There are plenty of 2023 sponsorship changes on the ATP and WTA Tours. It can require some detective work to figure out everything…
2023 Sponsorship Changes
I have already made a few videos and posts about this topic, but the information keeps flowing. Mainly thanks to my fellow tennis nerds on Instagram who are keen observers of the game and its pro players.
The ON Roger Pro tennis shoe
Andy Tan has alerted me that a few players are using ON tennis shoes. In a previous post, I talked about Gael Monfils, but Jack Sock and Leyla Fernandez are also spotted using the shoes. They look interesting, and I have been wanting to test them for a long time, but they seem to be sold out everywhere, at least in Europe.
Tim Van Rijthoven to Dunlop FX
Tim Van Rijthoven is now endorsing the Dunlop FX. Thanks to Matvey Greschner for the screenshots.
They have taken some cues out of the Yonex Ezone 98 playbook in terms of mold. And sometimes, the pro player version is something completely different than the retail, of course. Dunlop have been known to paint other brands’ racquets as their own for their sponsored players. Not sure if that is what is going on here, but probably not, as it is not an Isometric head shape. Maybe it is just a pro stock version of the new Dunlop FX 500 Tour.
Matvey also informed that Borna Gojo has made the switch from Pro Staff to Prestige.
Dimitrov moves away from leather grips
Dimitrov made a video highlighting the stringer room at the United Cup. We could actually see Paul Skipp in the background of the Instagram video. What do you think of the new Wilson Pro Staff V14 cosmetic? Or do you prefer the black V13? Check out my V13 review here. V14 review to come.
Rublev’s new apparel
Andrey Rublev has moved on from Nike (from what I heard they are not keen on sponsoring Russian athletes at the moment) and has created his own brand called “Rublo”.
The messaging is about bringing light to a dark world. Rublev has been openly against the war in Ukraine and the Instagram post seems related to that in some sense.
Sloane Stephens to Speed?
Sloane Stephens announced on her Instagram that she will work with Francisco Roig. She was seen in the picture holding a HEAD Speed instead of her usual Radical. Was this just for the photo or has she switched to a new racquet model?
Magda Linette to Yonex
Magda Linette has moved from her Pure Drive to a Yonex Ezone 100. She is using a hybrid setup with a multi/gut in the crosses by the looks of it.
Panna Udvardy to Artengo
Panna Udvardy has ditched her Yonex VCORE for an Artengo TR 930 Spin Pro as announced by Team Artengo on their Instagram.
Other sponsorship switches
Have you noticed any other sponsorship changes? Let me know in the comments or via Instagram.
2 comments
I’ve seen Taylor Townsend with a Yonex racket this week. I think she used Dunlop.
Also seen Venus Williams using Blade SW (Serena color scheme) this week.
Medvedev appeared to use dark strings in his match with Djoker instead of his usual Razor Code white. Are they Razor Code carbon, or did he switch to something else?