Despite Creating 100,000,000 Sneaker Record, American Tennis Legend Reveals Roger Federer Jealousy That Left Him Dejected Over a Hugely Missed Opportunity

Stan Smith is one of the most renowned sneaker models to be ever created by Adidas, one of the iconic brands in the world of footwear. However, tennis enthusiasts know about the origin of where these sneakers got their name. It is none other than renowned American tennis star Stan Smith who won two Grand Slam titles and went ahead to be the namesake of Adidas’ bestselling shoes. However, Smith always wanted Roger Federer on board with the company, which eventually ended up staying a dream.

Federer invested in On Running in 2019, and that was the end of his relationship with Nike. Tennis legend Stan Smith continues to feel that it was a great chance that they missed.

Adidas’ best-selling shoes namesake Stan Smith has a Roger Federer regret

The Swiss Maestro joined hands with On Running in 2019 and now, the brand has become one of the most beloved tennis shoe brands. However, the origin of such tennis trainers is associated with Adidas’ Stan Smith sneakers which monopolized the market. Tennis legend Stan Smith became the stalwart namesake of Adidas best selling shoes. And right now it boasts of more than 100 million pairs being sold. However, Smith feels that the sales could have been boosted owing to Roger Federer.

Federer left Nike in 2018 and went with Uniqlo and then invested in On Running in 2019. Now that he is with On Running, Smith feels Adidas has missed out on the chance to do that.

As mentioned in the book, The Roger Federer Effect, Smith stated, “Adidas should have signed him. We would have made a good pair.” The iconic player’s style always caught Smith’s eye. He stated, “He’s been more involved in the stuff he wears than the other tennis players.” Giving an example, he stated, “A great year was when he wore the cream blazer at Wimbledon (2006).” 

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Indeed, that year was a revolutionary year that has been embedded into the realm of tennis. Fashion and tennis on the court together caught everyone’s eye.

Matteo Berrettini on the unique fashion style of Federer

Matteo Berrettini also noticed that and wanted to emulate the same. The Wimbledon blazer got embedded in his brain. He credits Federer’s legacy for the same and believes the Swiss Maestro can pull off anything like that. However, Smith was not impressed by Federer’s On Running shoes which resembled his. He stated, “I wasn’t happy when I saw Roger wearing the shoe at the Laver Cup.”

He added it looked similar to his design but even then he noted, “But maybe it’s a compliment. And mine has a little bit more history.” Nevertheless, On Running has quickly spread its influence both in and outside the tennis realm. Moreover, the Swiss shoe brand has signed up rising tennis star Ben Shelton and also WTA world no. 1 Iga Swiatek. 

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