Black Tennis Pros

You may have noticed American James Blake out of his Nike duds and into Fila clothing during the Australian Open, well it's because sportswear brand Fila has signed the tennis star to develop a collection of men's apparel and footwear, the company has announced.

Fila said Blake would collaborate with its design team to create a co-branded collection which would form the basis for the development of a long-term licensing business for Blake.

The collection, yet to be named, will encompass tennis, golf, fitness and lifestyle apparel, plus footwear and accessories for men. Other product categories will also be explored "as opportunities arise", Fila said.

The collection will be launched with a limited range of tennis and fitness apparel just before the U.S. Open in New York later this year, before its full launch for the spring/summer 2010 season.

Blake will also wear Fila-branded or co-branded apparel and footwear exclusively on court, and will be featured in the company's global marketing efforts.

He has been wearing Fila's Collezione Apparel Collection and the Fila Alfa shoe at the Australian Open.

"We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with an athlete of James Blake's calibre," said Gene Yoon, chairman of Fila.

"We are certain that through our collaboration with James, we will create a range of products that combines the rich style of our historic brand and James' active and sophisticated lifestyle."