
“This is an shocking chance to bring the excitement of the US Open directly to tennis fans in New York,” said tennis idol John McEnroe. “Supplying a platform for kids to experience the beauty and strength of this game and meet their tennis icons is unexpected.”
On site, Nike also uncovered the much expected apparel and footwear looks for Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, and Maria Sharapova.
“We are very proud to raise the bar for this year’s US Open apparel and footwear collection by drawing inspiration from New York’s style and energy,” said Janice Lucena, Global Tennis Design Director. “From Nadal’s taxi cab yellow polo to the sleek sophistication of Maria and Serena’s night dresses, we continue to create product that helps our athletes perform better on the court while looking incredible.”
Apparel and Footwear
Roger Federer’s latest style is embodied in the details and technology of his US Open day and night looks. These looks are fashionable, made up of bold red and black. Federer’s in-game polos are formed of knit Nike Dri-FIT fabric in the body and a woven Nike Dri-FIT collar for comfort and moisture management. The main body of the shirt has an embossed dot pattern inspired by the subway signs of New York, and the button placket features Roger’s black RF monogram logo, applied using bonded creation and laser cut detailing.
As the 2008 US Open defending women’s singles champion, all eyes will be on Serena Williams as she looks like to defend her title. Her day and night looks were inspired by cocktail party splendid attire with design shouts including soft pleating at the neckline, a starburst pin tuck detail at the back, and a hemline featuring a bold contrast of color. Both the magenta day dress and black night dress are made of Nike Dri-FIT knit fabric to drive away moisture and help keep Williams cool in the game.
Rafael Nadal has a latest style, and the energy of New York works as the design inspiration for his apparel. Rafa is known for wearing bright colors and will debut a bold yellow and black look, inspired by the streets of New York City and its’ signature yellow taxi taxies. Also featuring a multi-row dot print across the chest, the polo is inspired by the colorful numeric subway signs of New York City. Nike Dri-FIT Mesh is incorporated in strategic places for breathability to keep Nadal cool.
For NIKE designers, fashion and youth are the most important two facters. And also this two facters bring success to it. To some extent, the USA Opens are just the stage for NIKE. Because the tennis idols are expressive, apart from the movements they do in the game, clothes also play an important part. Apparel movements can express these players as well. Winds shake the apparel, and the apparel shock the fans and impress them deeply too. All the apparel made by NIKE for these players are special and the syles of them can mostly make the fans crazy about the idols and even the sport of Tennis. So NIKE is an indivisible part of sports. NIKE is always treading on the path of fashion.
