FASHION French Open 2011

The French Open isn’t known for its amazing fashion choices. Whilst Wimbledon offers a challenge to designers, the Australian the chance to experiment, and the US Open calls for players to go all out, the French is often forgotten in terms of fashion. Unfortuantly, 2011 is no exception. It’s ironic that players leave their best threads for other Slams as Paris is the home of fashion and romance. For whatever reason though, Roland Garros is once again a fashion disappointment bar a few. Here I review those few and have a look at what the top players are wearing.

Rafael Nadal

Nadal has often been one for brave fashion choices. The gritty Spaniard has proven he isn’t afraid of pink, glitter, or neon colours. Like a poisonous insect, the most feared player at Roland Garros wears bright colours with flair. Which is why it is puzzling that Nike has dressed him in a Federer-esque blue for this year’s Roland Garros. If Nadal should be flaunting brave fashion choices anywhere, it is here at the ground he has dominated for the past five years. Instead, we are left with Nadal dressed in an offensively boring Nike collection that could be seen on any other player. It is a massive disappointment for his fans and photographers alike.

5/10

Novak Djokovic

Djokovic is making a push for the title of favourite and best dressed. Embracing the vivid colours Nadal has tossed aside, Djokovic’s bubbly personality shines through in his latest outfit. Whilst rainbow colours hint at Djokovic’s love for life, the black reminds us not to take him lightly. Unbeaten this year, Djokovic is the perfect mix of threatening and fun as he makes a bid for his first French Open title.

7.5/10

Roger Federer

Federer ditched his trademark collar for the first half of the year with disastrous results. Federer failed to look polished on the court and it reflected in his game. He’s brought it back for the French open this year and whilst it remains to be seen whether he can top his rivals on the court, he is certainly beating them once again in the fashion field. Dressed in Swiss colours with a striped shirt that brings something extra, Federer looks just a little bit proper, which is exactly how we like him. Never has a collar meant so much.

8/10

Andy Murray

Murray may have lacked a little something in his game since the Australian Open, but there is no need for his clothing to mirror this. Adidas have once again done a horrendous job with their star player, putting him in a mismatched green, blue, and white. On first look the top and shorts seems like they’re from seperate collections, until you see a flash of green on the collar; confirmation that yes, Murray was dressed like this on purpose. Murray may shy away from the limelight and he probably won’t suit pink, but that doesn’t mean Adidas need to dress him in scraps from the cutting room floor. He deserves more than that.

1/10

Gael Monfils

Purple is a brave choice for any man, but the flamboyant Frenchman pulls it off with aplomb. My personal favourite outfit of the tournament, purple matches Monfils’ personality, game, and skin tone. Standing out brilliantly against clay, Monfils ensures he is once again the centre of attention with an outfit that wouldn’t look as good on anyone else. With any luck, Monfils can match his game to personality. With an outfit like that, he deserves to be the star of the show.

9/10

Kim Clijsters

Apparently Clijsters asked for Fila to design her an outfit just like the one she wore as a kid. They nailed it. Tacky, bright, and all over the shop, Clijsters’ outfit looks exactly like what a child would wear. Unfortunately for her, clothes worn on children never translate well to adult form, and as a result, she looks ghastly. At least she’s pushing boundaries, I guess.

3/10

Caroline Wozniacki

Could Stella McCartney be the biggest fail in tennis clothing since… forever? Once again they have done the unthinkable and made their charge look frumpy and chubby. It’s no easy feat on the blonde, pretty Wozniacki who sports a pretty fit figure. Alas, she continues to be dressed in outfits that add 10kg to her frame. They don’t even look good on the hanger; the collar on this one is some kind of jester-inspired nightmare, and the fit is all wrong. The only thing I can compliment is the colour, but that won’t save this mess.

4/10 (it’s better than Kim’s)

Victoria Azarenka

It’s a shame that Nike didn’t try something new on the in-form Azarenka for Roland Garros. My guess is what they were going with the ‘if it ain’t broke’ theroy here, as they really have designed a beautiful dress for Azarenka. It flatters her figure but ensures it isn’t boring with frills and an off-the-shoulder strap. The colour is new for Roland Garros and it suits the court and Azarenka wonderfully. My only qualm is that we have seen it before. If they couldn’t think of somthing even better for Azarenka, Nike should have saved this one for Roland Garros.

7/10

Jelena Jankovic

Obviously Jankovic and Clijsters shopped at the same place as a child. Jankovic is rocking a similar splatter pattern with the same frightening results. Usually a tasteful dresser, it is a blip  for Jankovic and Anta. Thankfully, though, the cut and colour are much nicer on Jankovic’s dress than Clijster’s, which stop it from being an all out catastrophe.

5/10 (it’s better than Caroline’s)

Maria Sharapova

We now come to the star of the show, none other than Sharapova. She’s ensured Paris fashion isn’t all ugly prints and colours with an original, soft yellow dress that flatters her skintone and figure. Inspired by the Eiffel Tower, the design of the dress pays tribute to the city and her taste in fashion. Sharapova has been involved with the designs of her dresses for a while now. One only hopes Nike keep her on board after she ends her tennis career. All eyes are on Maria with her excellent form and even more impressive outfit.

10/10

And that’s a wrap. All up it’s been a rather disappointing tournament, but the men have outshined the women. Not that that’s hard to do when two of your main competition are wearing outfits designed by a child. Sharapova saves the women with a brilliant outfit, and Monfils brings a little inspiration with his purple number. Until Wimbledon, au revoir.