Fashion and style? Not many can outdo Roger Federer. That’s why Ben Shelton finds himself inspired by the Swiss’ knack for impressive attire.
At 42, Federer was a balletic mover on the tennis court. His silky backhand shots could make a cameo in any tennis hot shot reel. He was World No. 1 for 310 weeks, and he’s got 20 Grand Slams under his belt, among other things.
Federer’s career, which spanned nearly three decades, was a modern-day inspiration. It wasn’t just about how he played; it was about how he dressed. When Federer stepped onto a tennis court, he was a symbol of class. His tailored tennis clothing gave him a distinct look.
Federer wasn’t just a trendsetter on the court. He collaborated with clothing companies like Nike and currently works with Japanese casual wear designer Uniqlo and luxury watch manufacturer Rolex.
Federer’s love for fashion led him to invest in On Running, a Swiss sportswear company. In 2021, he helped launch its first tennis shoe.
Ben Shelton, a 21-year-old global brand ambassador for On, recently revealed how his peers envy his ostentatious tennis gear. He admits he draws inspiration from Federer, who can never put a foot wrong when dressing for any occasion.
“I get style inspiration from different people, other athletes, and Instagram. Roger is one of those guys who can do it all. He can do it on the court, he can do it off the court, he can do it at the Met Gala, he can do it at Wimbledon.”
“There’s this great tradition and rich history in tennis. A lot of the brands other players are wearing – they don’t make much outside of traditional clothes, so my buddies on tour are definitely jealous of the gradient kit I’ve been wearing. They all want to touch it.”
Takeaways
‣ Roger Federer is renowned not only for his tennis skills but also for his fashion sense, setting trends and influencing how athletes approach their on-court attire.
‣ Federer has collaborated with clothing companies like Nike, Uniqlo, and Rolex, and has invested in the Swiss sportswear company On Running, helping to launch its first tennis shoe in 2021.
‣ Young athletes like Ben Shelton are inspired by Federer’s style, both on and off the court, and see him as a symbol of class and grace in the world of tennis.