2013/06/18

Mallory Burdette Signs with Dunlop

Mallory Burdette1

(March 14, 2013) GREENVILLE, SC, – Dunlop  has announced the signing of rising American and former NCAA champion Mallory Burdette to a multi-year agreement. Burdette selected the new Biomimetic M3.0 tennis racquet, which she used to qualify and then reach the third round of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. She defeated Top 30 player Tamira Paszek in the second round prior to falling to world No. 15 Maria Kirilenko in a three-set match that lasted nearly 3 hours.

“I’ve been lucky enough to know Mallory since her junior days in Georgia,” said Hunter Hines, Dunlop Racquet Sports Director of Marketing and Product Development. “Since leaving Stanford after her Junior year, she’s already had a couple memorable runs at high profile tournaments, including last year’s US Open where she reached the third round. We look forward to big things from Mallory.”

Burdette plans on playing a full Tour schedule this year, her next stop is in Key Biscayne for the Sony Open.

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Wilson Kicks Off Nationwide Spin Effect Demo Tour, Showcasing Technology in New Steam S Rackets

 

(February 4, 2013) CHICAGO– Wilson Racquet Sports (www.wilsontennis.com ) announced its nationwide “Spin Effect Tour” that will visit retailers and consumers in more than 200 venues, showcasing the brand’s game changing, Spin Effect Technology™. Taking place from February through June, the Spin Effect Tour targets avid tennis players at tennis facilities across the country and will also be featured at some of the country’s leading junior developmental programs: Brookhaven Tennis Club in Dallas, Westheimer Tennis Club in Houston, Sanlando Park Tennis Center in Orlando, and the Evert Tennis Academy in Boca Raton.

Wilson’s proprietary Spin Effect Technology™ rackets, the Steam 99S™ and Steam 105S™, became available to consumers in January. Both rackets dramatically increase spin for consumers of all levels, enabling players to add more than 200 RPMs on their shots without needing to change their swing.

Wilson’s marketing and sales team will be leading the event to explain the benefits around the proprietary Spin Effect, the Steam S rackets, and they will also take players through the TrackMan experience which tracks ball rotation, height and arc of shots and was used in the development of Steam S rackets.

!cid_FD6A30B7-348F-4F0D-98EE-F23EF6806FEC@cgprpublicrelations

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ATP World Tour and HEAD Extend Partnership Through 2017

Brad Drewett, ATP Executive Chairman & President with Ottmar Barbian, Vice President and Division Manager HEAD Racquet Sports Photo credit: Red Photographic.

The ATP has announced the extension of their partnership with HEAD for another five years. Under the agreement, HEAD will continue to be the official tennis ball of the ATP World Tour, as well as the official ball of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, through 2017.

The agreement marks an extension to a partnership which began back in 1994, one which will celebrate its 20-year anniversary on 1 January 2013, making HEAD the longest-standing partner of the ATP.

All matches at this week’s Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 in London are being played with the HEAD ATP ball, which also served as official ball at the Shanghai Rolex Masters and BNP Paribas Masters in Paris this season.

“HEAD is one of the most established brands in our sport and has been a great partner for the ATP for many years,” said Brad Drewett, ATP Executive Chairman & President. “We’re delighted to extend our partnership a further five years and look forward to continuing to build on our successful relationship.”

“The continuation of our long-term partnership with the ATP strengthens our position as a leading brand on the ATP World Tour,” added Ottmar Barbian, Vice President and Division Manager HEAD Racquet Sports. “We are proud to not only provide the racquets for several outstanding players in the Top 10, but also to be trusted as official ball supplier to the Tour on an ongoing basis.”

“It’s the best ball in tennis,” said 2012 ATP World Tour No.1 Novak Djokovic. “Whenever I can, I definitely choose that ball!” Alongside Djokovic, HEAD players Andy Murray and Tomas Berdych are once again among the eight contenders battling for the title at this year’s Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 in London this week.

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Prince Extends Partnership with David Ferrer

BORDENTOWN, New Jersey, (October 23, 2012) – Prince Global Sports, a tennis equipment and footwear company, announced on Tuesday it has renewed a partnership with the second-highest ranked Spanish player, David Ferrer. Ferrer will continue to use Prince’s EXO3 Tour 100 racquet, which propelled him to reach at least the quarterfinals in all four Grand Slams in 2012.

“David has been with Prince for many years, and we are proud to have him on our team. He is one of the most respected players on tour and his work ethic and style of play mirrors what it takes to get to the next level,” said Ken Merritt, Director of Player Development for Prince Global Sports. “Since he started playing with the EXO3 racquet, David has been consistently ranked in the top 5 on the tour. Our goal is to work closely with him to find equipment that can take his game into the top 3.”

Regarded by many as the fittest player on the ATP Tour, Ferrer claimed five ATP World Tour Titles in 2012. “I try to do my best on every point, and win as many matches as possible,” said Ferru, his commonly used nickname. “It is important that I use the best frame for my game – and that has always been Prince. They support me with the best racquets to raise my game.”

Ferrer plays his hometown event, the Valencia Open 500, through the end of the month. The tournament will be extra special for him as he says farewell to his fellow countrymen, and longtime Prince Team member, Juan Carlos Ferrero. A former World Number 1, Juan Carlos has won over 15 career titles, including the 2003 French Open Men’s Singles title. Ferrero announced that he will retire after his last match in Valencia and lost in his last match on Tuesday in the first round to Nicolas Alamgro.

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Babolat Launches Play & Connect: The Game

Babolat announces the launch its new online game: “Babolat Play & Connect: The Game.” From October 11 to December 11, fans can log onto Babolat’s Facebook application, https://apps.facebook.com/babolat_play_connect, to play the game and possibly win the opportunity to do an advanced play test of the first interactive racquet, “Babolat Play & Connect.” This original and innovative global contest is open to tennis lovers around the world. Five winners will be selected, one from each of these geographies: Americas, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Africa. Play and enter the tennis of the future!

This past May at Roland-Garros, Babolat presented the prototype of the first interactive racquet, “Babolat Play & Connect,” with organized demonstrations by amateur and professional players including Rafael Nadal (SPA) and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA). Designed for all tennis players from beginners to intermediates to professionals, the “Babolat Play & Connect” racquet now offers everyone concrete information about their game: click on the link, (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87zwKGTfnw4, to discover the “Babolat Play & Connect” universe!

Phase 1: 100% digital and innovative game to engage the Babolat community

From October 11 to November 11, 2012, Babolat invites all tennis fans to participate in the first phase of “Babolat Play & Connect: The Game” for a chance to do an advanced play test of the first interactive racquet, “Babolat Play & Connect.” The game will unfold in two phases.

In the first phase, players register on Babolat’s Facebook application, (https://apps.facebook.com/babolat_play_connect, and can invite their friends to participate. The more participants join in the game, the more exciting the prizes will become!

•If 2,500 fans participate, winners will have the chance to test the “Babolat Play & Connect” racquet, a worldwide exclusive before the racquet is commercialized in 2013!

•With 5,000 participants, winners will discover the heart of the “Babolat Play & Connect” technology and be able to meet and greet the creators of the “Babolat Play & Connect,” a unique experience to unlock the secrets of this interactive racquet.

•If the number of participants reaches 7,500, winners will be awarded a head-to-toe Babolat tennis outfit, no better way for testing out the racquet of the future.

•If 10,000 participants get involved, a coach will also offer a personalized and detailed game analysis of each of the five winners, nothing like it for rapid improvement.

Phase 2: Challenges determine who will get to test the new “Babolat Play & Connect” racquet, a worldwide exclusive

The second phase of the game will start November 12, 2012, with a real challenge for Babolat fans. For one month, players can respond to an online quiz on Babolat’s Facebook page. Questions about the brand or the “Babolat Play & Connect” universe will be asked every three days over the course of the month (until December 11, 2012). Consistency, speed and accuracy will be necessary for responding to all the questions.

Bonus points will be awarded for fan involvement and commitment to Babolat on social networks.

The 20 players from each of the key geographies who earn the most points will go to the finals. Among the 100 selected participants, five winners (one per key geography) will be randomly drawn to have the chance to come and test the first interactive racquet, “Babolat Play & Connect,” in a secret location, to be revealed upon winning.

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Prince Extends Partnership with Bryan Brothers

BORDENTOWN, New Jersey, September 12, 2012 – Prince Global, a wholly owned subsidiary of Active Brands Company, announced today it has renewed a partnership with record-breaking American doubles team and 2012 U.S. Open Men’s Doubles Champions, Mike and Bob Bryan. The Bryan Brothers will continue to use Prince’s EXO3Rebel 95 racquet and Beast XP string to maximize their performance. In winning their fourth U.S. Open title, the Bryans have won 12 grand slams, more than any other team in the Open era.

“Prince is committed to strengthening its long-term relationships within the global tennis community and to that end we are excited to have Mike and Bob Bryan continuing to use Prince products to support their game,” said Ken Merritt, Director of Player Development for Prince Global Sports. “They are the best doubles team of their generation and have been long-standing supporters of our brand.”

Since switching to Prince racquets in 2007, the Bryans have won over 40 titles and earlier this year they not only completed a career Golden Slam when they won the gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics, but they also became the all-time winningest doubles team — surpassing Pam Shriver and Martina Navratilova as holding the all-time record for the most title wins, male or female. “Ever since we switched to Prince we have been on a roll,” said Bob Bryan, one half of the record smashing duo. “Their products have helped take our careers to the next level and we are looking forward to continuing that success.”

The partnership also calls for the Bryans to become increasingly involved in Prince’s promotional and social media activities. At the 2012 U.S. Open, they participated in a live tweet event from the player’s lounge with Prince’s Twitter followers. “Bob and I love chatting with fans,” said Mike Bryan. “We are eager to hear what other plans Prince has for us. We love getting out there and doing different things with everyone.” The Bryans will get that chance later this year when they will host a private clinic for Prince contest winners from around the country.

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Djokovic Unveils US Open Outfit: UNIQLO to Launch New Line on August 27

Novak Djokovic poses with fan inside UNIQLO store on Fifth Avenue in New York City on August 22, 2012

NEW YORK, NY - Novak Djokovic unveiled his US Open outfit at the Fifth Avenue UNIQLO store in New York City on Wednesday. The Djokovic line will launch on the first day of the US Open – August 27. In the U.S. the new range will go on sale at the UNIQLO 5th Avenue Store, the 34th Street Store and the Soho Store in New York City.

 

“We are very excited about introducing the Novak Djokovic replica tennis line first in the U.S., and to coincide our launch with the start of the U.S. Open. We hope the new line will be popular with our customers and tennis fans alike,” said Shin Odake, Fast Retailing Group Officer and UNIQLO U.S. Chief Executive Officer.

Tennis Panorama News asked Djokovic about how much input he had into the design and how did he and the designer worked together to create the outfits.

Dkjokovic said: “Well first of all in the beginning of our cooperation I was very impressed with professionalism and the commitment from the people  and of course with Mr. Takizawa (the designer).

 

“All the people were coming to take all my measures and they were really trying to get as much information on the previous clothes that I was wearing and try to get even more advanced materials, fabrics. Better clothes that would suit me better that would be more comfortable on me so we had been collaboration for the last 3 or 4 months, I was very impressed with all of the lines that they had so far as you can see.

 

“We try to get together as much as we can every couple of months we sit down and we talk about the upcoming collection and lines.”

After the news conference, Djokovic had a “meet and greet” with some of the hundreds of fans that had lined up outside the store in the early morning hours to meet the world No. 2.

 

Due to some technical problems, we’ll have a podcast and some videos to upload a little later.

UNIQLO News Conference with Novak Djokovic

UNIQLO News Conference with Novak Djokoviv August 22 2012 [ 16:33 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
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Fila Names Finalists for Tennis Dress Design contest

Fila announced on Monday that two finalists have been selected for the tennis dress design contest which was held via the brand’s Facebook page, Facebook.com/FilaAmerica. The citizen sourced contest was an innovative twist on the designer/celebrity collaboration trend.  Fila gave real people the opportunity to become a fashion star in the specialized world of performance tennis fashion.

The final round of competition will be held in Fila’s New York office where they will present their ideas and inspiration for the submitted design to the panel of judges (Fila’s apparel team). One finalist, Annabelle McDonald, is a film and television producer from Ohio living in Brooklyn, New York. The other finalist, Samantha Swank is a recent Fashion Design graduate from Art Institute of Philadelphia.

The winning designer will remain in New York to begin the product development process for their design and oversee production along-side Fila’s Vice President of Apparel, Danny Lieberman. They will return to New York the first week of September for a fitting of the dress on a professional tennis player. In March 2013, the winner and a guest will watch courtside as their dress debuts in a tournament match by a Fila-sponsored WTA Tour tennis player at the Sony Open in Miami.

“Fila has a rich history of design innovation and a reputation for pushing the boundaries between art, design and fashion,” said Danny Lieberman, Vice President Apparel for Fila USA. “Nearly four decades of tennis design experience has taught us that inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places, so it was almost expected that Fila develop the first citizen-designed tennis dress to be worn in tournament competition by a top ranked WTA Tour player.”

The winner will be announced on Fila’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/FilaUSA) on July 20, 2012.

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Sharapova and Djokovic Take Home ESPY Awards

 

Novak Djokovic and Maria Sharapova for Head Tennis

The 20th Annual ESPY Awards brought top athletes from various sports together on Wednesday night to honor those who shared in the best sports moments over the past year. HEAD stars Maria Sharapova and Novak Djokovic were each honored with an ESPY trophy.

 

Maria Sharapova, who plays with the YouTek™ IG Instinct MP, took the ESPY award for Best Female Tennis Player 2012.  She was also nominated as one of the top contenders for Best Female Athlete and also for Best Comeback.  Sharapova fought back from a shoulder injury and captured a career grand slam by winning the French Open this year.  She also jumped back in the number one ranking spot for the first time since her injury and since playing with a HEAD frame.

 

Novak Djokovic, who plays with the YouTek™ IG Speed MP, took the ESPY award for Best Male Tennis Player 2012.  He was also nominated as one of the top contenders for Best Male Athlete.  Djokovic had an amazing 2011 season with a 70-6 record, 3 Grand Slam titles and 5 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 titles.  He had what is arguably one of the best tennis seasons in the open era.

 

 

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Babolat becomes the Official Tennis Shoe brand of The Championships, Wimbledon

Babolat has announced its new partnership with The Championships, Wimbledon. Starting January 1, 2013, and for a period of five years, Babolat will become the official shoe brand of The Championships, Wimbledon.

“Wimbledon is an iconic tennis tournament and an international tennis brand. We’re proud to be able to establish a partnership between Wimbledon and our Babolat tennis shoes. With Wimbledon, we share both being at the origin of tennis and being on the cutting edge of the sport. Our high standards for equipment are demonstrated each day, on courts everywhere in the world, and from now on, on the grass at Wimbledon,” said Eric Babolat, Chairman and CEO of Babolat.

As from 2013, Babolat will equip the ball boys and girls during The Championships.

Mick Desmond, Commercial Director at the All England Club said:”We are delighted to be in partnership with Babolat for the provision of shoes for our ball boys and girls on the grass courts at Wimbledon. Babolat and Wimbledon share many of the same brand values as well as a strong heritage in tennis and we look forward to a long association in the years to come.””

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