The clay court season is upon us, and with it comes time for new French Open styles. With precise engineering, these clothes go beyond looking sleek and are tailor-made to boost your on-court performance. Here's a showcase of some of the apparel the top ATP tennis players will be wearing on the Paris tennis courts.
Apparel
While there is not really a specialized market for clay court apparel, there are some key features you may want in your clay tennis clothing. Breathability and moisture-wicking are must-haves for any sport, but mesh-knit clothing finds extra value on clay. No matter how hard you try, you're gonna get some dirt on you mid-match, and looser knit clothing makes it easy to shake it off. Check out these clay season clothing options from iconic tennis brands!
Lacoste
As a long-time partner with Roland Garros, Lacoste offers fashionable French Open styles that help players stay in top form. Signature styles for top players Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev are the highlights here, which include Medvedev's on-court look. Ultra Dry fabrics help athletes stay cool and comfortable on the court so they can stay focused on the match.
Other Lacoste athletes may be seen rocking the Roland Garros On Court Polo. Its eye-catching design was inspired by the Parisian clay courts, letting you experience some of the high-octane action back home.
Asics
Next up in our apparel highlight is the Asics Match line. By using strategically placed mesh panels, these clothes allow exceptional breathability with the bonus of being able to easily shake off any clay. Actibreeze complements the design by providing a cool feel with water-repellant cloth that keeps sweat off your skin. Keep an eye out for Borna Corric and Alex de Minaur rocking these styles on court! Â
Fila
Take center stage with the Center Court collection! UV-blocking fabrics keep your skin protected from sun damage, making this apparel line ideal for outdoor activities. Combine that with sweat-wicking and anti-odor technologies, and you'll feel cool and fresh during and after the match. Whether you're looking to emulate Reilly Opelka, Brandon Nakashima, or Soon Woo Kwon, you can enjoy a new and fresh on-court style.Â
Footwear
Clay tennis courts demand different properties for your footwear compared to the common hard courts, that's why it's important to have specialized clay tennis shoes. Often these shoes have herringbone pattern outsoles to optimize traction on the clay surface. If you're lucky enough to have access to a clay tennis court, then make sure to try on some of these shoes to take your game to the next level!
On The Roger Pro 2 Clay
On carries is keeping Roger Federer's legacy alive with The Roger series. The Roger Pro 2 Clay provides unmatched airflow in a lightweight package, letting players move fast while also allowing for fast footwork. These shoes provide a locked-in feel for superior stabilityÂ
Nike Zoom Vapor 12
Nike is no stranger to making specialized clay court shoes, being the engineers behind Rafa Nadal's apparel and footwear for many years. The Zoom Vapor 12 is the latest in their flagship tennis shoe line, and it lives up to its name, being designed for unmatched speed. Optimizations to the model include a split herringbone sole that maintains excellent traction while minimizing bulk.Â
K-Swiss Ultrashot 4
If you're seeking unrestricted lateral movement, then the K-Swiss Ultrashot 4 may be the perfect fit for you. Its outsole features a unique graphite winglet that offers improved traction and stability, preventing slip-ups while on the clay courts.Â
Asics GEL-Resolution X
Players seeking more cushioning will appreciate the Asics GEL-Resolution X. The 10th iteration of the GEL-Resolution line is perfect for players controlling the game from the baseline. Extra stability granted by the extended DYNAWALL midfoot and heel gives players a strong foothold on the court, allowing them to make incredible bursts of lateral movement.
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