Miffed With Nike, Carlos Alcaraz Fans Lash Out Over Lack of Proper Marketing Despite Winning the French Open Crown

Every single entity or group associated with the tennis world is currently celebrating Carlos Alcaraz‘s victory. While the Spaniard traveled a tough road to secure the Roland Garros title despite the struggles of his forearm injury, he managed to take down Alexander Zverev, earning his third Slam on a third different surface. Amid the raining social media posts of appreciation, Nike also expressed honor with a delightful graphic. But it wasn’t nearly enough for many.

In a recent post on X, the sportswear giant shared a picture of a smiling Carlos Alcaraz on red clay. “Joy that cannot be beat! Congratulations, @carlosalcaraz, on your third Grand Slam victory,” the caption said. The Spaniard is known for throwing easy smiles around, be it off the court at interviews or press conferences. Or on the court when he, or even his opponent, makes a particularly clever play.

With his third Grand Slam victory, Alcaraz was of course grinning from ear to ear. Or “Winning from ear to ear”, as Nike’s graphic put it. The World No. 3 has been associated with the brand since 2020, on a reportedly $1 million deal. While the sportswear giant raised a bet on him at 17, while was just an aspirant of the achievements that he has today, the journey continued to be fruitful. But for many in the tennis community, it’s a one-sided partnership.

Looking back to their recent contract, the Spaniard’s deal is supposed to last till 2025. As the reports suggest, the brand is looking forward to adding more digits this time. However, this is not exactly what the fans demand.

Fans demand “custom kits” for Carlos Alcaraz

Nike’s core aim was to congratulate Carlos Alcaraz because of his massive feat at Roland Garros. While everyone has now started to consider him a notable figure, fans took to the comment section to raise their demands for custom kits and specific merchandise.

“When are y’all releasing Carlos signature shoes?” a fan questioned, pressing on the fact that he should have his own name on the boots in the near future. If this happens, Alcaraz would stand parallel to the likes of Serena Williams, who has a huge line of shoes dedicated to her name.

Disregarding his outfit at Roland Garros, a fan wrote, “This outfit was horrible”. While it was just a build-up, his core aim was to enquire “When is he getting custom kits??”. Alcaraz had worn a dark blue tshirt and bright yellow shorts through much of the French Open.

Another fan, mentioning the fact that the previous outfits were dull, suggested that the Spaniard deserves something of his own. “Need some better kits and merch for the fans. Step it up- he deserves more,” he commented. While it’s lately been On that has received flak for less than avaerage kits for the winner on the WTA side of things, Iga Swiatek, Nike is the next name to be under fire.

“Give him his own branding and line please guys,” a fan urged, using his recent achievement and early success as a base. With his recent victory at Roland Garros, the Spaniard now has 3 grand slam titles while he’s just 21. An incredible and deserving performance for a custom kit.

While there were urges and suggestions, some fans had frustration as well. “I need you guys to get serious. He’s got 3 slams and more than 5 million followers. We need a fu***ng logo, merch and some decent kits. Get to fu***ng work,” they wrote. Carlos Alcaraz is the youngest player to win a Grand Slam on all three surfaces, so he more than deserves some special treatment.

Can Nike deliver on the fans’ demands? Only time will tell! Meanwhile, the Spaniard gets ready for the next Slam of the year and increase his tally!