Roger Federer surprised fans present at the Centre Court, and viewers worldwide, when he turned up for his first 2018 Wimbledon match in Uniqlo sports apparel brand, ditching his decades-long association with Nike. The Swiss ace has reportedly signed a new deal with a Japanese fast-fashion apparel brand, ending his 20-year-deal with sports-apparel brand Nike. The deal is worth USD 300 million for 10 years.

Day 1 of Wimbledon saw World Number 2 Roger Federer surprise fans across the globe, not with his impeccable tennis skills but when he was kit-up in Uniqlo’s polo and a headband; since the brand doesn’t make sports shoes, Federer was still sporting Nike sneakers. The Swiss ace’s move from Nike saw a dip of 2 percent in their shares on Monday.

Uniqlo announced Federer’s signing on their Twitter account. Their tweet read, “UNIQLO is honoured to welcome Roger Federer as our new Global Brand Ambassador!”

Read what Uniqlo posted on their Twitter about Roger Federer’s appointment as Global Brand Ambassador:

Novak Djokovic was their prominent face which they lost to Lacoste last year. The current World No. 2 has won 20 grand slams, the most by any player in tennis history. Roger Federer will turn 37 next month. The brand is looking to cash-in on Federer’s popularity post his retirement too!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 03, 2018 12:29 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).