Equipped to Conquer - Women's Tennis

Clothing and product endorsement in women’s tennis is big business. During the last several decades tennis courts have evolved into virtual modelling catwalks for the world’s top women’s tennis players. As the distinction between tennis stardom and fashion icon blurs, sport and designer labels are investing millions in the development of the tennis apparel and gear worn by the stars of the WTA.

Here’s a look at how five of the WTA’s finest kit-up when they take to the courts:

  

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 23: Ana Ivanovic of Serbia strings her racquet during her quarter-final match against Venus Williams of the United States of America on day ten of the Australian Open 2008 at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2008 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Dadswell/Getty Images)

Ana Ivanovic

 

Racquet: Ana Ivanovic switches her tennis racquet as often as her tennis kit. However, she does show some loyalty to the Wilson brand of tennis racquets. As of May 2009 Ivanovic has been strutting her stuff with a Wilson RQiS 1 Tour XL racquet.

Clothing: Ivanovic began her tennis career endorsing Nike sportswear. However, the Serb has since been lured to the side of arch-rivals Adidas who now provide Ivanovic with her on-court tournament apparel.

 

LONDON - JUNE 28: Serena Williams of the USA checks her racket against Laura Granville of the USA during day six of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club on June 28, 2003 in London. (Photo by Phil Cole/Getty Images)

Serena Williams

 

Racquet: Serena Williams sends her powerful ground strokes and serves over the net with the assistance of Wilson K Factor KBlade Team Racquets. The same racquets are used by Williams’ older sister, Venus.

Clothing: Serena Williams began her career endorsing Puma tennis apparel. The star has since switched over to Nike gear, which is responsible for designing the boundary-pushing outfits she wears for grand slam events. Williams also markets another fashion line – Aneres – which she owns.

 

Jelena Jankovic of Serbia hits her racquet after missing a point against Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia at the China Open women's final in Beijing on September 28, 2008. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images)

Jelena Jankovic

 

Racquet: Jelena Jankovic uses a trademark white Prince O3 Speedport Pro Racquet when in action on the court. The Serbian star had previously used a red Prince O3 racquet.

Clothing: Jankovic endorses Reebok tennis apparel and shoes. Off the court, Jankovic endorses the Serbian designer label ‘Mona’ and markets her own range of clothing within the brand.

 

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 01: Maria Sharapova of Russia looks at her racquet while playing against Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland during day six of the 2007 U.S. Open at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 1, 2007 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

Maria Sharapova

 

Racquet: Maria Sharapova’s recurring shoulder problems have forced her to make use of a Prince O3 Speedport Black Longbody racquet. Previously Sharapova had used the Prince O3 White racquet favoured by Jelena Jankovic.

Clothing: Maria Sharapova earns a fortune in product endorsements each year. Being a fashion icon in her personal life as well, and a participant in numerous modelling assignments, Sharapova endorses Nike tennis apparel.

 

LONDON, United Kingdom: Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia adjust the strings of her racquet between points with Venus Williams of the US in their third round match at the 119th Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, 25 June, 2005. AFP PHOTO/ODD ANDERSEN (Photo credit should read ODD ANDERSEN/AFP/Getty Images)

Daniela Hantuchova

 

Racquet: One of the games rising stars, Daniela Hantuchova has used racquets produced by several major manufacturers during the course of her career. Since May 2009, Hantuchova wields a Prince Ozone Seven Racquet.

Clothing: Hantuchova’s looks, combined with her ability on the court, earned her a product endorsement deal with Nike. The Slovakian wears a custom designed range of Nike tennis apparel for all tournament play.

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