WASHINGTON, July 7, 2020 (by Michael Dickens)
Tennis may be in the midst of global lockdown due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. However, it hasn’t kept Roger Federer from being creative or finding inspiration in things off of the court.
On Monday, in conjunction with Swiss performance shoe and apparel company On, Federer rolled out a limited-edition release of “THE ROGER Centre Court 0-Series.” It’s an all-day, tennis-inspired sneaker that the Swiss maestro helped create. Like Federer, the classic, clean-line, all white “THE ROGER” looks sharp and handsome as well as comfortable. One can imagine Federer walking onto Wimbledon’s Centre Court – his tennis home away from home – wearing a pair of “THE ROGER” sneakers.
Introducing THE ROGER Centre Court 0-Series. The all-day tennis-inspired sneaker created with @RogerFederer. Available first as an ultra-limited, individually numbered pre-release. Enter the raffle now – entries close in less than 48 hours. https://t.co/ZyM8tw4X2S #THEROGER pic.twitter.com/40W2s3UKM5
— On (@on_running) July 6, 2020
As Federer reminded everyone from On’s design studio in Zurich during a series of live presentations, “No. 1, this is very exciting for me. I’ve never done this before. It’s called ‘THE ROGER.’ Centre Court because Centre Court is my favorite court and 0 Series means there’s going to be a different series.
“I like the shoe very much. We wanted to make it lightweight, comfortable. Hopefully, a future classic.
“It’s not for tennis, it’s for the street. I hope it’s a shoe you can wear every day, sort of like your watch – something that’s so comfortable, you want to wear it all the time.”
Federer, who joined the On team in 2019, is using his unique leadership and entrepreneurial skills to help take On’s product development – the company is known for its cloud technology – as well marketing and fan experiences to new levels. As Monday’s presentation revealed – and the company’s website reinforced – “it’s not only Swiss roots that Roger and On have in common, but a shared passion for innovation, performance and design. For exploring too – whether in the Alps or the city.”
With Monday’s splashy release, “THE ROGER Centre Court 0-Series” brought on “game, set, perfect match” for Federer and On.
.@RogerFederer unveils The Roger, his first sneaker designed in collaboration with @On_Running. https://t.co/VYW9IheIqK
— Vogue Magazine (@voguemagazine) July 6, 2020
• What Federer misses about not being at Wimbledon
During a Q & A session with fans at On headquarters, Federer was asked what he would miss about not being at the Wimbledon Championships this year. He said: “As usual, the crowds. I know the tournament organization, the village, the strawberries and cream, the traditions like the ivy on the walls, the purple and green colors, the grass. I love playing on grass and Centre Court is our Holy Grail. There’s a lot of things to miss.”
• Federer already planning for 2021 season
Severin Luthi, one of Roger Federer’s longtime coaches, told Swiss broadcaster SRF on Monday that the 20-time Grand Slam champion is recovering well from his recent arthroscopic surgery and soon will begin fitness training.
“Roger is doing well,” said Luthi. “Rehabilitation has gone according to plan after the second surgery. No big intensity until now, he will start a physical fitness block with Pierre Paganini (his long-time fitness trainer) shortly.
“The first priority is that Roger gets 100 percent healthy again. The nice thing is that with Roger you still get the feeling you’re on court with a junior and not with a player who’s rather at the end of his career, those are perfect conditions we’re focused on next season.”
Tiafoe disqualified from playing WTT this summer
“Washington Kastles player Frances Tiafoe, having tested positive for COVID-19 within the advance travel testing window, is ineligible to compete in the 2020 World TeamTennis season.” – @CarlosSilva, World TeamTennis CEO pic.twitter.com/RGfnutFJQ8
— World TeamTennis (@WorldTeamTennis) July 6, 2020
Swiatek impressive in winning Swiss exhibition
Polish rising star Iga Swiatek dropped just one set in five matches during an exhibition last week in Montreux, Switzerland.
.@iga_swiatek was in fine form as she won an exhibition event in Montreux 🌊,⛰️ —> https://t.co/ReOVKKBxYi pic.twitter.com/sbuJhl7aQ4
— wta (@WTA) July 5, 2020
Halep undecided on Palermo
Simona Halep hasn’t made a decision on whether she will play in the WTA’s first tournament back after the shutdown from the coronavirus, an International event scheduled for Palermo on red clay. “I have not made a decision but I hope to start with Palermo,” the World No. 2 Halep said over the weekend, in Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Thank you Sports Festival for the invitation and congrats for the event. As always, I felt wonderful in Cluj and secure, under the new health and safety conditions 🤗#winnersopen#dedeman #bancatransilvania pic.twitter.com/7si4eviPVT
— Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) July 6, 2020
Gibson’s legacy lives on
On this day in 1957, history was made when Althea Gibson became the first Black player to win a #Wimbledon singles title.
Thank you, Althea, for your tenacity, courage, and undeniable talent.
Your legacy lives on. #HistoryMatters #RememberHerName pic.twitter.com/T5mGEa6GHT
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) July 6, 2020
No Manic Monday at Wimbledon this year
This should have been one of the best days in sports: Manic Monday at Wimbledon.
Moments we are missing
📸 Getty pic.twitter.com/Is6pWxmmzZ
— Christopher Clarey (@christophclarey) July 6, 2020
The Way Back Machine / Federer-Nadal, 2008 Wimbledon final
At 4 hours and 48 minutes, the 2008 Wimbledon men’s final between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal was the longest singles final in Wimbledon history. It ended at 9:16 p.m. local time on July 6, 2008, with Nadal the winner, 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-7 (8), 9-7.
How dark was it after Federer-Nadal in 2008? Flash bulbs were requiredhttps://t.co/u2FaVhWYNR pic.twitter.com/aN2wfYeKDb
— Christopher Clarey (@christophclarey) July 10, 2019
Venus may be speaking for entire world
“I just love her and you too much!” Venus said. “If this gets any cuter I will NOT LIVE.”
With over 31,000 comments on Serena and Olympia’s photo series and over 100,000 likes on the Australian Open’s repost, Venus may be speaking for the entire world. https://t.co/DsZVkfQSEP
— TENNIS (@Tennis) July 5, 2020
What they’re sharing on social media
Stefanos Tsitsipas / Street photography
Shot this in Barcelona last year. I really like the intensity, energy and luminance of this capture. It almost feels as if there is a tremendous amount of force and stimulation enforced from the vehicle, making this photo stand out in a unique manner.#StreetPhotography 🚏 pic.twitter.com/ggLeertHsb
— Stefanos Tsitsipas (@StefTsitsipas) July 5, 2020
Bethanie Mattek-Sands / When everything seems the same …
“When everyday seems the same, it is because we have stopped noticing the good things that appear in our life” – Paolo Coelho 🌊 I highly recommend his book The Alchemist… One of my favorites 📖 #Inspired #MondayMotivation #GameSetMattek #PaoloCoelho #TheAlchemist #BeachLife pic.twitter.com/3GvsGfSule
— Bethanie MattekSands (@matteksands) July 6, 2020
