Federer recovers his RF logo

When Roger Federer parted ways with Nike just over two years ago, he also lost his prized RF logo, but now he has got it back and soon fans will be able to buy a Uniqlo cap with the famous motif on it.

This hat has meant so much to me and my fans over the years. It has given us a way to connect visibly, and I have appreciated the opportunity to thrive off this supportive energy. Roger Federer

Federer played his last tournament in Nike kit at Halle in 2018 and appeared at Wimbledon with a new look, dressed in Uniqlo, having lost the rights to use his unique logo, which remained in Nike’s possession.

A two-year dispute to acquire the branding back from Nike has, to a degree, marred Federer‘s role as the Japanese clothing purveyor’s Global Brand Ambassador and it has taken a lawsuit to recover the RF logo, which had been used prominently during his 15 years with Nike.

On Tuesday, Federer shared his good news with his fans, getting the motif back and working with Uniqlo on the new collection that goes on sale from 8 December 8.

The Roger Federer caps will be available in 8 colours in stores from that day, with more apparel coming in the upcoming weeks and months.

Uniqlo has released its first cap centred on the motif and priced at around $19, simple in style with the RF on the front and ‘ROGER’ and ‘UNIQLO’ branding marking the rear.

Federer’s last match with the famous logo came against Borna Coric almost 900 days ago, losing a tight final in Halle and never wearing it again, but this will change in 2021 when the Swiss returns to the court after a knee injury that required two surgeries.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion took the most extended break of his career, not having competing since the Australian Open in January and skipping the rest of the season.

He is now working hard to get back to 100%, fitness spending more time on the practice court and hoping to get back in action in January or February at the Australian Open.

Kicking off the 2020 season Melbourne, Federer battled past John Millman and Tennys Sandgren to reach the semi-final.

He struggled with a groin injury in that match but managed to save 7 match points against the American in the quarter-final’s fourth set, prevailing but having little left in the tank ahead of his encounter with Novak Djokovic, who defeated him in straight sets.

After the record-breaking Cape Town exhibition match encounter against Rafael Nadal on 7 February, Federer underwent knee surgery, planning to return in June for Halle and Wimbledon on his beloved grass, but the procedure failed to solve the pain issue and he underwent further surgery in May, deciding to skip the rest of the year and make a fresh start in 2021.

Keeping his points from 2019, Federer will open the new season from inside the top-5, hoping to reach his pre-injury level as promptly as possible and show his logo around the tennis globe.

“After a long wait and extensive fine-tuning, UNIQLO and I are extremely excited to announce the return of the RF hat in 8 fresh colours starting December 8, 2020,” Federer said. “This hat has meant so much to me and my fans over the years.

“It has given us a way to connect visibly, and I have appreciated the opportunity to thrive off this supportive energy.

“I want to thank UNIQLO for this effort and look forward to seeing everyone in the near future.”