Swiatek back to wearing Asics shoes instead of Federer backed On shoes, here's why

Iga Swiatek explains reasons for returning to Asics shoes, moving on from Roger Federer-backed On shoes

Polish tennis star Iga Swiatek has elaborated on her decision to revert to using Asics shoes, bidding adieu to the On shoes endorsed by Roger Federer.

Earlier this year in March, Swiatek announced her endorsement deal with On, a brand co-owned by Federer, becoming the first female athlete to sign with the Swiss brand.

Previously, when she was ranked world No. 1, she sported Nike shoes, but she transitioned to Asics in 2020. During her practice session at the Cincinnati Open, Swiatek was spotted wearing Asics shoes once again after five months of being with On. However, she clarified that she hasn't parted ways with the On brand.

She and the On team are in the process of crafting the perfect footwear tailored to her specific needs.

“We're working together to make the perfect shoe, and that's why I switched the shoe that I was playing with before,” 4-time Grand Slam champion said.

“So with On, we're basically doing the shoe that is going to be kind of perfect for my movements and my style of running. We are really, really close, but there are still some things that I would like to change,” she added.

“During the matches and tournaments I want to be 100% confident, and soon I'm positive that I'm going to be playing in On shoes,” Swiatek said.

The world No. 1 will commence her participation in the tournament on Wednesday, August 16. As the first seed, she received a bye in the first round and is still awaiting her opponent, to be determined between wild card entrant Danielle Collins and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.

Coincidentally, Swiatek played against the American player who enters with confidence after a strong showing in the Canadian Open, advancing from the qualifiers to the quarterfinals. She faced Swiatek in that stage and, despite a hard-fought effort, fell to the Polish player with a score of 6-3, 4-6, 6-2.