Tennis

Swiss sportswear brand On, endorsed by tennis legend Roger Federer, is expanding its roster of young tennis prodigies. Following the signing of 17-year-old João Fonseca and 20-year-old Ben Shelton, On has now welcomed 15-year-old German Julia Stusek to its WTA contingent, alongside world number one Iga Swiatek.Stusek made her WTA main-draw debut at the Bad Homburg Open as a lucky loser, showcasing her potential in a competitive 6-2, 7-5 loss to American Peyton Stearns. Her appearance marked the first time she wore On's signature tank and skirt, similar to the attire Swiatek wore during her recent Roland Garros triumph.While Swiatek and Shelton represent On's current tennis presence, Fonseca and Stusek embody the brand's investment in the future. Fonseca, the 2023 junior US Open champion, turned professional this year and has already made history as the first ATP player born in 2006 to win a main-draw match. He also reached the quarterfinals in Rio de Janeiro and won a round at the Madrid Masters 1000.Stusek, on the other hand, is regarded as one of Germany's most promising young talents. At just 13 years old, she won the prestigious Les Petit As title in 2022 and reached the junior Australian Open doubles final this year."I couldn't be more thrilled to become a part of the On team," Stusek expressed on Instagram. "I'm excited to represent this unique, young, and creative brand on and off the tennis court."On's recent signing of Zendaya as a brand ambassador suggests that the brand may be planning to feature these talented teens in future campaigns alongside the likes of Tashi Duncan.

The Roger Clubhouse Pro, On's latest tennis shoe, is designed to cater to casual players seeking comfort and versatility. It boasts a softer ride compared to its predecessor, the Roger One, thanks to the incorporation of Helion Superfoam midsole and Cloudtec cushioning. The hidden Speedboard in the midfoot and heel provides stability and energy return, while the breathable mesh upper enhances flexibility. Durability is ensured by medial overlays and a large TPU toe cap. The outsole features an open herringbone pattern for traction on various surfaces.The Roger Clubhouse Pro offers a roomy fit, particularly in the forefoot, allowing for ample toe space and a secure connection to the court. The low arch design caters to players with wider and flatter feet. The internal half-bootie provides a snug fit, especially for those with narrower feet.On-court performance is enhanced by the wider forefoot, which creates a stable base. The carbon fiber Speedboard adds support and responsiveness, although it may not be as supportive as the Roger One for highly aggressive lateral cuts. However, for recreational players, it offers adequate support.Comfort is a key feature of the Roger Clubhouse Pro. The Cloud technology and Helion midsole cushioning provide a plush and bouncy feel, effectively absorbing harsh landings. The pliable upper contributes to step-in comfort, eliminating the need for a break-in period.The outsole's modified herringbone pattern provides grip on hard courts and slides on clay. Overlays on the medial, lateral, and toe box enhance durability. The cutout in the midfoot exposes the Speedboard and reduces weight.While the Roger Clubhouse Pro is designed for recreational players seeking comfort and versatility, it may not provide sufficient support for players with narrower feet and higher arches. Performance insoles or orthotics could potentially address this issue, but it would increase the overall cost of the shoe.Overall, the Roger Clubhouse Pro is a solid choice for casual tennis players who prioritize comfort and versatility. It offers a roomy fit, plush cushioning, and a durable construction, making it suitable for both on- and off-court wear.

On Unveils Tennis-Specific Collection, Bringing Swiatek and Shelton's Kits to FansSwiss sportswear giant On is set to release its first tennis-specific collection in April, marking a significant milestone in its growing presence in the sport. The collection, developed in collaboration with world No. 1 Iga Swiatek and rising American star Ben Shelton, combines cutting-edge materials with thoughtful design to provide athletes with unparalleled comfort and freedom of movement.On's entry into the tennis world began a year ago with the signing of Swiatek and Shelton to head-to-toe deals. Since then, the players have provided valuable feedback to the brand, shaping the development of the new collection.The comprehensive collection includes 17 pieces of apparel and footwear, designed to transition seamlessly from on-court to off-court. From Shelton's pink-accented tank top to Swiatek's signature two-piece match outfits, the collection emphasizes sleek, modern designs that make a statement."The design and advanced technology not only enhance my comfort during matches but also empower me to perform at my best while feeling confident," said Swiatek.The collection will debut in Europe on April 1, 2024, and will be available online at On.com and in stores in North America on April 5.In addition to the tennis collection, On has also released THE ROGER Clubhouse Pro, its first on-court model designed for casual but competitive tennis players. The shoe combines the performance features of THE ROGER Pro with the heritage style of other "Roger" models."Tennis, padel, or even, dare I say it, pickleball," said Federer, describing the versatility of the Clubhouse Pro.THE ROGER Clubhouse Pro is now available at On.com and in stores and sports retailers worldwide.