French Open fashion hits: Solids and simplicity rule in Paris
So many elements must go into designing tennis kits for the earthy amber-red clay of Roland Garros. This year, Nike decided to go monochrome, Adidas played with color contrast and Venus Williams' Eleven keeps it simple (thankfully). Below are BTB's favorite kits at the 2012 French Open. Check out our least favorite kits here.
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Zumapress
Roger Federer (Nike): Nike always keeps it clean and simple for Roger. Last year it was Victory Red, this year he channels a bit of "Darth Federer" in a dark grey Anthracite kit from head to toe. How seriously does Roger take his on-court fashion? The dude couldn't decide whether to wear white or black socks with the kit so he wore one of each during practice over the weekend. As you can see, he chose Grandpa Black.
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Leslie Billman/Landov
Maria Sharapova (Nike): Like Federer, Sharapova's working the monochrome angle, though her slim dress has some army green accents. Perfect colors for the terre battue.
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Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
Novak Djokovic (Uniqlo): According to a Tennis Channel Bag Check I watched from Kei Nishikori, "Uniqlo" stands for "unique clothes". Based on how they've kitted out Djokovic for the French Open, I'm going to need some more convincing. But the clean styling and Japanese simplicity is nice.
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Pascal Guyot/Getty Images
Gilles Simon (Adidas): Adidas is obsessed with making this turquoise blue work this season and the only one who's been able to pull it off is Simon. You can either go bold in color or pattern (never ever both), and here Adidas keeps it simple.
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N. Le Gouic/FEP/Panoramic/Icon S
Venus Williams (EleVen): The last time Venus was in Paris she caused quite a stir in this. So... who am I to criticize this modest number? More of this, Venus. We want to talk about your tennis, not your fashion.
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Dubreuil Corinne/ABACA
Serena Williams (Nike): The worst thing about this perfectly fresh dress that was both functional and flattering? We won't be seeing it again.
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Patrick Kovarik/AFP/Getty Images
Nicolas Mahut (Lacoste): There's just something perfect about seeing French players decked out in the clothes of seven-time Slam champion Rene Lacoste while sliding around Roland Garros. When it comes to classic tennis wear, Lacoste is always on point.
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David Vincent/AP
Li Na (Nike): Nice color combo here for the defending champion, who is the only player in Nike's stable who is allowed to adorn her Nike tops with other sponsor logos (that's a Chinese insurance company on her left shoulder and Mercedes-Benz on her right).
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Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (Adidas): Adidas made a special "Roland Garros" kit and they've decked out their flagship Frenchman in it. Somehow, it works.
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Patrick Kovarik/AFP/Getty Images
Francesca Schiavone (Lotto): Schiavone isn't a regular on this list, but I love the throwback-style of this blue and white Lotto number. It actually looks like something you could wear at your local tennis club. And not in a bad way.
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Susan Mullane/US PRESSWIRE
Ana Ivanovic (Adidas): Honestly, when Adidas revealed this odd, mint green/orange dress last year it looked horrible. It still looks horrible when you see the dress hanging on the rack. But to my surprise, the dress actually works (and having Ivanovic wear it doesn't hurt). The orange accents highlight the red clay and the minty-seafoam isn't the eye-jarring contrast I thought it would be.
What do you think are the best kits of the 2012 French Open? Sound off in the comments to let us know.
