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Aug 18, 2023

Broadway Blues: Adidas launches FW23 New York Collection 

The line celebrates the 50th anniversary of Billie Jean King’s victory at the Battle of the Sexes. Published Aug 26, 2023 There’s arguably no greater trailblazer when it comes to gender equity in

The line celebrates the 50th anniversary of Billie Jean King’s victory at the Battle of the Sexes.

Published Aug 26, 2023

There’s arguably no greater trailblazer when it comes to gender equity in sports than Billie Jean King. In a career filled with numerous achievements in this regard, one of her more memorable is her victory over Bobby Riggs in the Battle of the Sexes. And to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the milestone match, Adidas is paying homage to King in its FW23 New York Collection.

The 12-piece line will be featured on the brand’s athletes, such as Jessica Pegula, Maria Sakkari Xinyu Wang, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Stefanos Tsitsipas during the US Open. The signature item is the unisex SST Jacket, inspired by the classic tennis tracksuits from King’s era. Also of note is the updated Avacourt shoe with a refreshed look and retro materials and styling. Both share the iconic bold blue hue King sported in the match, which is applied throughout the entire collection.

Here’s a look at some of the pieces that will be worn by the players.

Maria Sakkari

When she wants additional coverage, or simply some extra style, Maria Sakkari will be going to and from the courts in the SST Jacket ($80). The signature piece in the collection, the full-zip track jacket with ribbed stand-up collar, hem and cuffs harkens back to the classic styles of the 1970s tennis boom.

Felix Auger-Aliassime

Felix Auger-Aliassime is hoping for a return to form in the Reversible Aeroready Freelift T-Shirt ($80) (purchase now at TennisShop.com) and Aeroready Short ($75) (purchase now at TennisShop.com). Depending on his mood, he can wear the side with the all-over shapes and stripes, or flip it over for a single solid base color. The Freelift construction, made of 100% recycled polyester, affords the utmost breathability and unfettered range of motion. The 9-inch inseam shorts has strategically placed mesh inserts to increase ventilation and an elastic waistband for a comfortable and custom fit.

Jessica Pegula

Jessica Pegula is in the Aeroready Pro Modular Leotard ($130) (purchase now at TennisShop.com). A unique, slim-fitting piece with a detachable skirt that allows it to be worn separately, or together with the leotard. Stylishly detailed with geometric designs, the highly stretchable, moisture-wicking fabric and laser-cut perforations make sure it’s also ready for action.

Stefanos Tsitsipas

Stefanos Tsitsipas will let it rip in the Heat.Rdy Polo Shirt ($80) (purchase now at TennisShop.com) and Aeroready 2-in-1 Short ($75) (purchase now at TennisShop.com). The polo combines performance fabric with upper arm mesh, underarm gussets and freedom of movement for the ultimate in comfort and playability. A flat, knit collar and patterned sleeves brings elements of style with it. The shorts have an outer shell with a high gloss finish that has mesh-lined pockets and elastic waistband with drawcord. Underneath is a matching compression short with a diagonal stripe pattern that is capable of being worn separately.

Xinyu Wang

Xinyu Wang will wear the Transformative Dress ($120) (purchase now at TennisShop.com) and Avacourt Shoe ($150) (purchase now at TennisShop.com). A 2-in-1 dress made with Heat.Rdy. fabric and zoned mesh panels, the outer layer of the skirt can be pulled back and fastened at the shoulder to reveal a second solid color option. The special edition Avacourt features a suede leather tongue, toe guard with synthetic suede finishing and terry cloth-lined heel collar.