Get Ready From Hard Court to Evening Event With Tennis Player Kemal Karagozoglu

by

As a long-time tennis enthusiast, I can confidently say that August is my favorite month of the year. The energy and excitement that surrounds the tennis season in New York City is simply unparalleled. Growing up playing the sport, it’s amazing to see how much it has shaped my life and connected me with so many incredible people.

August marks the beginning of New York City’s thrilling tennis season, where top-tier athletes and enthusiasts gather to witness the greatest stars in the sport compete for a championship victory.

For Kemal Karagozoglu, a tennis player, coach, and model, this season holds a unique charm. Beyond captaining his college tennis team and engaging in casual games across the city, Karagozoglu has grown to value the profound impact of the tennis community on his character and appearance, whether it’s on or off the court.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by HYPEBEAST Kicks (@hypebeastkicks)

Karagozoglu guided TopMob through his unique tennis-themed fashion style for this year’s holiday events, beginning with an all-white ensemble suitable for a swift game of tennis and concluding with a laid-back streetwear outfit for the glamorous ASICS & ACES gathering, which featured special appearances by Novak Djokovic and Taylor Fritz.

Karagozoglu embodies ASICS Tennis’ philosophy that “sports have power,” and his new wardrobe line showcases his individuality among others. Aligning with ASICS, he advocates for molding the tennis community and fostering a mentality of continuous development.

We had a moment to sit down with Karagozoglu to learn more about how tennis impacts his life, living in New York and how he styles his ASICS shoes.

1. Could you share how tennis has impacted your personal experiences? And what aspects of the tennis community in New York City particularly appeal to you?

I mean, tennis. Tennis is my life. I wouldn’t be who I am. I wouldn’t know the people I know without tennis. Everything I’ve done has been because of tennis. Specifically in the city, it’s been amazing because there’s a sense of everyone grinding all the time in the city, even outside of tennis. People are at the courts at 5:30 in the morning, ready to wait for three hours in line just to play for 30 minutes. Everyone has this mutual respect for each other and the sport, which brings us a little closer. Every time I go to the courts, I meet 5-6 new people every time. It’s amazing.

What’s your typical style on the court? How is it off the court? What’s the difference?

On the basketball court, I prefer to maintain a unique yet uncomplicated flair. I want my style to be distinct enough to stand out a bit, but not so much that it makes me overly conspicuous. I’m fond of an oversized tee and subtle designs that might not catch your eye from afar, but reveal intricate details upon closer inspection, marking me as different from the rest.

Outside the court, I enjoy injecting a bit of my unique style. While many athletes prefer casual attire like sweatpants and hoodies, which can be quite stylish at times, I opt for adding some flair. I might don a pair of loose-fitting denims, a fitted top, or a ribbed tank. I also enjoy layering, perhaps with a collared camp shirt to complete the look.

As a gamer, I’m always on the hunt for the perfect tennis outfit. My love for patterns definitely plays a role – they help me stand out and express my personality on the court. But it’s not just about style; comfort is crucial too. The outfit needs to allow me freedom of movement so I can play at my best.

I prefer designs that are subtly intricate, not immediately noticeable from afar, but revealing their unique materials and craftsmanship upon closer inspection. I’m drawn to styles that exude comfort, sportiness, and athleticism, yet maintain an element of sophistication as well. A hint of cotton could add a touch of class too. Some might find this preference unconventional, but I appreciate a design with a bit more substantial thickness.

What’s your approach to accessorizing?

I enjoy adorning myself with jewelry and expressing my unique style, even while playing sports. You’ll often notice me wearing rings and multiple chains during games. I may also sport a headband or wear wristbands, sometimes even donning a backward hat. While some athletes might not share this preference, I appreciate standing out a bit by adding these accessories to my look.

What would you look for in a good tennis shoe? How does the ASICS shoe measure up?

As a gamer who dives headfirst into action, I prefer my gear to be robust because I move around like a whirlwind. My shoes wear out almost every week due to this constant movement, so I value durability and ankle support. Many athletes, including myself, often twist their ankles, making ankle protection essential for me.

I love the Skyhand OG. I think it’s super sleek, and I kind of feel like a superhero when I put it on. Does that make sense? I feel like I could run through anything. You feel that support and that comfort has always been the biggest thing about ASICS. Most tennis shoes, you have to wear the shoe for a week to get used to it. With ASICS, I could put it on the first day and I’m ready to go, which is a big thing as a tennis player.

Talk us through the outfit that you put together with ASICS.

Initially, I opted for an all-white design, a timeless choice that I adore. It’s hard to make a mistake with this classic, clean aesthetic. The fit was effortless and uncomplicated, yet it managed to be soft while still having a sporty vibe. Wearing it made me feel incredibly comfortable, and added a hint of superhero-like confidence, which is quite significant for me.

Next, we don the entire blue ActiveBreeze Short Sleeve shirt. From afar, its texture isn’t noticeable, but upon closer inspection, it reveals an intriguing design – small holes and hints of green. The neon accents add just the right amount of vibrant color without being overwhelming. I find that ASICS has executed this unique style perfectly.

What’s the energy of New York Like this time of year for tennis enthusiasts, players, lovers?

It’s heartwarming to observe that these individuals genuinely appreciate the sport you were raised on playing. To me, it’s unique because at times it seems insignificant, but during this season, it becomes evidently clear that its impact is substantial and widespread. People from diverse backgrounds are drawn together by it, which is what makes me cherish it so much.

Shop the latest ASICS Tennis apparel collection now available in-store and online at ASICS.com.

Read More

2024-08-29 00:27