Tennis legend Roger Federer has captured the attention of the pickleball world with his latest announcement regarding the debut of his Clubhouse Pro sneakers.
Federer, who has delved into commercial pursuits like his investment in the Swiss brand "On," unveiled the Clubhouse Pro shoes on Instagram, emphasizing their versatility across various racquet sports, including tennis and pickleball.
Federer's endorsement of the Clubhouse Pro line underscores its promise of comfort and adaptability, appealing to racquet sports enthusiasts seeking high-performance footwear.
In his Instagram post, Federer shared his excitement about the Clubhouse Pro sneakers, noting, "This is the Roger Clubhouse Pro. The first time I held this shoe in my hand, I was very excited because you can play any racquet sport with it. Tennis, paddle, or dare I even say it, pickleball."
Federer elaborated on the features of the shoes, highlighting the use of On's signature foam for responsiveness and comfort, as well as other innovations like hidden CloutTec and a Speedboard for stability, catering to the demands of the court while ensuring comfort throughout the day.
Federer's association with On began in 2019, when he acquired a 3 percent share in the company, aiming to contribute to the growth of a Swiss brand in the athletic footwear market. Since then On has flourished, attracting elite athletes like Ben Shelton and Iga Swiatek, and Federer's ownership stake has surged in value, estimated at an impressive $180 million when On went public in 2023.
Federer's lighthearted approach to his potential involvement in pickleball with the Clubhouse Pro sneakers underscores his ongoing transition from professional tennis to entrepreneurial ventures, while his enduring partnership with On reflects his commitment to supporting innovative and meaningful projects within the sports industry.
While this isn't a full-on endorsement of pickleball from the tennis legend, perhaps it's a foot in the right direction.