Federer appears at Wimbledon with Uniqlo apparel, not Nike

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Roger Federer's long-term deal with Nike is over, as he stepped out for the opening match at Wimbledon on Monday morning wearing new apparel from Uniqlo, from the headband to the socks. Federer however was still wearing Nike shoes, and may continue to because Uniqlo doesn't make tennis shoes.

The moment that the 36-year-old Swiss was seen with his brand-new outfit, the Japanese global apparel retailer tweeted a photo of Federer and announced their new partnership with one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

CGTN screenshot of a tweet by Uniqlo announcing its partnership with Roger Federer as its new Global Brand Ambassador.

The deal means Federer, as its newest Global Brand Ambassador, will represent Uniqlo at all tennis tournaments throughout the year, starting with the Championships, Wimbledon 2018.

On the court, the 20 Grand Slams winner started his title defense with a quick 6-1, 6-3, 6-4 win over Dusan Lajovic.

"I am happy to be back at Wimbledon," he said at a press conference after the match. "I was really able to enjoy the match out there. Because, you know, I got off a good start. And when you get off a good start in set one and two, you're able to just enjoy the moment more than when you're struggling early on. Especially at the tournament, there is always pressure and nerves when you go into a first round."

Roger Federer steps out on the Center Court for the Wimbledon match with Uniqlo's headband, jacket, shirt, and socks, and Nike's shoes, July 2, 2018. /VCG Photo

"And also, I was excited to wear Uniqlo today. I must tell you, it's been a long time coming. I felt very good out there. It's also crucial to play well. So it was helpful," the record eight Wimbledon titles winner added.

As for his stylish "RF" logo on the outfit previously, Federer said "The RF logo is with Nike at the moment, but it will come to me at some point. I hope rather sooner than later, that Nike can be nice and helpful in the process to bring it over to me. They are my initials. They are mine. The good thing is it's not theirs forever. In a short period of time, it will come to me."

Speaking of his deal with Uniqlo, Federer said "I am deeply committed to tennis and to winning championships. But like Uniqlo, I also have great love for life, culture and humanity. We share a strong passion to have a positive impact on the world around us and look forward to combining our creative endeavors."

The Swiss star had been wearing Nike since 1994 and his name had been synonymous with Nike ever since winning his first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2003.

According to ESPN sources, the deal is worth more than 300 million US dollars guaranteed over 10 years and has a special clause stating that Federer will still get reward money even if he doesn't play.

(With input from AP)