Roger Federer’s relationship with Nike ‘must have soured’ after endorsement deal mystery
ROGER FEDERER’S relationship with sportswear giant Nike has ended after more than 24 years together, the Swiss tennis star confirmed earlier this week.
Federer, 36, had been rumoured to have signed a whopping new deal with Japanese clothing brand Uniqlo after his revealing that his Nike contract had expired.
But, speaking to reporters this week, the 20-time Grand Slam winner denied any deal had been done – yet.
“It's rumours... but I haven't had a contract with Nike since March,” Federer said of the Uniqlo deal.
“We're talking. We'll see what happens. I'll let you know.”
Federer penned his first deal with Nike back in 1994, establishing the iconic “RF” brand that includes his famous logo.
But, if the veteran superstar is unable to agree terms on an extension, Nike will still own the copyright to the RF logo and could still sell merchandise emblazoned with Federer’s name.
Discussing the recent shock announcement on the latest edition of the Tennis Podcast, Eurosport presenter Catherine Whitaker claimed tensions between Nike and Federer must have reached a sticking point.
“Things must have gotten awfully sour for it to have got to this stage with a company that he has had a 20-year relationship with,” Whitaker explained.
“Can you imagine the sum of money being talked about here?
“I remember in the 90s hearing about Andre Agassi having a $100m Nike deal over 10 years, so essentially $10m-a-year.
“That was Andre Agassi, who is huge obviously, but no Roger Federer in terms of global brand. Federer transcends pretty much everybody in a Tiger Woods post-scandal category.
“That was in the nineties as well, so if you adjust for inflation and Federer-flation, I cannot imagine [the number].”