Herzogenaurach/ Melbourne – January 12, 2008 - Some of the world’s leading tennis stars gathered today in Melbourne, Australia, to help launch the latest evolution of the adidas tennis shoe known as the legend, the Barricade V.

Ana Ivanovic, Alicia Molik, Marcos Baghdatis and Australian Open debutant Brydan Klein put the new Barricade V shoes to the test on a unique tennis court positioned on top of the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, with the home of the Australian Open set as a backdrop.  Playing atop arguably Australia’s most famous sporting venue was a great thrill for both the local and international players who thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

“I knew when coming to the Australian Open that we would be playing on a different surface but this is certainly taking it to the extreme,” commented Marcos Baghdatis.  “It is certainly a very fitting venue to launch the Barricade V, the tennis shoe known amongst the players as the legend and I look forward to playing in them during the Australian Open.“

The first adidas Barricade was introduced in 1999, designed to be the perfect hard-court tennis shoe, combining extraordinary comfort with maximum stability.  The Barricade has since then been worn by some of the best tennis professionals over the past decade including Marat Safin, Justine Henin, Novak Djokovic, Alicia Molik and Ana Ivanovic.

Just released in Australia, the Barricade V is the lightest version yet, with the same familiar snug and supportive fit.  The Barricade V retails at 125 € and is available at leading sports retailers around the world.  Key features include:

• Upper: Synthetic leather upper for lightweight and durability.
• Midsole: adiprene+ insert for forefoot propulsion and efficiency. Extended Torsion System for midfoot and forefoot integrity. Feathered construction allowing for ultimate performance in multi-directional sports.
• Outsole: Adiwear for the best durability in high wear areas