More On The Fashion Watch

Thursday May 28, 2009

2:50 PM
Venus scores another minus in the fashion watch column. What’s up with the crazy blue, green and purple lightning patterned fabric on her dress? I guess she is wearing it now because for sure Wimbledon wouldn’t allow it. Considering the awful ensembles everyone here is wearing, I’m starting to see the reasoning behind the “predominately white” rule at the Championships in London. I’m disappointed, unlike her sister, Venus usually comes up with something pretty nice.

Her tennis however, was another story. No minus column here. Pushed to three sets against Lucie Safarova of Czech Republic, Venus, with the wingspan of an eagle, can still cover the court. That, and her steely determination pulled her through to a 6-7(2) 6-2 7-5 victory.

Tennis father Richard, and his new wife Lakeisha, who, at thirty is only one year older than her new stepdaughter, cheered “V” from the courside box, and got nearly as much attention.

3:30 PM
Another day is flying by. I just looked up on my TV monitor and saw that Acasuso and Federer have split, and the Argentine is up 3-0 in the third... better head over to Philippe Chartier. Huge story if Acasuso can win this one.

4:50 PM
Looks like the Swiss Wonder is still the Swiss Wonder. Down l0ve-3 in the third Roger won the set in a breaker, totally taking the wind out of Acususo’s sail, and then cruised to a 6-2 victory in the fourth.

On the fashion watch, Nike gets one point of approval for Federer’s apparel. Conservative, yes, but it seems right for him, and the subtle orange trim is a nice unexpected touch.

5:30 PM
It’s cold and dark, and there are no matches that are inspiring me, so I think a little shopping therapy is in order. On the way to the Roland Garros Shop, I pass court two where French veteran, Arnaud Clement is battling the Belgium, Christophe, Rochus the line to get into this match is huge … check out this guy .. may as well do a little reading while he's waiting.

5:40PM
The Roland Garros Boutique is jammed with shoppers grabbing up 25 euro ($36.00) toddler tees like they were the bargain of the century. Clothing the color of red clay is a big item. Want to accessorize your new outfit? How about a swatch watches with the RG logo on the band, or, of course, RG logo head and wrist bands. A little gift for the man in you life? Roland Garros ties and cufflinks are always nice. Need something for you home? How about a set of RG towels, or, perfect for entertaining you tennis buddies, an RG espresso set. Of course all of this shopping will could max out your credit card unless you are a Wall Street broker with a million dollar bonus check in hand. I decide I’d better get out of there because I definitely don’t have a bonus check coming.

6:05 PM
Roddick is just starting, so I’m going to go grab a few snaps before it gets too dark.


6:55 PM
Arod is up two sets to love, 6-2, 6-2, so I'm abandoning the American to check out Tsonga and Monaco. These are two of my favorite players. Tsonga rocketing every ball, cheering, diving, making great photos, and the Argentine, Monaco, so good to look at, so nice, with a beautiful clay court game.

7:50 PM
Well Arod didn't exactly cruise to victory, but did manage a win in a third set tiebreak.

Tsonga Monaco... Wow, great match. The French star won in a gut wrenching 10- 8 4th set tiebreak, and fell to the clay in celebration.The French fans were wild. You had to feel sorry for Monaco battling both the opponent on court and the crowds in the stands. In the end Jo-Wilfried fell to the court, while the fans chanted TSONGA! TSONGA! I truly gave you chills. I always wonder what it would be like to have thousands of fans chanting my name.

There was a nice moment when the players met at the net to shake hands, with Monaco congratulating Tsonga. He's a good guy, it must be hard after a loss like that.