I’d be willing to bet that Roger Federer occasionally hangs out with fans in Melbourne, playing Wii tennis, talking about his new shoe, the Nike Zoom Vapor 9 Tour, and posing for photos with said fans and a giant version of said shoe. As evidence, I proffer this video from Nike Tennis. Hit the jump for the whole thing (it’s short).

The 2012 Australian Open is underway and, as tends to happen most years, several of the highest profile players there are signed to the Swoosh. We’ve already shared previews of Serena Williams’s Black History Month special collection as well as Roger Federer’s new shoe, the Nike Zoom Vapor 9 Tour (also seen below), but what will the other big stars be wearing? As usual, Maria Sharapova opts for a dress that’s performance-driven, yet wouldn’t appear out of place on a runway, Li Na dons a two-piece skirt/shirt combo, Rafael Nadal goes for simple flat-front shorts and a crewneck t-shirt, and Federer embraces red polos. Add to that Bernard Tomic’s gear and more from Serena Williams, and all in all the 2012 Aussie Open is a clotheshorse’s dream. Check out everything under the jump.

As arguably the most iconic tennis player of her generation, Serena Williams is one of Nike’s most high-profile athletes. And so it only makes sense that Nike Tennis would select her, one of the biggest draws at the Australian Open, to wear a special edition line; one created to coincide with February’s Black History Month.

Inspired by the 1996 USA Basketball Women’s team, 2002 Brazil Men’s Soccer team, and the 2008 Kenyan Long-Distance running team, the Nike Black History Month Collection for Serena Williams consists of the Nike Sportswear BHM Destroyer Jacket, Nike BHM Seasonal Knit Jacket, Nike BHM C72 Bag and Nike BHM Air Max Mirabella 3, each sporting the special Black History Month logo and featuring a palette and design inspired by the culture and history that we celebrate in February.

While myriad Nike athletes will don various Black History Month pieces in February, Serena gets things started with her special set at the ongoing Australian Open. Hit the jump to check out the full collection and look for the pieces on Serena now in Melbourne.

Inspired by the footwear needs of runners, Tinker Hatfield borrowed key technological elements from that world of shoes while designing Roger Federer’s new Nike Zoom Vapor 9 Tour. The result? A shoe with the fit, weight and breathability of a running shoe, but the stability and durability necessary for one of tennis’s all-time greats.

The unique new fit system employs “fingers” on the outside and loops on the inside; as the laces are tightened, the fingers adapt to the wearer’s foot, creating a customized fit that’s constantly conforming and improving while worn.

Meanwhile, a lightweight mesh through the upper reduces bulk while enhancing breathability and cooling the foot, a TPU frame along the midsole increases stability and protects the foot during multi-directional cuts, and rubber overlays deliver durability.

Finally, superlative cushioning comes by way of Lunarlon foam and a responsive Zoom Air bag in the heel. Look for Roger Federer wearing the Nike Zoom Vapor 9 Tour throughout the ongoing Australian Open.

Nike Zoom Vapor 9 Tour Pro Platinum/Black-Cool Grey-Action Red

Nike Zoom Vapor 9 Tour Pro Platinum/Black-Cool Grey-Action Red

Nike Zoom Vapor 9 Tour Pro Platinum/Black-Cool Grey-Action Red

Roger Federer is looking to continue his streak of years-with-a-major-win in the 2011 US Open. Whether or not it happens, we’re already assured that he’ll continues his streak of years-with-a-dope-shoe, as shown with this preview of the Nike Zoom Vapor Tour 9 SL. The shoe will again focus on reduced weight, maximized cushioning and enhanced breathability. And best of all, it’ll don the best colorway on Nike’s palette (any combination of black, grey and white with volt). Hit the jump for several looks, as well as his matching apparel.

Photos via CK.

We just debuted the gear Rafael Nadal will be wearing next week at Flushing Meadows and, what with Roger Federer being the other half of that great rivalry, we can’t in good conscience just leave it at that. So here’s the 2011 US Open Roger Federer Kit, which puts a focus on not just fantastic kicks—the Nike Lunar Vapor 8 Tour, with an ultra-lightweight, breathable construction courtesy of Flywire and TPU film on the upper and a comfortable, cushioned Lunarlon midsole—but great gear too. Federer will wear his traditional red during the day, with the Dri-FIT-enhanced Nike Trophy Court Top, and a black polo at night. Additionally, he’ll sport the Nike Trophy Woven Taped Short for classy good looks, featuring polyester herringbone and broken twill fabric. Check everything out beneath the cut.

We’re still a week away from that little tennis tournament at Flushing Meadows, but today we already get a look at the 2011 US Open Rafael Nadal Kit. While Rafa always winds up with fashion-forward, performance-centric apparel designs—this year he’ll sport a lightweight, breathable short with the Fearless Court Dri-FIT top—as is usual with Nadal it’s his shoes that will turn some heads. As always, Rafa prefers a mix of Max Air and Lunarlon, as provided by the Nike Air Max Court Ballistec 3.3, which sports air in the heel, Lunar foam in the forefoot, DragOn 2X with dual-density TPU to provide maximum protection in high-wear zones, and XDR on the outsole to maximize durability and traction. Hit the jump for looks at everything, including plenty of his shoes.

When word got out earlier this month that legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz would be shooting the fall advertising campaign for Nike Women, anticipation built at a frenzy. Now that we can see the final product, Ms. Leibovitz may have exceeded expectations. Taking seven elite female athletes from across the world—Hope Solo (US, soccer), Li Na (China, tennis), Maria Sharapova (Russia, tennis), Allyson Felix (US, track & field), Laura Enever (Australia, surfing), Sofia Boutella (Algeria, dance), Perri Shakes-Drayton (UK, track & field)—Leibovitz showcased their athleticism and superlative physiques, while still managing to capture the beauty of sport, as well as of the individuals. Below the cut, view Nike Women– “Make Yourself,” by Annie Leibovitz in its entirety.

And last but not least (unless I decide to do the Li Na and Juan Martin Del Potro sets), here’s a preview of Nike’s Roger Federer 2011 French Open gear. As usual, Roger will don the Nike Lunar Vapor 8 Tour, which deftly mixes responsive cushioning through a Lunarlon midsole and lightweight breathability by way of the latest version of Flywire on the upper.

Up top, Roger keeps it simple with the Nike RF Trophy Stripe Polo and woven short, each comprised of Dri-FIT fabric to wick away moisture and enhance ventilation. The polo also features the “RF” logo beneath the buttons, adding in that Federer touch.

Continuing with the theme of Nike French Open apparel and shoes, here’s a first look at Serena Williams Roland Garros gear. On her feet, Serena opts for the Nike Air Max Mirabella 3, which features extra durable rubber (XDR) on the outsole, a mesh upper for enhanced breathability and superlative cushioning by way of the heel Max Air unit.

For apparel, Serena goes the same route as Maria Sharapova, focusing as much on fashion and good look as on performance. The Nike Smash Knit Dress is equal parts both, featuring a fashion-forward square neckline and a multi-layered, mesh construction to maximize mobility, breathability and aesthetic value. Look for Serena in Paris beginning May 17th.

At this point, the name Rafael Nadal is essentially synonymous with clay, so it makes sense to ensure that the reigning champion is outfitted in the most neck-breaking gear available; after all, he’s likely to be pretty visible beyond just that first round. On his feet, Nadal will again wear the Nike Air Max Courtballistec 3.3, the most durable Nike Tennis shoe to date which features superlative cushioning, primarily through the Max Air heel unit and the Lunarlon forefoot. Meanwhile, the DragOn 2x upper ensure absolutely unmatched durability without adding excessive weight, while also allowing excellent breathability by way of large perforations throughout the upper.

As for apparel, Nadal will keep things simple with the Nike Rafa Ace Jacquard Top and Short, which maximize ventilation and reduce weight through the use of lightweight jacquard mesh. The shorts are a flat white, while the simple shirt features subtle horizontal stripes, a shallow v-neck and inconspicuous details like “¡Vamos Rafa!” emblazoned inside the back of the collar and Rafa’s bull logo printed across the back.

The 2011 French Open begins May 17th in Paris, France.

When Maria Sharapova hits the court, she’s as much about style and designer-good looks as she is about performance, so it comes as no surprise that Nike’s 2011 French Open Maria Sharapova pack deftly blends both. On her feet, Maria will don the Nike Lunar Speed 3, the lightest and most flexible shoe in the Nike Tennis line. Extra-durable rubber on the outsole will stand up to the back-and-forth of tennis, while Flywire through the upper stabilizes the foot while maintaining a lightweight. Finally, the Lunarlon midsole ensures a maximally cushioned ride that still provides resiliency and responsiveness.

Moving north from the shoes, Maria will have her choice of a couple of new items. For a one-piece look, the Nike Maria Line 9 Dress maximizes breathability, through the use of Dri-FIT technology, and mobility by using a double-layer construction. As usual, she gives the dress a designer feel by adding impressive craftsmanship and embroidered details. For a more casual look, the Nike Maria Statement tank features a racerback design for good looks and a full range of motion, while the Maria Statement skirt sports front pleats for a neo-classic look and full mobility, while the Dri-FIT compression shorts deliver an athletic fit and moisture-wicking technology.

Look for Maria Sharapova to wear all of this and more when she takes to the clay at Roland Garros around May 17th.

This morning brought a preview of a special Oregon-inspired pair, but here’s a detailed look at a version of Rafael Nadal’s latest shoe that you’ll actually have a chance at scooping up at retail. The Nike Air Max Courtballistec 3.3, available now at retailers nationwide, incorporates myriad performance innovations to make it an elite tennis shoe. Dual-density Drag-On 2X material through the upper increases durability, while the Lunarlon forefoot and Max Air heel unit add ideal cushioning. Finally, XDR tech on the outsole ensures maximum traction and durability. Check out plenty more looks under the cut of the Air Max Courtballistec 3.3 Medium Grey/Black-Crimson Red-White.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal faced off in The Clash of the Champions Tuesday night in Eugene at the new Matthew Knight Arena. Being that the event came together with a lot of help from Nike (each competitor is signed to the Swoosh), it should come as no surprise that there was some pretty flashy footwear on display. Roger Federer sported his usual Lunar Vapor 8 Tour, but more importantly (being that there’s a picture of it) are Rafael Nadal’s Nike Air Max Courtballistec 3.3—Matthew Knight Arena Edition. In addition to featuring Oregon colors, the shoe sports the Matthew Knight Arena logo on the tongue, the same logo present at halfcourt during basketball games. The shoes didn’t hurt Nadal’s game either; he beat Federer 7-5 in the exhibition match. Thanks to Mark Lawrence for the heads up.

When you build a spectacular new arena for a couple hundred million dollars, you want to show it off as much as possible. It is that thinking that has led to Matthew Knight Arena hosting Nike’s elite tennis superstars, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova, in the Nike Clash of Champions, scheduled for March 8th. The event will kick off at 5:30p with Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova playing a singles set, followed by a mixed doubles set, and culminating with a singles match-up between two of the best players of all time, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Tickets range between $25 and $85; they go on sale tomorrow at matthewknightarena.com, Tickets West outlets, the Matthew Knight Arena box office, 1-800-WEBFOOT and 1-800-992-TIXX (Tickets West hotline).