Diadora Looks Back at the Golden Era of Tennis for New B.560 Sneaker
Discover how Martina Trevisan is reconnecting with Italian sporting culture in the new feature.
Diadora’s new B.560 sneaker is a complete embodiment of the sports brand’s tennis heritage. Released last July, the sneaker sees Diadora pivot its design direction back to its sporting roots, pulling together elements from its sneaker archives with contemporary-inspired finishes. As a result, the retro-inspired model stands as a classic amongst its vast library of footwear.
Keeping the all-encompassing design in mind, Hypebae produces a dynamic series of visuals with the B.560 at the forefront. The editorial stars brand ambassadors Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Martina Trevisan wearing lifestyle looks that reflect the sneaker’s old-meets-new make-up. Following a technical on-court outfit, the duo adorns an assortment of vintage Diadora garments paired with the new kicks. It shows just how Diadora can do it all.
In an exclusive interview with Hypebae, Italian No.1 ranking player Trevisan takes a moment to discuss the highs and lows of her tennis journey, as well as sharing the trailblazing players and Diadora icons that inspired her move into the sport.
Hypebae: Which sporting icons inspired you to play tennis professionally?
Trevisan: My family has always been connected to the world of tennis. My mum is a tennis teacher and my older brother also started playing from an early age. At home, we always watched big tournaments and the champions who played in them.
That’s when I started to chase my dream. Growing up, there was this golden age of Italian tennis with Francesca Schiavone, Flavia Pennetta, Roberta Vinci and Sara Errani. Flavia set an example to me as a player – I have always appreciated her style of play and attitude on the court. I hope one day to be able to represent the same for the future generation of Italian tennis players.
Coming from a sporting family, what important lessons did you learn in your journey to professional tennis?
The world of professional sport has very particular dynamics, so having a family that understands them helps me a lot. Tennis is a bit like life: there are many difficulties but it is important to learn how to handle them with a smile and with the right attitude. As athletes, we compete almost every week and this puts you under so much pressure, but also gives you new opportunities even in the less positive moments.
“Tennis is a bit like life: there are many difficulties but it is important to learn how to handle them with a smile and with the right attitude.”
How does the way you present yourself on the court elevate your legacy as a high-ranking player?
I always try to bring the feminine side of me onto the field. The ranking I have achieved is the result of growing as a human being, as well as my technicality and tactility. During tennis seasons you play many matches and you can’t always be at your best, but I have reached the maturity to face each challenge with the right attitude, always giving my best so that I have no regrets. That doesn’t mean I don’t want to win; I personally believe that lightness is key to reaching the top of the ranking. If I can achieve this, then I’m satisfied.
From clay to grass, what kind of court do you feel you thrive on and why?
For my game, I prefer clay courts. They offer me more time to play my game and move my opponent around. However, with the experience I’ve been acquiring over the last few seasons, I’m becoming more comfortable on hard and indoor courts as well. Grass is still a surface I have to get to know, you only play there a few weeks per year so I haven’t played enough matches on them yet.
Why is rest and recuperation an important element in your tennis career?
Tennis is a sport that requires great energy both physically and mentally. We compete every week, so it is crucial to manage recovery well. Over the course of a season, it’s important to schedule tournaments with moments in between to give your body a rest from the hard work of the previous weeks. That is why it is very important to have a coach, fitness trainer and physiotherapist who can advise you on scheduling, nutrition and recovery.
“Roberto Baggio was a great icon of Italian sport when I was growing up and his Diadora shoes certainly have a special place in my memories.”
Since the 1960s, Diadora’s sneakers have had a significant presence on the courts. What is your first memory of the Diadora brand?
Amongst the first images I associate with Diadora are those of Roberto Baggio. He was a great icon of Italian sport when I was growing up and his Diadora shoes certainly have a special place in my memories. But speaking of tennis, the player that most sticks in my mind is Boris Becker. He was a legend of the sport, and shows the great heritage of Diadora. It is very nice to be able to dress in an Italian brand that has such a tradition.
As an Italian-born sportswoman, what does it mean to play in sneakers with a rich Italian heritage?
It is a source of honor. Diadora has dressed so many Italian and international champions in every sport, so the fact that they wanted me as ambassador makes me proud. Moreover, Diadora’s great tradition is also a guarantee of the quality of its products. As an Italian, it is nice to step onto the court wearing a historical brand of my country.
What about this classic Diadora silhouette makes it easy to style both on and off the court?
I feel very confident with the outfits Diadora creates for tennis. Besides being beautiful, they are made from quality materials to meet the needs of a professional athlete. In addition, I have different models available so that I can always be comfortable on the court. The clothing to wear off the court is also excellent; I have many different outfits at my disposal so I can always feel my best on every occasion.
Explore the full editorial in the gallery above. To read the interview with Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, head to Hypebeast now.
The new B.560 sneaker is now available to buy on Diadora’s website, global stores, and partner stockists.
