Tennis

Jessica Pegula's initial skepticism towards Adidas' Pro WOW Dress has transformed into admiration after experiencing its benefits on the court at the US Open. The eye-catching blue, black, and white dress, featuring long sleeves and underarm cutouts, has sparked discussions among tennis and fashion enthusiasts.Adidas' 2024 New York Collection, inspired by the high temperatures at Flushing Meadows, prioritizes body temperature management and range of motion. Pegula, along with other Adidas athletes like Caroline Wozniacki and Alexander Zverev, has embraced the collection.The Pro WOW Dress, priced at $210, boasts a cobalt blue colorway inspired by the tournament's hard courts. Its long sleeves with underarm cutouts, strategic color blocks, and mesh opening in the back enhance ventilation.Pegula initially found the dress's silhouette unusual, but after several rounds at the US Open, she has grown to appreciate its functionality. She describes it as "super lightweight" and has noticed the effects of the color-blocking during matches."I know that it somehow helped with air flow and heat based on the black and white on the sleeves and the shoulders... as well, I think, to block the sun off your shoulders," Pegula explained.Despite concerns about heat retention, Pegula found the dress to be breathable and comfortable. She has maintained a calm and composed demeanor on court, advancing to the fourth round without dropping a set.Pegula's next opponent, Diana Shnaider, is also known for her distinctive on-court style. The two players will face off on Monday for a place in the quarterfinals.

Wimbledon 2024: Adidas Unveils FW24 London Collection for Enhanced Performance and ComfortAs the tennis world prepares for the prestigious Wimbledon Championships, Adidas has unveiled its latest FW24 London Collection, designed to elevate player performance and comfort on the iconic grass courts.The 10-piece collection prioritizes comfort with its seamless design, which minimizes friction in areas prone to movement, such as the underarms. Open hole areas in these areas, as well as the back and sides of the body, enhance ventilation and moisture management.Adidas's Freelift construction, featuring adaptive stretch in strategic locations, provides players with exceptional range of motion. To combat the summer heat, the garments incorporate Aeroready and Airchill technologies, which effectively wick away moisture and enhance cooling properties.The collection's textured patterns and mesh layers further optimize airflow. Raised structures on select pieces create the illusion of flowing shadows, paying homage to the unique light conditions on grass courts.Adidas athletes will don the FW24 London Collection at the upcoming summer tournaments in London. The pieces are available for purchase at adidas.com and select tennis specialty retailers.

Stan Smith: From Tennis Star to Cultural IconStan Smith, the legendary tennis player and namesake of the iconic Adidas sneakers, is the subject of a new documentary that delves into his remarkable journey.Smith's tennis career soared in the 1970s, where he won two Grand Slam singles titles and reached the world No. 1 ranking. However, his impact extended far beyond the court.The documentary reveals Smith's unwavering commitment to social justice. He became a vocal advocate for civil rights and AIDS awareness, using his platform to raise consciousness and inspire change.In the 1980s, Smith's name became synonymous with the Adidas sneakers that bore his name. The shoes quickly gained popularity in the world of hip hop and celebrity fashion, cementing Smith's status as a pop culture icon.The documentary features interviews with Smith, his family, and a host of renowned athletes and celebrities, including John McEnroe, Darryl McDaniels (DMC of Run-DMC), and Donald Dell. LeBron James and Maverick Carter serve as executive producers, while Emmy-winning filmmaker Danny Lee directs the film."We all know the shoe. We all know the name," said Lee. "But let's unpack the mythology behind the shoe."A portion of the documentary's proceeds will benefit the USTA Foundation's National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network, which provides tennis and academic programs to underprivileged youth."The sport of tennis has given so much to me in my life, and I'm excited that this film will help future generations both on and off the court," said Smith.The NJTL network, co-founded by tennis legends Arthur Ashe and Charlie Pasarell, has over 250 chapters nationwide, reaching more than 150,000 youth."Stan is a person who has transcended the boundaries of the tennis court to become a global icon," said Ginny Ehrlich, CEO of the USTA Foundation. "He is a shining example of the excellence, resilience, and determination that we aim to instill in the thousands of young people who participate in NJTL programs nationwide."

As the European clay-court season approaches its pinnacle with the arrival of Roland Garros, Adidas has unveiled its latest Paris Collection, meticulously designed to combat the unique challenges of the surface.The 15-piece lineup boasts Heat.Rdy technology, ensuring optimal moisture management and ventilation, while Freelift construction grants players unparalleled freedom of movement. "Clay demands a dynamic approach," explains Adidas ambassador Elina Svitolina. "The collection's support and comfort are crucial for success on this demanding surface."Adidas has opted for a minimalist aesthetic in this collection, eschewing prints in favor of bold color blocking. White and black paneling evokes the lines of a tennis court, while vibrant golden yellow accents infuse a sense of energy.Sustainability remains a key focus for Adidas. Several pieces in the collection support the "Move For The Planet" initiative, which harnesses collective movement to drive positive change. For every 10 minutes of movement logged on the adidas running app from May 10-22, the company will donate $1 to projects promoting sustainability education and enhancing sports facilities' resilience against extreme weather.The Paris Collection is available at adidas.com, the adidas app, and select tennis specialty retailers. Adidas players like Svitolina, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and others will don these garments throughout the clay court season, seeking to conquer the challenges of the surface in style and comfort.

Caroline Wozniacki's return to the BNP Paribas Open has been a nostalgic affair, showcasing her vintage form on the court. However, one notable difference has been her attire, as the former world No. 1 has been sporting the same match kits as her opponents.In her third-round match against American Katie Volynets, Wozniacki and her 11-year-younger opponent both wore Adidas' black-and-white spring match kit. While Volynets' outfit consisted of a top and skirt, Wozniacki's was a dress.Despite the similar attire, Wozniacki emphasized that they had not committed a fashion faux pas. "Katie was wearing a top and a bottom, a skirt and a top, she wasn't wearing a dress, but it kind of looked like the same," she explained.Wozniacki praised the Adidas kit, saying, "I think it's a really cool dress, so I'm going to try and rock it."Next up for Wozniacki is a fourth-round clash against another former world No. 1 and close friend, Angelique Kerber. Kerber has also been wearing the same Adidas kit, adding to the fashion symmetry on the court."I know that Angie is going to rock it too," Wozniacki said. "We've played each other so much. We know each other extremely well. There's going to be no secrets out there."The match promises to be a close contest, with both players familiar with each other's game. "It's really going to be about who is going to be better on the day. It can go either way," Wozniacki said.Wozniacki's return to the BNP Paribas Open has been a reminder of her enduring talent and the enduring appeal of her style, both on and off the court.