Madrid, October 19 (dpa) � Tennis, in these latest times, is taking on a dimension that goes beyond the sport. Tennis players have become genuine icons for sports brands, and their image sells just as much or even more than their tennis ability.
Rafael Nadal and Feliciano L�pez are the two most important young, marketable players in Spanish tennis. At 18 and 23 years old respectively, they are already genuine idols in the racquet sport, in spite of that fact that they are still in the formation process.
They are in Madrid to play the Masters Series in the Spanish capital, but tennis isn�t all that�s going on. On Monday night, the two attended a seminar at the "21st Century Club", a debate forum that brings together the most powerful figures in the world of politics, economy and culture.
The challenge wasn�t small. Introduced by Manolo Santana, L�pez and Nadal were to speak, barely hours before their debut in Madrid, of a profound theme: "The youth of the 21st century and Spanish tennis of yesterday, today and tomorrow".
In a refined atmosphere and with a select audience, the two tennis players expressed their sense of being in the public eye and they spoke naturally and with a sense of humor throughout their participation.
L�pez and Nadal wore designs by the Venezuelan Carolina Herrera. Feliciano has already been a part of various photographic compilations as a model and he shows his savvy. He wore a pinstriped suit over a white shirt with blue stripes and without a tie. "He has a very good wardrobe,� someone present commented enthusiastically.
Nadal showed a more informal "look" with a shirt of many colors. "What are we going to do with the clothes? Will they think that we�ve worn them?" he asks behind the scenes. After finding out that they are a gift, he makes a surprised face.
The Mallorcan is not so used to being in the public eye and his timidity in front of the microphone contrasts with L�pez�s talkativeness, although his evolution in recent months in public appearances is parallel to his tennis growth. While Feliciano adjusts the cuffs of his shirt and jacket, Rafael bites his nails. But both display their elegance.
At the present time clothing is one of the aspects that the commercial brands look at carefully. "Some they believe that tennis is lifeless and they are looking to call more attention to tennis, the clothes stem from that," says L�pez, who like Nadal and Carlos Moy� you see on the courts in sleeveless shirts.
In tune with "tennis fashion", the Masters Series in Madrid introduced a world novelty by using models as ball girls in the matches that are the most crowded. "We will see if it turns out well", Feliciano says prudently on the matter. "It seems perfect to me, it�s an innovation everywhere and it gives a special character to the tournament,� assures Nadal with more faith.
It is ten at night and the seminar finishes. Nadal plays at noon on the following day and presses the ones in charge to take him back to his hotel as soon as possible, where he has an appointment with the physical therapist and with dinner.
Sleep will come later. The fact is that nowadays the social life is as important for a tennis player as his training. "One must know to balance all things,� they affirm. Anna Kournikova is still looking for the method.
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