Roger Federer currently has no plans to change his outfit on the tour as speculation mounts about who will be sponsoring him in the future.
Earlier this month it was confirmed that Federer’s deal with sports brand Nike had expired on March 1st. Ending a partnership lasting more than two decades. He had been wearing Nike clothing whilst playing since 1994. Together they have created and marketed an array of products, including rackets and shoes. Furthermore, the company owns Federer’s signature ‘RF’ logo.
“I haven’t had a contract with Nike since March,” Federer said. “We’re in talks. We’ll talk about it and see what happens.”
The 36-year-old reportedly received $7.5 million a year during his time with the company. It is unclear as to who he will partner with next, but Japanese company Uniqlo has been mentioned as a possible successor. Swiss press has claimed that a meeting between the two parties have taken place, but no official confirmation has been made. Uniqlo previously sponsored Novak Djokovic before he went to Lacoste. They also have an existing deal with Kei Nishikori.
“As long as I don’t have a new contract with a clothing sponsor, I continue wearing Nike, which has been a good partner for 20 years.” Federer told reporters on Wednesday.
It is safe to say that the Swiss No.1 will not be short of interested parties. According to Forbes magazine, he is the seventh highest paid athlete in the world with a yearly pay of $77.2M. Out of that salary, $65M is due to endorsements.
Happy to be back
Federer ended his three-month break from the tour on Wednesday with a three sets win over Mischa Zverev at the Mercedes Cup in Stuttgart. It was the first time he had played a match since the Miami Open after skipping the clay swing of the tour. Something that he also chose to do last year.
“Three months is a long time, it’s longer than the year-end break. So, I’m very happy returning on good terms onto the tour,” Federer explained. “It was difficult, missed some chances, maybe, in the first set. … He connected well at the right times.
“And then I found a way, I found my rhythm. I’m very happy with how I played. I’m super happy to be back on tour. It’s been a great start.”
Avoiding three consecutive defeats open the tour, the world No.2 will take on either Guido Pella of Argentina or qualifier Prajnesh Gunneswaran in the quarter-finals of Friday. During the American Masters swing, he lost to Juan Martin del Potro in Indian Wells followed by Thanasi Kokkinakis in Miami. The last time he lost three matches in a row was back in 2002.
“It feels good to win again. I’ve lost my last two matches,” he said. “It’s nice to get a fresh start here.”
Next month, Federer will be bidding to win a record ninth Wimbledon title.
