Adidas & Djokovic Agree Footwear Deal
adidas has confirmed it has signed a new footwear partnership with world number one tennis player Novak Djokovic, who has been wearing the German brand’s footwear for a number of years. Claiming all six of his Grand Slam titles in the Barricade shoe, the latest model – the Barricade 7 – was debuted at the French Open last week.
Djokovic, who signed a representation and management contract with IMG in December 2012, has an exisiting apparel sponsorship in place with Japanese fashion brand Uniqlo, which will remain intact.
The 26 year-old said of the deal: ‘The adidas Barricade is my favourite shoe. I have been wearing it for many years and have worn all the different generations. I have full confidence in the shoe and am very comfortable on the court when I wear it, which is essential for a tennis player.’
‘I have very specific dynamic movements, with a lot of splits and slides, so I need to have the right stability in the shoe, but also have an optimal weight and great performance. The Barricade offers me everything – adidas has provided me with the best shoe possible to help me win Roland Garros for the first time.’
Vincent Montalescot, vice president of global sports marketing at Adidas, added: ‘It has been more than impressive to see Novak evolve into the world number one tennis player today. adidas is proud to partner with Novak and will do all we can to help him win more titles in the future by ensuring his footwear is industry-leading.’
Djokovic swept aside Grigor Dimitrov in his third round clash at Roland Garros on Saturday – for which adidas is an official supplier – defeating the Bulgarian 6-2 6-2 6-3 to set up a tie with Philipp Kohlschreiber on Monday.
