WASHINGTON, February 18, 2018 (by Michael Dickens)

On Friday, Roger Federer became the oldest tennis player – male or female – to be ranked No. 1 in the world when he beat Robin Haase in Rotterdam. Federer first topped the ATP world rankings 14 years ago.

Now, at age 36, Federer has returned to World No. 1. To celebrate his latest milestone, Nike has gifted the tennis icon with an exclusive pair of Air Force 1 Lows, which he wore during the trophy ceremony Sunday afternoon after winning the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam. Federer, who has worn Nike apparel and footwear in competition for many years, also has an exclusive collection of the American corporation’s tennis apparel and footwear that is marketed worldwide.

Additionally, over the weekend, Nike unveiled a 30-second advertisement honoring Federer, tweeting:

Age is just a number until you’re number one. @rogerfederer pic.twitter.com/Dg4T8JakAN

— Nike (@Nike) 16. Februar 2018

A full-page print version of the ad appeared Sunday in The New York Times Sports section.

About the author

Michael Dickens is a Washington, D.C.-area freelance journalist who writes and blogs about tennis.