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Did Federer really have a bad year?

If you take a look at Federer's accomplishments for the 2008 year, can you say that he really had a bad year? Looking at just the Grand Slams, he made the semis of the Australian Open, the finals of both the French Open and Wimbledon, and won the US Open. Not only that, he managed to win a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in doubles, although he had a little trouble in singles. Sure, you can call this a bad year for Federer relative to his last 4 years of domination, but when compared to other players, how bad of a year did he really have? If you take a look at the records players like Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras, you will notice that neither of them have had years that even match up to Roger Federer's "bad" year!

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Tennis Express carries an assortment of both men's and women's Lacoste tennis shoes. Today, we'll take a look just one of the many models we have in stock, the Lacoste Repel men's tennis shoe!







The Lacoste Repel men's tennis shoe is ideal for tennis players want both performance and style without having to compromise! The Repel features a honeycomb patterned side to provide great support and flexibility. Its rubber sole provides quality traction when you're on the court, and the lace up closure ensures the shoe fits perfectly. Lacoste's classic "croc" logo on the side keeps this shoe looking great without compromising performance. Overall, the Lacoste Repel is a high performance shoe that combines the latest technologies with the elegance and sophistication you expect from Lacoste. The Lacoste Repel is available in a white and navy color, a black and white color, and also an all-white color. Tennis Express stocks the Lacoste Repel in sizes from 7.5 to 12.

Also, don't forget to check out our other great Lacoste tennis shoes!

Men's Lacoste Tennis Shoes
Women's Lacoste Tennis Shoes

Tecnifibre has just released 6 new performance player frames: the T Fight 320, T Fight 295, T Fight 325, T Fight 325 XL, T Flash 290, and the T Flash 315. These brand new racquets are currently seeing play on the professional tours. Fernando Verdasco and Jarko Tipsarevic are wielding the T Fight 320, while Marcos Baghdatis is using the T Flash 315. Tecnifibre has also incorporated Samurai and Zeus themed cosmetics onto the frames. These new racquets from Tecnifibre are great for the intermediate to advanced level player looking for responsive control racquets!

Tecnifibre racquet technicians have developed a new technology called "VO2 Max" that is featured in all their new racquets. VO2 Max is implemented into Tecnifibre's new tennis racquets in order to regulate the "breathing", or the flex pattern, of the racquet. VO2 Max consists of two types of materials: Carbon Stabyl Fibers and Carbon Reflex Fibers. A different fiber is used in the T Fight and T Flash lines to achieve the specific response intended for each series. The regulated breathing of the T Fight and T Flash series will allow these new Tecnifibre racquets to perform just the way you want them to on impact!



T Flash 315
Great fit for heavy spin hitters, while its control based feel makes it solid for precision players as well.
Headsize: 100 sq in
Strung weight: 11.7 oz
Unstrung weight: 11.1 oz
Length: Standard (27 inches)
String Pattern: 16/20
Swingweight: 322



T Fight 325
Precision, spin, control and feel meet improved maneuverability and power in this impressive player's racquet.
Headsize: 95 sq in
Strung weight: 12.0 oz
Unstrung weight: 11.4 oz
Length: Standard (27 inches)
String pattern: 18/19
Swingweight: 326



T Fight 295
Fast, agile and spin friendly, this dexterous frame is well suited for aggressive singles and doubles players.
Headsize: 95 sq in
Strung weight: 10.9oz
Unstrung weight: 10.3oz
Length: Standard (27 inches)
String pattern: 16/19
Swingweight: 316



T Fight 320
A livelier and more responsive update to the old T Fight 320, this new frame offers better access to pace and spin without any loss in precision.
Headsize: 95 sq in
Strung weight: 11.9 oz
Unstrung weight: 11.3 oz
Length: Standard (27 inches)
String pattern: 16/19
Swingweight: 324



T Fight 325 XL
Control oriented racquet that also offers power and a crisp, clean feel.
Headsize: 95 sq in
Strung weight: 12.1oz
Unstrung weight: 11.5oz
Length: Extended (27.5 inches)
String pattern: 18/19
Swingweight: 340



T Flash 290
Maneuverable, spin friendly racquet that is perfect for high level players who like to step inside the court and attack the ball.
Headsize: 100 sq in.
Strung weight: 10.8oz
Unstrung weight: 10.2
Length: Standard (27 inches)
String Pattern: 16/19
Swingweight: 315

Hey guys! Sorry for the hiatus. The tennis world has plenty of new things in store for you tennis fans! Let's start with a few product updates from TennisExpress.com!

New from Babolat is the Babolat XS tennis racquet line featuring the Babolat XS 102 and the Babolat XS 105 tennis racquets. The Babolat XS line features Babolat's brand new Xtra Sweetspot technology. Xtra Sweetspot makes use of Pebax plastic placed in the 3 and 9 o'clock positions of the racquet head. These strategic locations enhance the stability of the racquet head, as well as enlarging the sweetspot. Babolat Xtra Sweetspot technology also includes a new, unique grommet design that not only increases the sweetspot, but also increases the ball's dwell time and provides additional dampening for the stringbed.



The Babolat XS 102 tennis racquet is a lightweight, forgiving racquet designed for intermediate level players. The lively stringbed and the open 16x20 string pattern provide plenty of feel on all your shots. The 102 square inch head, coupled with Babolat's amazing new Xtra Sweetspot technology, provides an enormous sweetspot. Intermediate players looking for a light, forgiving racquet that's a breeze to swing will enjoy the Babolat XS 102!



The Babolat XS 105 tennis racquet provides a slightly different balance and weight than the XS 102, in addition to increasing the headsize by 3 inches. The Babolat XS 105 features the same Xtra Sweetspot technology as the XS 102. The larger headsize provides more forgiveness and power, as well as enlarging the already massive sweetspot. The XS 105 maintains the same open 16x20 string pattern and amazingly light weight. The Babolat XS 105 is perfect for beginner to intermediate level players who need an easy to swing, forgiving racquet that won't let them down!



Next up is a brand new color of the legendary Adidas Barricade V Men's tennis shoe! The new, sleek look features an all-black exterior and a bright yellow interior. As expected from the Adidas Barricade V, this shoe provides the same great blend of durability, cushioning, and support with a snug and supportive fit. The Adidas Barricade V also features mesh on the sides to provide extra ventilation, keeping your feet cool and making you feel light on the tennis courts. Get yourself a pair to see why everyone loves Adidas Barricades!

In addition to these awesome product updates, we have another important announcement to make. If you have any used tennis racquets, tennis apparel, or other tennis gear you'd like to donate to a charitable cause, Tennis Express is accepting them on behalf of the Houston Parks - NJTL program (National Junior Tennis League). All of your donations will be donated to the Houston Parks - NJTL program for their use in spreading tennis to kids everywhere. Put your old tennis gear to use! Mail your donations to:

Tennis Express Donations
11022 Westheimer Rd
Houston, Texas 77042

That's all for today guys! Check us out at TennisExpress.com for more great deals and specials.

It's that time again! TennisExpress.com is here to inform you of the latest products in the tennis world. Our store is located in Houston, TX, so recently, Hurricane Ike has slowed us down a bit. We're back on our feet though, and ready once again to offer you the latest news and products in tennis!



Delta Core 1 Tennis Racquet Specs:
Head Size: 115 sq. in. OS
Length: 27.8 inches
Weight:
Strung - 9.6 oz
Unstrung - 9 oz
Tension: 50-60 lbs
String Pattern:
16 Mains / 19 Crosses
8T, 8H
One Piece
No Shared Holes
Beam Width: 27-29mm
Composition:
DNX, Carbon, Fiberglass
Power Level: High
Swing Speed: Low-Medium

New from the Boris Becker tennis racquet line is the Delta Core 1 tennis racquet. The Boris Becker Delta Core 1 is perfect for players looking for a supporting and forgiving racquet. The use of Delta Core and DoubleRail technologies provides an exceptionally stable and comfortable frame. Players with shorter swings will enjoy the massive sweetspot on the Delta Core 1. The large 115 square inch headsize and the extended 27.8 inch length provides all the pop a player will ever need. All in all, the Delta Core 1 is a powerful, forgiving, and stable racquet that provides a comfortable experience by reducing harmful shock.



Next up at TennisExpress.com is the (already) legendary Wimbledon 2008 Final DeVD between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. In a few months time, the 5 set match has already been proclaimed as possibly the greatest Grand Slam final of all time. John McEnroe, one of the most well-known tennis players in history, has said the final between Nadal and Federer was "the greatest match I've ever seen." The match, which began at 2:35 PM and ended at 9:15 PM, was interrupted by a 27 minute rain delay. After almost 6 hours after the match began, Rafael Nadal was victorious and crowned the new Wimbledon Champion, snapping Federer's ongoing streak of 5 Wimbledon championships in a row. This DVD is not only a must own, but it makes a perfect gift for any tennis fan!



Last but not least, we have the Wimbledon 2008 Final 9 Card Tribute available at TennisExpress.com. This card set is a limited edition uncut card sheet filled with 9 rich, amazing photo collector cards from the epic 2008 Wimbledon final between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Regardless of whether you are a fan of Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal, the Spotlight Tribute 2008 Wimbledon Men's Final Collector Sheet is a great collector's item for anyone who wants a piece of history. The Collector Sheet comes with one uncut sheet of 9 cards and a page long description of one of the greatest matches of all time.

** get a free t-shirt with purchase of racket at TennisExpress.com **

Head Size: 98 in2
Weight: 10.6 oz /300 g
Length: 27.4 in
String Pattern: 16/20
Beam: 25/23/20 mm
Grip Size: 1-4
RA: 64
Flexibility: Flexible
Ideal Swing Style: Long
NTRP: 3.5-5.0

The Fischer Progressor NT tennis racquet is the latest racquet from Fischer's Tournament line. The Progressor NT features Fischer's No Tolerance technology, which guarantees 100 percent identical frames. The Progressor NT has a 98 square inch headsize, an extended length of 27.4 inches, and a stiffer RA value of 64 (when compared to Fischer's traditional player racquets) to appeal to a wide variety of tournament level players.No ToleranceFischer's successful Magnetic Speed System racquets are now being constructed with Fischer's No Tolerance technology. No Tolerance allows players to carry multiple racquets that are guaranteed to be 100 percent identical. Many leading tennis racquet manufacturers use processes that result in racquets varying in weight by as much as 15 grams (or 0.5 ounces). Fischer's No Tolerance technology has eliminated the need for customization in order to make two racquets identical. Fischer's production process is unmatched by any other manufacturer. Many professional tour players put their trust into Fischer's No Tolerance, including Marcos Baghdatis, Anna-Lena Groenefeld, and Anna Chakvetadze. ATP professional Marcos Baghdatis says the following about No Tolerance technology: "Fischer has always made 100% completely identical rackets for me. Fischer now makes it possible for any player to have 100% identical rackets - without any tolerance. This means that your game will depend on your form on the day and not on which racket you use."

Fischer also uses other extraordinary manufacturing processes to ensure their racquets are of the highest quality. In additional to No Tolerance, the Progressor NT is manufactured with Fischer's Vacuum Technic technology. During the prewinding of the fiber layers, the internal pressure of the Vacuum Technic process draws out the trapped air. This results in a racquet wall that is stress free and a constant thickness throughout. The resulting racquet frame is homogenous throughout and ultra precise. The Progressor NT is also constructed with Air Carbon, an ultra lightweight and extremely strong material that is used in the aerospace industry. This space age material is strong and reliable with minimum weight.

The Progressor NT takes a slight departure from Fischer's typical tournament level racquets by being slightly stiffer. Many of Fischer's previous tournament models are very flexible with little added power. The increased stiffness and almost half-inch of additional length allows for a firm feel with added power and pop. The increased power level does not mean a compromise in control, however. The Progressor NT provides a comfortable, reliable response anywhere on the court, including the net. Players will find spin easy to generate on all shots and pinpoint precision from everywhere on the court. The Progressor NT is still best left in the hands of experienced players though, as long, fluid strokes are required to take advantage of all this racquet has to offer.

In celebration of the excitement of the US Open, the final grand slam of the year, TennisExpress.com has several amazing deals for our tennis fans!

• ENDING SEPT 7TH
  Receive FREE STRINGING with WILSON K-GUT on any online Wilson K Factor racquet purchase!
  Wilson has realized that power isn't everything. In the 4 Grand Slams, Wilson has reported that players who hit fewer unforced errors win 74% of the time. Wilson K Factor tennis racquets they have shifted the focus of racquet technology to control. Control is the difference between winning and losing! Wilson K Factor racquets improve on their own successful nCode technology while adding additional unique features. The current choice of the world number one Roger Federer and numerous other touring professionals, Wilson K Factor racquets contains a total of 4 technologies: Karophite Black, Konnector, Kontour Yoke, and Kompact Center. Check out our Wilson K Factor technology page to learn more about K Factor!


• TennisExpress.com is now offering FREE shipping on any online order over $59.95 (only valid in the continental US). Offer not available on oversize or heavy items (cases of tennis balls, stringing and ball machines, etc.). Offer not retroactive on prior purchases. Not available on demo racquets. Limited time offer. Free Shipping applies to ground shipping only. Note: Returns that reduce the original purchase below $59.95 will be charged $5.75 shipping. Learn more about our free shipping special!


• If you purchase any tennis racquet online, you will also get a FREE t-shirt with your order. Also, with any Dunlop racquet purchased online get FREE stringing with Max Comfort. Check out our Dunlop page


• Be sure to sign up now to win autographs from some the tennis world's top players: Roger Federer, Maria Sharapova, Andy Roddick. Just sign up online in a quick process and enter to win a racquet or shoe used by these players and personally signed by these top professionals! Sign up now at our contest page!


• TennisExpress.com also has Wimbledon memorabilia on sale after an incredible 2008 tournament. We are currently carrying the epic Federer vs Nadal 2008 final on DVD, which has been considered by many to be the best tennis match in the history of tennis! Tennis Express also has tons of other Wimbledon match videos. Also, be sure to get your most recent Wimbledon trading card set with all the top players and their stats!

Visit our website: TennisExpress.com

What do you guys think about Prince O3? Love it? Hate it? We want to hear your opinions! Leave us some comments by posting in our guestbook!

Brand new from the O3 racquet series of Prince are the O3 White Sharapova Pink, the O3 Speedport Black Longbody, and the O3 Speedport Black Team! These new racquets play just as great as any previous Prince O3 racquet, but have been updated with features to appeal to the latest demands of tennis players!

Haven't tried Prince O3 yet? What are you waiting for? Take out an online demo from us and prepare to be amazed!



Prince O3 Tennis Racquet Technology



Prince O3 tennis racquet technology has revolutionized the way a tennis racquet is designed! Prince has replaced standard string holes with "O-Ports". At first glance, O-Ports just look like giant holes! How will your racquet even stay together with giant holes in it? The most obvious benefit Prince O3 technology is enhanced aerodynamics. Prince O3 racquets swing easily through the air, allowing your racquet to be very maneuverable. Better maneuverability also allows you to swing faster, letting you generate more power and spin. The arch shape of these O-Ports is actually one of the strongest shapes known to man, keeping your Prince O3 amazingly stable. The way the strings are suspended in the racquet frame let them be free-moving and also allows the stringbed to be more responsive, increasing the size of the sweetspot by up to 54%! Prince has decided that the term "sweetspot" doesn't do justice to their O3 racquets; they have decided to call it a "Sweet Zone"! Since their release, Prince O3 racquets have been seen everywhere on the pro tour. They are currently being used by Maria Sharapova, Jelena Jankovic, and the Bryan Brothers, who are Grand Slam champions and world number ones!



Prince O3 Speedport technology is the update to Prince O3. The O-Ports are now squared off, increasing maneuverability even further! Along with Speedport also comes the Speedport Tuning System. Speedport racquets that feature STS come with two different grommets: one containing standard string holes while still providing O3 benefits and the other allowing the strings move freely. The string hole insert gives the racquet a more traditional feel, while still keeping the maneuverability you expect from Prince O3 racquets. The other grommet lets the strings move freely, giving you a more responsive stringbed and larger sweetspot. The Speedport Tuning System lets you customize your racquet and create the perfect feeling racquet for you!


String Ports


String Holes





Available only for a limited time is the brand new Prince O3 White Sharapova Pink tennis racquet! This is a special edition version of the original Prince O3 White features the same pink accents around the grommets that you've seen Maria Sharapova play with. This racquet makes a great gift for any Sharapova fan! Don't wait too long, the O3 White Sharapova Pink will be gone before you know it!

The Prince O3 White Sharapova Pink features the exact same racquet specs as the Prince O3 White. The Prince O3 technology provides a large "sweet zone" and keeps this racquet wonderfully maneuverable and stable. The midplus headsize of 100 square inches provides a relatively large hitting area and offers additional power and pop. Although the Prince O3 White Sharapova Pink is a forgiving racquet with plenty of power, it also manages to provide great control for intermediate to advanced level players! It is both solid at the baseline and responsive at the net, letting you play your game however you like to! The limited edition Prince O3 White Sharapova Pink not only meets the needs of intermediate and advanced players, but lets you look stunning on the court, just like Sharapova!



The Prince O3 Speedport Black Longbody is an extended length version of the original O3 Speedport Black, which has been the choice of the Bryan Brothers. It is longer by an additional ½ inch. The additional length provides more reach on shots as well as more leverage, resulting in more power and spin. The O3 Speedport Black Longbody also features an open 16x19 string pattern, letting your strings bite the ball for plenty of spin! As with all O3 racquets, it cuts through the air with ease, letting you get to the ball when you need to! At the baseline, you'll be able to take big cuts at the ball to generate more power and spin, and at the net, you'll meet those volleys with precision, winning you more points! The "Sweet Zone" gives you a huge sweetspot, making the Prince O3 Speedport Black Longbody a forgiving racquet with plenty of spin and power, as well as control! The O3 Speedport Black Longbody also features the Speedport Tuning System (STS).

Overall, O3 Speedport Black Longbody is great for aggressive intermediate to advanced level players who love to take big swings at the ball, hit lots of spin, and dominate their opponents!



The Prince O3 Speedport Black Team is a lighter weight version of the O3 Speedport Black. Compared to the O3 Speedport Black, the lighter weight makes it even more maneuverable than before. The added maneuverability lets you swing even faster, generating extra power and spin as you please. Overall, the O3 Speedport Black Team is a very spin friendly, easy to swing racquet with great feel and pop. The Prince O3 Speedport Black Team also features the Speedport Tuning System (STS).

The O3 Speedport Black Team is a great choice for transitioning juniors, as well as adults who'd prefer a lighter racquet with plenty of pop and spin.

All of these racquets are available for demo either in our store located in Houston, TX or online at TennisExpress.com in our Online Demo Program! For our store address and hours, please click here. For more information on Choosing a Tennis Racquet or Selecting Tennis String, please see the Tennis Express Buyer's Guide. The Prince O3 White Sharapova Pink tennis racquet, Prince O3 Speedport Black Longbody tennis racquet, and Prince O3 Speedport Black Team tennis racquet are just a few of the many tennis products from the Prince tennis equipment collection.

What do you guys think about HEAD Crossbow technology? Have you guys tried it yet? TennisExpress.com offers online HEAD demos if you'd like to give them a try! Comment our guestbook and let us know how you feel about Crossbow racquets, or any HEAD racquet for that matter! We'd love to hear your opinions!

HEAD has introduced their latest technology into the tennis world, HEAD Crossbow. Crossbow features the world's first and only "dynamic bridge" racquet construction. The racquet frame consists of two separate pieces: the bridge and the rest of the frame.





The above sequence of pictures shows HEAD Crossbow racquet technology in action. When the ball hits the stringbed, the independently moving bridge flexes separately from the racquet frame. This stores energy into the bridge, similar to a bow being drawn back (hence, Crossbow). The energy is released as the ball leaves the strings, adding tremendous power to your shots. The Crossbow bridge also has 10 main strings running through it (compared to 6 or 8 for a normal racquet), resulting in a larger and more forgiving sweetspot. HEAD has also included its redesigned Stabilizer technology in their Crossbow racquets, stabilizing the racquet frame on impact, resulting in a comfortable, solid feel.



HEAD Crossbow technology is ideal for players with shorter, more compact swings. Crossbow provides exceptional power and forgiveness for players that need it most.

There are five new tennis racquets released featuring the Crossbow Technology: Crossbow 10, Crossbow 6, Airflow CB 3, Airflow CB 5, and Airflow CB 7. Below is a quick overview of each racquet.



The HEAD Airflow Crossbow 3 tennis racquet uses both the Crossbow technology and the design of the Airflow line of racquets by Steffi Graf. The Airflow Crossbow 3, with an updated, sleeker design of the Airflow 3, is still a tennis racquet with a light weight, sporting both power and control. The lightweight and maneuverability of the Airflow CB 3 offers an added pop on shots and is great for taking the offensive at the net. With a 102 square inch headsize and a medium power level, the Airflow Crossbow 3 offers the most control out of the Airflow line of tennis racquets. Overall, the HEAD Airflow Crossbow 3 is a great game improvement racquet designed specifically with female players' need in mind, emphasizing on comfort, mobility, and feel.



The Head Airflow Crossbow 5, the next generation of the Airflow tennis racquet line by Steffi Graf, offers a balance between power and control. With the female players' desires in mind, the Airflow Crossbow 5 is a maneuverable, comfortable, and spin friendly tennis racquet. With a 109 square inch headsize, the sweet spot is enlarged while players experience an increase in forgiveness for off-centered shots. Players will find a solid response on all shots from all areas of the court, while having an easy time generating pace and spin at the baseline. At the net, the Airflow CB 5 provides enough feel and stability for angled volleys and put-aways. With a large sweet spot, lightweight, and comfortable feel, the Airflow Crossbow 5 tennis racquet is suitable for intermediate players looking for more power with a solid response.



The Head Airflow Crossbow 7 tennis racquet, part of the Airflow tennis racquet line is specifically designed for female players. The Airflow Crossbow 7 is a powerful tennis racquet with a large sweet spot and offers plenty of forgiveness for off-center shots. The light weight makes the Airflow CB 7 very maneuverable and able to generate plenty of head speed on swings. The open 16x19 string pattern allows for plenty of spin potential for players as well as a great solid and comfortable feel. At the net, the maneuverability of the Airflow Crossbow 7 allows for quicker reaction volleys. With great comfort, mobility, and playability, the Airflow Crossbow 7 tennis racquet is suitable for players who are just starting as well as intermediate players seeking spin and power on their shots.



The Head Crossbow 6 tennis racquet offers great spin potential and maneuverability on all areas of the court. The large 112 square inch head size offers a large sweet spot with more forgiveness on off-centered shots. The maneuverability is excellent due to the light weight of the Crossbow 6, providing a great help at the net. The balanced tennis racquet with a medium power level appeals to a wide range of players looking for a comfortable frame. With plenty of power and maneuverability in a lightweight tennis racquet, the Crossbow 6 is ideal for both beginners and intermediate players looking for more power in their shots as well as a comfortable and solid feel.



The Head Crossbow 10 tennis racquet has a large 124 square inch head size and an open 16x19 string pattern that offers great mobility and great comfort. The large head size contributes to a larger sweet spot and more forgiveness on off-centered shots, letting the player have an easier time hitting. The light weight of the Crossbow 10 allows for the players to swing with more ease and power. At both the baseline and net, the player is able to generate plenty of power on their shots, adding depth from the baseline and an added punch on volleys. The Head Crossbow 10 is suitable for players seeking maximum power in their shots while having a comfortable feel and excellent mobility.

HEAD Crossbow Series Tennis Racquets

Head Airflow Crossbow 3 Tennis Racquets
Head Airflow Crossbow 5 Tennis Racquets
Head Airflow Crossbow 7 Tennis Racquets
Head Crossbow 6 Tennis Racquets
Head Crossbow 10 Tennis Racquets

Rafael Nadal's 32-consecutive match winning streak, which paved the way for him to become the world #1, ended abruptly in his semifinal round against Novak Djokovic in the Cincinnati Masters Cup. After a 1 hour and 25 minute match and a final score of 6-1, 7-5, Djokovic walked off the court victorious and moved on to the finals against the #1 British player, Andy Murray. After losing to Djokovic in the semi-finals, Nadal's quest to world #1 is delayed by an additional week. If Nadal was able to pull out the match against Djokovic, he would have been able to become ranked #1 by August 11th, just for reaching the finals of the Cincinnati Masters. Instead, Nadal now will become world #1 on August 18th. Nadal has had an outstanding year, beating Djokovic in their last three meetings and also trumping five time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer to win his first Wimbledon title. Unfortunately, that wasn't enough. Djokovic let Nadal know that being #1 doesn't mean being invincible.



Djokovic started the match with a thrashing of Nadal, getting a quick 5-0 lead. Djokovic ended up capturing the first set 6-1 in an embarrassingly short time; 26 minutes! Nadal regained his footing in the second set and fought hard to make a comeback, but losing a break chance at 3-2. Djokovic got the crucial break at 5-5, and soon closed out the match and the second set at 7-5 with a forehand volley winner.

Match statistics showed that Djokovic converted three out of four break points while Nadal was not able to break even once. Djokovic also won 76 percent of second serve points, while Nadal only won 47 percent. Djokovic hit a total of 11 winners compared to Nadal's only 2 winners. Nadal still leads their overall head-to-head match record against Djokovic at 9-4, while having a 4-2 match record on hard courts.



The current world #1, Roger Federer (who needs no introduction), has held the world #1 ranking for an absurd 235 consecutive weeks. The closest player to Federer is Jimmy Connors, who is nowhere close with 160 consecutive weeks at #1. On August 18th, Nadal adds insult to injury by dethroning Federer as the world #1, after taking away his precious Wimbledon crown one month ago. Nadal will join Carlos Moya and Juan Carlos Ferrero as the only Spaniards to be ranked world #1.

Check out our player pages on Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Roger Federer at TennisExpress.com!

Pictures from http://www.cincytennis.com/

Dunlop is one of the most successful sports brands in tennis, boasting more Grand Slam champions than any other brand in tennis history. With over 70 years of experience in tennis, Dunlop produces top of the line tennis equipment! Using Dunlop racquets, players such as John McEnroe, Steffi Graf, and Rod Laver won multiple Grand Slam titles. Dunlop's latest line of racquets for 2008 includes four additions to the Aerogel family: the Aerogel 100, Aerogel Titan, Aerogel Smoke, and Aerogel Rush.

These latest racquets from Dunlop all feature Dunlop Aerogel technology, a low-density material that can support up to 4,000 times its own weight! The Aerogel is placed in a three-dimensional nano-meter sized molecular network, allowing it to deliver an unmatched strength to weight ratio. The addition of Aerogel enhances the stiffness and power of the racquet. Its strength also allows Aerogel tennis racquets to remain remarkably stable during shots and provides additional comfort by dispersing vibrations.



The Dunlop Aerogel 100, also called the Dunlop Aerogel 1Hundred, is one of the most control oriented tennis racquets on the market today. The Aerogel 100 has all the characteristics of a true player's racquet, with a 90 square inch headsize and an unstrung weight of 11.1 ounces. The small headsize allows for a more controlled response, while the open 16x19 provides more ball bite, allowing for more potential to generate spin. The heavy mass of the Aerogel 100 provides great stability and plow-through on all your shots, yet the racquet still remains maneuverable, thanks to its headlight balance. As with any low power control oriented racquet, the player must be able to generate the majority of the power, and the Dunlop Aerogel 100 is no exception. Along with the Wilson K Factor KSix One Tour and the Yonex RDS 001, the Aerogel 100 is one of the few racquets on the market with a 90 sq. in headsize. If you're a skilled player with long, fast strokes, the Dunlop Aerogel 100 will be perfect for you! Check out the full details and racquet specs of the Dunlop Aerogel 100 (1Hundred) Tennis Racquet at TennisExpress.com!



The Dunlop Aerogel Smoke is built for the intermediate to advanced player looking for a great blend of control, power, and touch on every shot. With a 100 square inch headsize, the Aerogel Smoke offers a larger sweet spot and more forgiveness on miss-hits, while still providing plenty of control. The open 16x19 string pattern provides generous spin potential and more ball bite while the 10.5 ounce strung weight allows for easy maneuverability. The Aerogel Smoke is also an extended length racquet, offering an extra quarter inch of length to provide additional reach and leverage to produce more power. The Dunlop Aerogel Smoke is perfect for players that need a balanced racquet with plenty of spin and maneuverability. Check out the full details and racquet specs of the Dunlop Aerogel Smoke Tennis Racquet at TennisExpress.com!



The Dunlop Aerogel Titan is ideal for beginner to intermediate players looking for an excellent lightweight performance racquet at a great value. The midplus headsize (101 square inch) offers a generous sweet spot and forgiveness on off-center shots. The combination of the Aerogel Titan's light 9.5 ounce strung weight and its high stiffness rating of 67 provides great power in an amazingly maneuverable frame. The Aerogel Titan's maneuverability can be felt at all areas of the court, from the net to the baseline. The Dunlop Aerogel Titan is a great racquet for players looking for more power in their shots in a light, maneuverable, and forgiving frame. Check out the full details and racquet specs of the Dunlop Aerogel Titan Tennis Racquet at TennisExpress.com!



The Dunlop Aerogel Rush is ideal for beginner to intermediate level players looking for lightweight power and maneuverability in an oversize frame. The Aerogel Rush's large 108 square inch headsize offers a large sweet spot and more forgiveness on off-center shots. The open 16x19 string pattern provides extra ball bite and allows players to generate spin with ease. The light 9.5 oz. strung weight makes the Aerogel Rush maneuverable at the net and easier to swing at the baseline. The addition of Aerogel technology keeps this lightweight racquet surprisingly stable and strong. The Dunlop Aerogel Rush is suitable for players with a short to medium swing style looking for more power and spin in their shots. Check out the full details and racquet specs of the Dunlop Aerogel Rush Tennis Racquet at TennisExpress.com!

For more information on Choosing a Tennis Racquet or Choosing the Right Strings, check out our Tennis Express Buyer's Guide.

Dunlop Aerogel Series Tennis Racquets

Dunlop Aerogel 100 (1Hundred) Tennis Racquets
Dunlop Aerogel 200 (2Hundred) Tennis Racquets
Dunlop Aerogel 300 (3Hundred) Tennis Racquets
Dunlop Aerogel 500 (5Hundred) Tennis Racquets
Dunlop Aerogel 500 (5Hundred) Tour Tennis Racquets
Dunlop Aerogel 600 (6Hundred) Tennis Racquets
Dunlop Aerogel 700 (7Hundred) Tennis Racquets
Dunlop Aerogel 800 (8Hundred) Tennis Racquets
Dunlop Aerogel 900 (9Hundred) Tennis Racquets
Dunlop Aerogel 1000 (1Thousand) Tennis Racquets
Dunlop Aerogel Smoke Tennis Racquets
Dunlop Aerogel Titan Tennis Racquets
Dunlop Aerogel Rush Tennis Racquets

In celebration of the upcoming US Open Grand Slam, Tennis Express is offering FREE stringing with Wilson K-Gut or K-Gut Pro string, a $40 value! Just purchase any Wilson K Factor tennis racquet online at TennisExpress.com and select the FREE string offer. Take advantage of this offer quickly because it's only available for a limited time -- now through the US Open (Sept. 9th)!



Wilson K-Gut string and Wilson K-Gut Pro string are both multifilament strings with a Fluorofibre string coating for enhanced comfort that is easy on the arm. In other words, K-Gut offers superior control with outstanding comfort and playability for both tournament and recreational players! The K-Gut Pro has a firm feeling for ultimate comfort and is ideal for big hitters looking for a string that is also easy on the arm. Both strings are available in 16 gauge for more durability or 17 gauge for more playability. K-Gut uses multifilament construction, made up of bundles of micro fibers that offer the closest feel to natural gut strings. The comfortable and soft feel of multifilament strings is great for players with tennis elbow or arm pain.

Wilson's K Factor tennis racquets feature the revolutionary Wilson K Factor Technology, an improvement of the popular nCode technology. The technology is actually 4 separate features: Karophite Black, Konnector, Kontour Yoke, and Kompact Center. All of these technologies work together for improved control, feel, and stability!

• Karophite Black, an evolution of the Wilson nCode, utilizes a new structure incorporating additional bonds between the SiO2 and graphite molecules on a nanoscopic scale for more feel and strong, more stable tennis racquets.
  
• Konnector uses 2 external wings molded into each side of the hoop of the frame to increase the dwell time of the ball during impact for greater control and comfort with a larger sweet spot.
  
• Kontour Yoke is a new frame construction that enhances stiffness at key stress points for improved torsional stability.
  
• Kompact Center, inspired by Roger Federer, is a new industrial design innovation that improves handling, maneuverability, and provides additional feel.

Wilson makes a K Factor tennis racquet for every player and every style of game imaginable! If you are an advanced, competitive player that takes huge swings at the ball and are looking for optimal control in a frame, check out the Wilson K Six One Tour or the Wilson K Blade Tour. If you are looking for a "tweener" racquet that offers a balance between power and control, check out the Wilson K Tour or Wilson K Zen. Wilson also makes racquets for beginners who need more power and are looking to improve their game, such as the Wilson K One or Wilson K Three. With the purchase of any of these Wilson K Factor racquets, you get a free string job with either Wilson K-Gut or K-Gut Pro string, a $40 to $45 value, completely free! Whether you're looking to upgrade that dusty old racquet or to buy a spare, our Wilson K Factor promotion is a great opportunity to save!

Check out our guides on Tennis Racquet Technologies, Choosing a Tennis Racquet, and Choosing the Right Tennis String in our Tennis Express Buyer's Guide.

Don't wait! Take advantage of our limited time Wilson K Factor Promotion today! It'll be over before you know it!

List of Wilson K Factor Tennis Racquets:

Player Frames
Wilson K Six One Family
Wilson K Six One Tour Tennis Rackets
Wilson K Six One 95 (16x18) Tennis Rackets
Wilson K Six One 95 (18x20) Tennis Rackets
Wilson K Six One 95X Tennis Rackets
Wilson K Six One Team Tennis Rackets

Wilson K Blade Family
Wilson K Blade Tour Tennis Rackets
Wilson K Blade 98 Tennis Rackets
Wilson K Blade Team Tennis Rackets

Wilson K Pro Family
Wilson K Pro Tour Tennis Rackets
Wilson K Pro Open Tennis Rackets
Wilson K Surge Tennis Rackets

All-Around Frames
Wilson K Tour Tennis Rackets
Wilson K Six Two Tennis Rackets
Wilson K Sting Tennis Rackets
Wilson K Zen Tennis Rackets
Wilson K Zen Team Tennis Rackets

Game Improvement Frames
Wilson K Five OS Tennis Rackets
Wilson K Five MP Tennis Rackets
Wilson K Four OS Tennis Rackets
Wilson K Four MP Tennis Rackets
Wilson K Three Tennis Rackets
Wilson K One Tennis Rackets
Wilson K Zero Tennis Rackets

As the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games approach us, Adidas introduces the "Made for Beijing" tennis gear collection, the official apparel that will be worn by various Olympic tennis players. The design features a white and black color scheme that reflects classic Chinese architecture. Not only do they look cool and sleek, but they feature the latest modern clothing technologies to help athletes like you perform your best!

Tennis Express carries both men's and women's Olympic tennis gear. The tennis apparel features a couple of unique technologies, including ClimaCool, a cooling and ventilation system that provides comfort and keeps you dry, and ForMotion, which improves comfort and enhances performance by combining several different fabrics with different properties. These innovative technologies allow the apparel to meet the demands of athletes worldwide.

Adidas ClimaCool technology is a ventilation system built into the apparel that keeps cool air flowing in and heat and sweat flowing out through a combination of heat and moisture-dissipating materials, ventilation channels, and three-dimensional fabrics. ClimaCool helps you ignore the heat and focus on your game.

The Adidas ForMotion technology is three-dimensionally engineered to move naturally with the athlete's body during sport. It is strategically placed in the seams to follow the contours of your body and mimic your natural movements



For the men, we have the Adidas Men's Tennis Theme Polo, the Adidas Men's Tennis Tee, and the Adidas Men's Tennis Shorts. For the ladies, we have the Adidas Women's Tennis Polo and the Adidas Women's Tennis Skort. All of the men's pieces of apparel and the Women's Adidas Tennis Polo are made out of 100% polyester, while the tennis skort and compression shorts are made of a nylon/spandex blend.



The Adidas Men's Compression Shorts features the TechFit Power Web technology, anatomically placed TPU banding to enhance athletic posture and movem ent with compression properties to increase endurance and overall athletic power.

 

Along with the Olympic tennis apparel comes another great limited edition item, the Adidas Barricade V Beijing Edition tennis shoe. These shoes feature the same comfortable feel and snug that is expected out Barricades, but come in the stunning black and white color scheme. Loaded with a variety of unique technologies from Adidas, the Barricade V offers the perfect blend of durability, cushioning, and support. Inside these Barricade V's on the unique sockliner is a GPS grid map of the Beijing venue where the matches will be played.
 
 

Don't wait too long. Order your complete Adidas "Made for Beijing" outfit today!