Federer sports new look in Wimbledon opener
Tennis great switches from Nike to Uniqlo apparel
WIMBLEDON, England – It is familiar territory for eight-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer to be the first to play on its center court on the opening Monday of The Championships.
It’s an honor that has always been extended to the men’s defending champion and which Federer has enjoyed on nine occasions, stepping in as the previous year’s finalist for injured Rafael Nadal in 2009.
This year, however, there was something very different about Federer’s appearance as he walked on court, which marks his 20th consecutive year playing singles at Wimbledon, an Open era record in the men’s game.
For the first time since he signed his initial contract in 1994, Federer stepped out in something other than Nike clothing. Federer is signed to a contract as a global brand ambassador with the Japa- nese apparel company Uniqlo, which bills itself as a “life company that creates LifeWear.”
The endorsement deal is reportedly an eyeball-popping figure when it comes to payment, but there’s been no official announcement on what he’s earning. Reports are he will make at least $30 million a year for the 10-year contract, which led a reporter to ask him about his new $300 million deal.
“It’s good you know my contract or you have no clue and you’re just saying something,” said Federer, laughing, after he defeated Dusan Lajovic of Serbia 6-1, 6-3, 6-4. “I was excited to wear Uniqlo today. I must tell you, it’s been a long time coming. I felt very good out there.”
It is believed, but also has never been verified, that his most recent Nike 10year deal that ended on March 1 improved his bank account assets by about $12 million a year.
According to Forbes magazine, Feder- er rakes in more than $65 million a year via endorsements, which doesn’t include tournament prize money.
Gone, at least temporarily, is his personal — and popular with fans — RF monogrammed line. He debuted the signature brand by wearing a white warmup jacket embroidered with shiny gold initials at Wimbledon 2006, becoming the only Nike endorser besides Tiger Woods with his own initialed collection.
Federer, however, believes the RF brand will make a powerful comeback as part of the Uniqlo collection.
There was, however, one remnant remaining as a reflection of Federer’s former self on court. Uniqlo is an apparel company and doesn’t do shoes, so his feet looked familiar as he scooted around the court in Nike sneakers.
“With the shoe situation, I don’t have a shoe deal,” Federer said. “I’m looking forward to see what shoes I will be wearing in the near future. For now, I will be wearing Nike. They have shown interest to have a shoe deal with me, as well. Ties are not broken there. I have deep roots with Nike. I’ve had a great relationship over the last 20 years.
“But everything is open,” he added. “Yeah, it’s very exciting also again to see what’s out there, who wants to do something with me.”