Rafa Nadal, Dominic Thiem and Alexander Zverev on the men’s side, Simona Halep, Elina Svitolina and Kristina Mladenovic on the women’s side have dominated the clay court season; while world number ones Andy Murray and Angelique Kerber appeared in big trouble. Here’s our recap of who won what.
Men
Marrakech: Borna Coric
Runner-up in Marrakech last year, Borna Coric came back from the brink, saved 5 match points to overcome Philip Kohlschreiber and capture his maiden ATP title.
Monte Carlo: Rafael Nadal
Rafa‘s reign in Monte Carlo continues: he defeated fellow Spaniard Ramos-Vinolas, who stunned Andy Murray en route to his maiden Masters 1000 final. With that victory, Nadal became the first man in the Open Era to win 10 titles at a tournament, and the first to win 50 clay-court titless, surpassing Guillermo Vilas (49).
A few players signed new clothing deals during the off season, the most notable is Tomas Berdych who switched from H&M to adidas. Does that mean no more wacky outfits for Tomas? I’m eager to know if the Swedish brand will sign another player or stop the experiment there.
New year new gear. Looking forward to a partnership with one of the greatest sports companies of all time – Adidas pic.twitter.com/jDj2dphAEz
— Tomáš Berdych (@tomasberdych) January 5, 2016
Lacoste has lost 3 top players: John Isner signed with Fila, David Goffin joined asics, and although nothing has been announced yet, it seems Timea Bacsinszky moved to asics too.
Welcome to the FILA family, @JohnIsner! https://t.co/SPSjyl0v2p #TeamFila pic.twitter.com/NqxH2F2lBD
— Fila Tennis (@FilaTennis) January 5, 2016
New year, new partner on the court. ASICS. Ready for new challenges. #asicstennis @ASICSTennis pic.twitter.com/DM7L7MlPcT
— David Goffin (@David__Goffin) January 2, 2016
Another new asics recruit is Julia Goerges, who left Fila.
I am very happy to announce my new partnership with @ASICSTennis @ASICSeurope @ASICSamerica #teamjule pic.twitter.com/F1NqPiBZtv
— Jule Goerges (@juliagoerges) January 3, 2016
And Elina Svitolina – a previous ellesse ambassador – announced her signing with Nike on Instagram:
ellesse announced last week they signed Monica Puig and Feliciano Lopez as brand ambassadors.
Other ellesse ambassadors include Elina Svitolina, Tommy Haas and Pat Cash.
In the past, tennis legends Chris Evert, Guillermo Vilas and Boris Becker rocked ellesse on and off the courts.
Read more on ellesse history here.
Photo credit: Peg
More reports from Cincinnati:
On the way to the Western & Southern Open
The Western & Southern Open main draw party
Friday evening at Lindner Family Tennis Center
Seeking relief from the heat
Proximity
Interviews and Press Conferences
The Mixed Zone
Stars and Flowers
Players at practice
After Le Coq sportif, another classic brand is back on the tennis courts. ellesse announced earlier today they signed up and coming player Elina Svitolina and former world number 2 Tommy Haas as brand ambassadors.
The ellesse name is based on the initials LS of its founder, Leonardo Servadio, an Italian tailor with an innovative approach to styling and manufacture. In 1959, Servadio created a revolutionary stretch ski pant which established ellesse among the elite alpine social circles, making it the ultimate aspirational brand.
The famous half-ball ellesse logo combines the trips of a pair of skis with a cross section of a tennis ball, to symbolize the brand’s heritage in these sports.
Tennis greats Chris Evert, Guillermo Vilas and Boris Becker rocked ellesse on and off the tennis court in the 80′s.
Read more on ellesse history here.
