Despite being one of the best tennis players in the world, Roger Federer found himself nervous as he was lacing up another legends shoe preparing to play in front of him.
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Roger Federer is easily one of the biggest names in tennis. Whether you follow the sport or not, you likely know who Federer is. As he will likely go down as one of the greatest ever to play the game of tennis, it is only fitting that he would wear the shoes of one of the greatest ever to play a different sport. However, that’s also a lot to live up to.
Federer has been a Nike athlete for quite some time, but now he is donning a new line of sneakers on the court. Wearing Michael Jordan’s insignia on his shoes, and playing in front of the greatest basketball player to ever play the game while doing so, well, Federer had some butterflies.
Speaking of the moment, Federer said, “The day of the match, I was like, ‘Just don’t lose. Michael was sitting there and I was wearing the shoes… like, ‘Serve now and don’t double fault and don’t lose the match.'”
That debut of the white and cement colorway of the Zoom Vapor “AJ3” shoes came during the US Open. He would go on to win in straight sets in front of Jordan, before eventually losing in the semifinals. He did not have the Jordan inspired kicks on during his loss however.
Yesterday, Federer cruised to a straight set victory over Milos Raonic in his first round matchup at the ATP World Tour Finals in London. Look for Federer to keep it going as he is set to take on Kei Nishikori in the second round.
It definitely makes sense for Roger Federer to feel a little nervous being given the honor to wear MJ’s kicks, but greatness rides together, and that’s something he’s earned. On another note, having been a sneakerhead for much of my life, Federer’s new Jordan inspired kicks are absolute fire, even at $200.
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