Iga Swiatek feels Roger Federer’s influence at On

Tennis News

James Richardson
March 22, 2023

Iga Swiatek has yet to meet Roger Federer face to face but the Swiss star has been key to apparel company On signing the Polish world no 1.

Swiatek was sold on working with the company after discussions between herself and the company, including investor and brand ambassador Federer.

She says that the values of On align with her own, and she looks forward to working with the company.

Swiatek had been set to be clad in head-to-toe On apparel at the Miami Open but she has been forced to withdraw.

This does mean that she could be wearing a new shoe for the start of the clay season.

Fortunately, On have just brought the clay version of the Roger Pro shoe to market and they will likely look to capitalise on the new queen of clay being on board.

Swiatek said that Federer was the seal of approval that she needed to get involved with the apparel company whose primary focus is athletic shoes.

“I think just the fact that Roger is involved in that kind of company is just a good recommendation for tennis players,” Swiatek told reporters at the Miami Open.

“I think also he influenced a lot on [the company’s] side, so that’s why they want to go further and they want to sign players.”

Swiatek and up-and-coming American Ben Shelton are the only two active tennis players signed to On.

She feels that the company have a personal approach to dealing with her, which she found attractive.

“I’m pretty happy that we could make it happen because I feel like we share the same values,” Swiatek said.

“They have a personal approach for the players. I feel like it’s treating me first like a person, but not mainly as a machine to win, you know?

“It’s a nice feeling to have that kind of support. I’m really happy that I’m starting this new chapter.”

On are confident that their Roger Pro clay court shoes will give players an edge. The clay-specific outsole is the only significant difference between the two editions of the shoes.

“The main change to the clay version of The Roger Pro is the full-length herringbone outsole,” Edwin James, On product manager, told Forbes.

“It is engineered to move clay through the grooves so you can execute consistent and controlled slides without compromising on grip. We follow the herringbone pattern as we know it is what players prefer and need on the clay surface.”

New custom On tennis shoes will be produced for both Swiatek and Shelton.

Iga Swiatek