By DPA
New York : Sharapova will defend her title without the security of a seam as the Russian debuts a bonded tennis dress at the US Open.
The second-seeded 20-year-old catwalk queen will play for the first time in a red dress with details of the New York skyline worked into the fabric for a picture effect.
As for stitching – there won’t actually be any.
“This is the first dress that’s seamless. I don’t know if you’re into it, but it’s seamless, all bonded material,” she joked Saturday. “Exciting stuff.”
The 2004 Wimbledon champion has earned her iconic reputation as both a top tennis power and a graceful walking billboard for her well-paying sponsors.
“It was a really fun process because it was a challenge for us. I’m working with a new set of (Nike) designers.”
The Siberian-born siren, now based in Los Angeles, called New York “my favourite city in the world.”
She said the unprecedented red dress represented the Big Apple, as the city is called by its local admirers.
“I’ve never worn a red dress before. It’s a really big statement, as well, because it’s the Big Apple – apple’s are red. It is kind of a coincidence.”
Sharapova said that while she loves the chaotic ambience of the US Grand Slam, she finds it hard to believe that millions actually call it their home.
“It doesn’t seem like people could actually live here. I don’t picture New York having a grocery store or something. It just seems like this huge amusement park from ride to ride,” she said. “I’ve gotten to appreciate it more and more, it has like a buzz.”
“It would actually be cool to put on a suit, walk around the city and go to work or jump in a Yellow cab,” she added. “And the food, I mean, I’ve had a meal at a different restaurant every single night, and I haven’t had a bad meal.”
Speaking of the tennis task to hand, Sharapova said that the shoulder problems which have compromised her serve for much of the season seem to be on the wane.
“I’m feeling really good. I’m happy to be back. I’m serving probably the biggest that I’ve served this year,” she said prior to a first-round match with 49th-ranked Italian Roberta Vinci.