Long-standing partnership intensifies with co-creation of high-performance tennis rackets and accessories
CHICAGO (August 13, 2024) – Wilson Sporting Goods Co. today announced the launch of the RF Collection, a revolutionary line of tennis equipment inspired, designed and developed in partnership with Roger Federer. The collection is rooted in heritage, performance-driven and innovative for the future, representing Federer’s profound impact on the sport and his unwavering dedication to excellence. The Wilson RF Collection launches globally today, coinciding with Roger Federer’s birthday.
“The partnership between Wilson and Roger over the past 20 years has been one of the most remarkable in the history of the sport, and we are thrilled to take it to the next level with the RF Collection,” said Jason Collins, General Manager of Wilson Racquet Sports. “This collection is the culmination of years of work, extensive racquet testing, design and collaboration with Roger. We are excited to finally bring it to the court for professionals and future generations of tennis players to carry on Roger’s legacy. Roger is a powerful force on the world stage, and his influence will undoubtedly continue to advance tennis and the industry as a whole.”
In 2022, Roger Federer began collaborating with Wilson’s innovation team to create a racquet for his remaining playing time. The primary goals were to increase racquet head speed and maintain his versatile style against baseliners, while retaining the familiar feel of the Wilson racquet. Although he retired that year, Roger and Wilson used these ideas to develop the RF 01, devoting countless hours to testing and redesigning to create the highest-performing line of tennis racquets available. This collaboration will allow Roger to remain actively involved in tennis, partnering with Wilson to continue growing the sport, with the RF 01 being the first line in this signature collection.
“Having spent my entire career playing with Wilson racquets, I am very excited about the new RF collection we have created together,” said Roger Federer. “I am honored that Wilson will continue my legacy by continuing to innovate the game I love, and I hope the collection inspires today’s stars as much as I was inspired the first time I picked up a Wilson racquet.”
The RF Collection is a testament to Roger’s illustrious career at Wilson, his lasting influence on the world of tennis and the inspiration he has provided to move forward. With game-changing innovations, iconic design and high-performance, this racquet collection is ready to redefine the game. The RF 01 line includes three racquet models, all designed and tested by Federer himself:
- RF 01 PRO : Roger’s personally created racquet* and the most playable and authentic RF frame ever created (€300).
- RF 01 : Built for the advanced adult player who prefers a standard weight performance frame (€280).
- RF 01 FUTURE : Ideal for new generation players who use a lighter frame to develop their game. The lighter weight and adjusted balance point improve the comfort and power needed by younger players (€260).
Wilson’s technological innovations include SABR™ FRAME DESIGN for superior performance versatility, GLIDE GUARD for reduced air resistance, BRAIDED 45 TECHNOLOGY for improved ball handling and stability, and FEEL FILL for optimized vibration dampening. Finishing elements draw inspiration from Roger’s personal and professional life, including the iconic RF logo, as well as a unique design representing the mountains of Roger’s native Switzerland.
The collection also includes high-performance bags and accessories, such as the RF 15 Pack Tournament racket (€170), the RF 6 Pack (€140), the RF Backpack (€110), the RF Protection (€40), the RF Leather Replacement Grip (€22), the RF Premium Replacement Grip (€10) and the RF Dampener Pack (€9).
The RF Collection is now available online and in Wilson stores. For more information, visit Wilson.com and follow @wilson et @wilsontennis on social networks.
*The pros often customize the racket they use. Racket specifications for approved consumer models may differ from those used by pros for matches.
About Wilson:
Wilson Sporting Goods Co., headquartered in Chicago, USA, is the world’s leading manufacturer of high-performance sports equipment, apparel, footwear and accessories. The company brings more than a century of innovation and heritage to the world of sports – celebrating iconic moments made possible by Wilson in racquet sports, baseball, softball, American football, basketball, volleyball, soccer and golf. In racquet sports, Wilson is a global leader in tennis, padel, racquet sports, badminton and pickleball. Wilson is part of Amer Sports, a global group of iconic sports and outdoor brands, listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
About Roger Federer:
Roger Federer is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes and tennis players of all time. With 20 Grand Slam titles and 103 singles titles, Federer helped set the standard for excellence in the sport. His legacy of grace, sportsmanship and versatility on the court lives on as he continues to actively promote and develop the sport of tennis around the world.
Off the court, Federer is dedicated to philanthropy through the Roger Federer Foundation, which supports educational projects in southern Africa and Switzerland, reflecting his commitment to serving communities and making a positive impact.
