Frances Tiafoe Switches To New Balance As Nike Drop Another Top Tennis Star
It appears that Frances Tiafoe, one of American tennis’s brightest stars, might be gearing up for a sponsorship shakeup. The 2024 US Open semifinalist has been spotted wearing New Balance shoes in recent appearances, hinting at a possible transition from his long-time sponsor, Nike.
In a recent Instagram story, Tiafoe was seen mixing brands—sporting Nike apparel paired with New Balance shoes. Such combinations are often a telltale sign of an athlete in the midst of renegotiating or switching sponsorships.
Tiafoe’s on-court performance continues to shine, with his second semifinal appearance at the US Open solidifying his status as a top American tennis player who would one day win a grand slam. However, his fiery personality led to controversy this year, as he faced a $120,000 fine for an outburst directed at an umpire.
Nike, once synonymous with tennis dominance, has gradually scaled back its presence in the sport. In recent years, prominent players like Andrey Rublev, Sloane Stephens, and Belinda Bencic have parted ways with the brand. Despite these departures, Nike remains invested in the sport with rising stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner anchoring its tennis roster, likely ensuring its relevance for years to come.