Naomi Osaka added a new accolade to her successful career this week after Nike launched an original line of clothes that will bear the Japanese star’s logo. Osaka signed a lucrative sponsorship deal with the famous sports company last year. Many observers were surprised after Nike allowed the 23-year-old to add the names of other sponsors to her tennis kit to display during her tennis matches. In addition to having the Nike insignia on her outfit, the three-time Grand Slam winner added the emblems for Japanese Noodle Company, Nissin, as well as ANA airlines. Osaka will have to make room for one more design after Nike presented her official logo.
Nike launched its latest line of casual wear bearing Osaka’s new logo
The company launched its latest line of casual wear which included t-shirts, sweatshirts, polos, and shorts. Each cloth will have the white Naomi Osaka logo. According to Nike, the Japanese flag inspired the design, and the company will continue to improve on the logo to make sure that it captures Naomi’s multicultural background. The Japanese star modeled the collection, and it is scheduled to be released in Japan and the United States on November 16. The current world No. 3 reportedly earns $12 million a year in her deal with Nike, and it appears that the company is confident in her global appeal to market their sportswear. Nevertheless, tennis fans will be interested to find out whether Osaka owns the rights to her new logo.
Federer and Nike had a dispute over the RF logo in 2018
While Nike has always been popular with athletes around the world, the company had a publicized dispute with tennis legend, Roger Federer, after he refused to renew his contract in 2018. The Swiss star signed with a Japanese clothing brand, Uniqlo, for a contract reportedly worth $300 million over 10 years. However, after ending his partnership with Nike, the 20-time Grand Slam champion had to give up his claim on the RF logo.
Nike had designed the RF logo for Federer in 2010, and the company declined to give up its rights to the design after it ended its partnership with him. However, the Swiss star called out the corporation over the incident by claiming that he possessed the RF logo since the symbols in the design were the initials to his name. The dispute was eventually settled in court earlier this year, with Federer winning back his right to use the iconic logo. The decision could set a precedent for other athletes, and Osaka may have the option to use her new logo if she ends her contract with Nike. For now, the Japanese star appears happy with the popular sponsor, and it will be interesting to see whether she adorns her fresh logo when she returns to the tennis court.
Naomi Osaka in 2020
Now the world no.3, the Japanese played her last match on the 12th of September when she beat Victoria Azarenka 1-6 6-3 6-3 in the final of the U.S. Open to win her 6th career title.
Currently, this season Osaka has a composed 16-3 match record. Osaka clinched 1 title at the U.S. Open. The Japanese was the runner-up in New York.
