Roger Federer's surprising decision
Roger Federer has reportedly ditched sponsor Nike after 24-years to sign a $39 million per-year decade-long deal with Japanese brand Uniqlo.
The Swiss champion has sported Nike clothing for his entire tennis career and the American company even owns his legendary “RF” logo.
According to reports by the Swiss press, the 36-year-old has already signed a deal with the Japanese company, which would boost his annual income by almost 30 per cent.
Uniqlo sponsored Novak Djokovic until 2017 and they currently work with Japanese tennis star Kei Nishikori.
Federer signed his first contract with Nike in 1994. His most recent 10-year sponsorship agreement with Nike — which expired in March this year — is the wealthiest in the sport’s history, worth more than $158 million.
According to Forbes, Federer already earns more than $65 million per year in endorsements alone — enough to keep him at No. 7 on the list of sport’s highest earners.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion may wear his new sponsor’s clothing during the upcoming Wimbledon tournament.