It’s the end of an era for Roger Federer and Nike as UNIQLO announced a unique partnership with the tennis player today, tapping him as its latest Global Brand Ambassador.
The eight-time Wimbledon champion was seen wearing the Japanese brand’s attire for his Wimbledon match on Monday but has kept his Nike shoes for now.
According to sources, the new contract is worth more than $300 million and spans over 10 years, with unprecedented clause that notes that Federer will be getting paid even when he’s not on the tennis court. Federer will be repping UNIQLO at all tennis tournaments throughout the year, starting with The Championships, Wimbledon 2018.
Commenting on the announcement, Tadashi Yanai, UNIQLO Founder and Chairman, President & CEO of Fast Retailing, said, “Mr. Federer is one of the greatest champions in history; my respect for him goes beyond sport. Our partnership will be about innovation on and off court. We share a goal of making positive change in the world, and I hope together we can bring the highest quality of life to the greatest number of people. UNIQLO will help Mr. Federer continue taking tennis to new places, while exploring innovations in a number of areas including technology and design with him.”
When asked about the deal, Federer said, “I am deeply committed to tennis and to winning championships. But like UNIQLO, I also have great love for life, culture and humanity. We share a strong passion to have a positive impact on the world around us and look forward to combining our creative endeavors.”
Federer’s new game gear for Wimbledon 2018 was designed at the UNIQLO Paris R&D Center, led by Artistic Director Christophe Lemaire. Staying true to the tennis player’s preference for short stand-up collar, the design maintains the same sophisticated style accented with a burgundy line at the edge of the sleeves, front panel of the shirt and down the sides of the shorts, an attire that can be carried seamlessly from on to off court.
The uniform also features special arched structure that dries faster than ordinary dry function material called “Dry EX” which was developed by UNIQLO and Toray Industries to allow breathability, avoid overheating and keep athletes comfortable throughout a session.
Source: AP Photo/Tim Ireland
Read also: UNIQLO To Launch Ines de la Fressange 2018 Fall/Winter Collection
