Polo shirts, timeless sneakers, and luxury perfume: Big tennis stars in ads for famous brands
Here is a look at some of the most high-profile collaborations between big tennis stars and global business giants
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These days, it’s not just sports brands that team up with successful tennis players to promote their products. Grand Slam finals attract huge audiences worldwide, and top players are as famous as iconic Hollywood actors. Tennis is actually the most popular individual sport, just like MelBet is the most popular company in the betting world. Start simple — follow the MelBet Ethiopia app download link and take your first step toward big wins.
This review is about the most high-profile collaborations between big tennis stars and global business giants.
René Lacoste: from handmade shirt to global brand
About 100 years ago, René Lacoste regularly won Grand Slam tournaments. In 1927, he stepped onto the court wearing a short-sleeved shirt he made himself. That shirt later became known as a “polo,” a “tennis shirt,” or a “golf shirt.” The Frenchman’s invention, a knit shirt with 2-3 buttons at the collar and a stand-up turn-down collar, stood out sharply from the standard tennis outfits of the time. Lacoste was ruthless on the court, earning the nickname “The Alligator.” Soon after, one of René’s friends drew a green reptile and put the image as a patch on the French tennis player’s shirt.
In 1933, Lacoste left professional sports and established his own shirt-making business under his name. Today, the Lacoste crocodile is one of the most recognizable commercial logos in the world. And Lacoste is now a global brand that produces premium clothing, shoes, perfumes, glasses, watches, and leather goods.
You can tell how popular the brand is by the number of fake products. It’s no secret that today, there are many more fake classic Lacoste polo shirts than original ones.
Stan Smith: sneaker man
In 1972, Adidas offered Stan Smith, Wimbledon and US Open champion, to name a sneaker model after him. The charismatic, outgoing, and successful American was the perfect choice for this partnership. Initially, the shoes were designed for professional players, but by the early 1980s, they had gained popularity far beyond tennis courts and locker rooms. The white and green sneakers with ivory-colored soles have been considered a classic of sports fashion for decades. The minimalist design appealed to buyers, and by 1989, Adidas sold 22 million pairs of Stan Smith sneakers. Because of this, the German sports company and the American tennis player made it into the Guinness World Records
Over more than 50 years on the market, about 100 versions of Adidas Stan Smith have appeared. Designers have constantly updated the classic model and experimented with colors. Because of this, Adidas Stan Smith Limited Edition can be a collector’s item.
Using his partnership story with Adidas, Stan Smith wrote a book called “Stan Smith: Some People Think I’m A Shoe.” In this famous phrase by the great athlete, there is more truth than irony. Now, few people remember this 79-year-old American tennis player, but Adidas Stan Smith sneakers are still a sales hit.
Gabriela Sabatini: beauty is A powerful force
Gabriela Sabatini is the perfect mix of striking looks and a natural sense of great style. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, this 175 cm tall Argentine with strong facial features shone not only on the court. Global corporations lined up to attract the beautiful brunette to big advertising campaigns.
Gabi skillfully made money from her outstanding looks, signing one good contract after another. In return, producers of Pepsi soft drinks, Ray-Ban sunglasses, Perrier premium mineral water, and Fuji cameras also benefited. Millions of people loved Sabatini and happily bought the products she promoted. Gabriela herself has long become a brand—her line of signature perfumes has been in steady demand for many years.
Tennis is not just about hitting the ball over the net. It’s linked not only to competition but also to fashion, culture, lifestyle, and level of wealth. Want to be part of the tennis community? Click MelBet Ethiopia app download and place winning bets on your smartphone!
