US Open 2024: Roger Federer-Backed On Running Comes under line of fire for Iga Swiatek’s Weirdly Designed Kit
Roger Federer-backed ‘On Running’ is under the scanner. Fans have criticized the company for introducing weird combination kits for players, the latest of which has been presented for Iga Swiatek. Ahead of the US Open, the Swiss maestro’s sporting label has caught the tennis world’s attention after showcasing an unsettling design for the World No. 1’s Flushing Meadows attire. The Polish star is slated to take to the courts of New York after bagging a singles bronze medal at the Paris Olympics earlier this month. However, her hardcourt campaign has met with a dreadful fate off-court. The Slam, which houses players rocking the most funky outfits, seemingly won’t have the Pole in a funky look. This, in turn, has prompted the fans to take a potshot at Fed’s ‘On’, again. Roger Federer’s ‘On Running’ clothing and shoe line made waves in tennis. However, following the company’s introductory phase, which saw notable players like Ben Shelton draped in its colors, the company has experienced a downfall. At least in the eyes of fans, it has. In a tweet added on X, the company was seen adding spray paint colors using spaghetti on a t-shirt.
This was seemingly an experiment on Swiatek’s upcoming Flushing Meadows kit. However, the vibrant combination of colors did not appease fans, as they took to X to slam the sportswear company.
Tennis fans criticize Roger Federer’s ‘On’ for introducing “hideous” design to Iga Swiatek’s attire
Taking to social media, one fan took shots at On’s print design for Swiatek opining that it “literally looks so hideous.” This isn’t the first time fans have been critical of the company’s outfit idea for players. Notably, at the 2024 Australian Open, the sporting label drew backlash from fans after replenishing Swiatek with an all-white attire. They criticized the Federer-backed company for not adding color to the Pole’s ensemble, drawing comparisons to her wardrobe with that of the official dress code for Wimbledon.
Another fan hilariously remarked that the apparel was “a waste of spaghetti” while one user sarcastically commented saying, “lolz this is everything”. For those unaware, the Swiss brand has been embroiled in controversy lately for skimming customers over their ‘highly-priced’ shoes. Their shoes, which reportedly cost $24 to make, are on the market for a selling price over $240. Moreover, multiple fans left sardonic emojis for Swiatek’s latest attire revelation. While the design in itself represented a tie-dye-type look, it also hinted towards the making of such outfits. Though it is no surprise that ‘On Running’ uses rich and eye-catching colors on their player’s livery, the latest video showcasing its making has stunned the community, prompting them to draw parallels with how they’re adding outfits to their latest collections. Federer has a 3% stake in On Running and an estimated $300 million chunk to his name. But with growing criticism among fans, he might have to reconsider his association with the company. Tennis stars like Swiatek and Shelton who endorse the brand certainly wouldn’t want Federer pulling out, as that will leave them in a fix. What do you think?
