US Open: Daniela Hantuchova in Adidas

Daniela Hantuchova showed up in New York City sporting Adidas gear to everyone’s surprise. For as long as I can remember she’s always been a Nike girl but never really got enough love from the brand.

“I am very excited about representing the adidas brand. Throughout my career I have always respected adidas’ values as well as its dedication to quality and performance. Clearly, as an elite athlete, it is essential to be supported with first-class product. In pushing our physical ability, the innovative and progressive approach that has put adidas in pole position, helps us perform at our highest capacity. One of the aspects of the adidas approach that is so attractive moving into the next stage of my career is the adidas Player Development Program. Knowing that I can seek guidance from the best in the world as part of the adidas team makes for an invaluable partnership.”

Hopefully this Adidas switch and their Player Development Program can help her slumping game and inspire her to get back to the top.

Danka wore the Adilibria kit during her opening round match against Meghann Shaughnessy. Not a very good looking match but she got the W in 3 sets 6-2, 4-6, 6-1.

Images via usopen.org

New York City brings out the fashionista in everyone

James Blake launched his Thomas Reynolds line, named after his late father, with Fila last night at the Lord & Taylor store in New York City.

Down The Line! had the pleasure of checking out the event.

The evening began with a meet-and-greet with James on the main floor followed by a VIP party held on the retailer’s rooftop. It was an absolutely spectacular evening under the lights of The Big Apple and featured big beats by DJ Sky Nellor and the ubiquitous Honey Deuce, the official cocktail for this year’s US Open. Guests included people from the worlds of tennis, media, fashion, and music. James’ coach Brian Barker was in attendance along with brother Thomas and momma Betty.

Click here for more photos from the event and to see who popped in to show James some love!

Images via Down The Line!

Always the fashionista, Maria Sharapova also launched her collection with Cole Haan at the Rockerfeller Center last night. Can I just say, she looked absolutely stunning! Perfect hair, gorgeous dress and those ankle booties from her line look amazing!

“It’s my hope that other young women will embrace the spirit of the collection; it’s fun, chic, fashionable and most importantly, able to take you from day to night,” says Maria.

The Maria Sharapova by Cole Haan footwear collection, featuring Nike Air technology, includes a ballet flat, an ankle-wrapped stiletto, a flat over-the-knee boot, an ankle bootie and a strappy platform sandal. With prices ranging from $138 – $328, the collection offers luxe options at an attainable level.

Highlights of the handbag offering include a small frame clutch, a lambskin hobo, and Maria’s signature chain-link satchel in a range of eye-catching colors. Each silhouette is characterized by an oversized pleating detail, creating a luxe, yet casual feel. Prices range from $248 for a convertible clutch to $428 for a lambskin hobo.

Click here to check out the entire collection and maybe you can buy me those damn ankle booties.

Images via mariasharapova.com

In fotos: Tough love

This was probably the most entertaining part of yesterday’s championship match between Maria Sharapova and Elena Dementieva at the Rogers Cup in Toronto, Canada.

After Maria lost the first set, she called her coach, Michael Joyce, down to give her some insight on what the eff is going on. Mike talked about her serve and tactics and Maria looked like she couldn’t be bothered.

“All right I’m wrong. It’s fine. You do what you want to do. (!!!!!) Everybody knows you’re tired but either you just give in to yourself and get out of here or fight for it.”

I wanted Mike to be Zelko-like and go ballistic but I guess a coach can’t when his player is just sitting there looking into the Toronto skies or to anywhere else but his way.

Maria lost the championship match 4-6, 3-6 but it was a great run on just her 7th tournament back from shoulder surgery.

Image via Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Toronto Losers

..and they all fall down.

Top seeds at the Rogers Cup in Toronto, Canada disappoint in the first 3 days of the tournament.

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Venus Williams fell in her opening round match against Kateryna Bondarenko 6-1, 5-7, 4-6. Vee has not won a match at the Rogers Cup.. ever. She has a 0-3 win-loss record at the tournament. I’m guessing Canada won’t see Vee much in the coming years.

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Dinara Safina also fell in her opening round match to Aravane Rezai. Who? Aravane Rezai. Yes, not sure how that happened either. Dina served 17 double faults in her 6-3, 2-6, 4-6 losing effort. She has now admitted to having a brain problem.

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Caroline Wozniacki lost to Jie Zheng in their second round meeting 5-7, 3-6. Caro has had a string of bad results in this US Open Series. Her chances at the US Open are not very grand.

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Victoria Azarenka could not pull it together against comeback queen, Kim Clijsters, in the second round. She fell to Kimmie 5-7, 6-4, 1-6. Vika’s also had a string of early exits in this US Open Series although they are not entirely because of bad play. She can get away with blaming the draw gods. Kind of. Not really liking her chances at the US Open either.

Jelena Jankovic can still play tennis

.. and win!

Jelena Jankovic surprised everyone by making it to the finals of the Western & Southern Financial Group Women’s Open in Cincinnati, OH. She had a dramatic semifinal encounter with Elena Dementieva last night. Both ladies held match points only to squander them away in the next 3 or 4 points. JJ finally got tired of the hilarity of it all and took the match at 8-6 in the 3rd set tiebreak.

I honestly thought fatigue would get the best of her in today’s final against Dinara Safina and routinely lose the match. Whuddathunk it!? She routinely won it (6-4, 6-2) and bagged her 11th career title.

Could her inspired play have anything to do with boyfriend, Mladan Janovic, being in her box? This is the first time I’ve seen him there. He best be in New York City in 2 weeks time.

Image via Getty