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Yonex Introduces Contract Clause That Fines Clients For Smashing Racquets On Court

Yonex has "introduced a controversial contract clause" that allows the tennis racquet manufacturer to "strip a chunk out of their clients' retainer for every racquet smashed," according to Michael Chammas of the Melbourne AGE. The move has been "met with some resistance from its clients" as Yonex has "moved to stop its players from smashing racquets on courts." Yonex' highest profile clients include Nick Kyrgios, Stan Wawrinka and Angelique Kerber, though it is "unclear whether Kyrgios has renewed or extended his contract with Yonex since the company slowly began implementing the clause on all of its clients' contracts at the end of last year." Kyrgios was "fined for racquet and equipment violations" by the Australian Open following his second-round loss to Andreas Seppi. While it could be "argued the brand promotion of a racquet smash is a positive endorsement for the company, Yonex clearly holds a different view and has moved to protect its image from such acts of frustration." The decision by Yonex to "implement the clause is the first of its kind in tennis, but it will unlikely affect their deals with elite players who earn millions of dollars each season." However, the "impact at grassroots level among the younger stars could be felt by players scratching for every dollar to travel the world to compete in tournaments" (Melbourne AGE, 1/21).

IN THE GAME: The AP's Justin Bergman notes Svetlana Kuznetsova took a "risk" with her clothing sponsorship by signing with Chinese sportswear brand Qiaodan in '13. Chinese companies have gained traction in basketball, but have "made fewer inroads" in tennis, "especially among top players." Kuznetsova's deal with Qiaodan began when her agent "received an offer" from the unfamiliar brand. Kuznetsova was "impressed" by samples Qiaodan had made for her, which included a "special logo for her -- her initials with a butterfly." Kuznetsova said that one "perk of the partnership" is she can "collaborate with Qiaodan's designers on the outfits she wears on court." Some designs are "more successful than others, such as the one she's wearing at the Australian Open, a grey and yellow outfit with rows of small holes cut in the skirt." But to Kuznetsova, "what's important is she looks like ... none of the other players" (AP, 1/20).

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