Facing the best serves him well:: sacbee.com (free registration required)

Facing the best serves him well - sacbee.com ~~~

The real headline of this story should be Jenkins Signs with Reebok, but the staff writer at the Sacramento Bee probably didn't know that all Jenkins' fans were on pins and needles waiting for the announcement.

Although Kamakshi at Court Coverage linked to this story, which is lots of fun to read, the excerpts about the signing weren't featured there. But Lisen, on her fabulous blog Pro Tennis Fan, didn't miss the big news and she headlined it appropriately today.

I've been waiting for the official release for several weeks now, having heard that the Reebok deal was agreed to in principle and that Jenkins would be wearing their shoes and apparel in the challengers he was playing this fall. Lacoste and Nike, Jenkins' two other suitors, lost out, presumably because with Roddick and Nadal respectively, they were already stocked with charismatic young superstars (who command much higher endorsement fees of course). Reebok, having lost Roddick to Lacoste earlier this year, needed someone to appeal to aspiring youngsters and they've found him.

Jenkins also has a new "official" website, replete with hip hop music and splashy graphics, which lists his shoes and clothing company as Reebook (although he's wearing Nike in the Profile photo). So apparently the signing is a formality and a press release will be issued soon.