Frances Tiafoe dumps Nike shoes for American sneaker brand that once partnered with Venus Williams & Anna Kournikova

Frances Tiafoe is gearing up for the 2025 Australian Open in Melbourne. The main draw of the Grand Slam event will be announced on Thursday, January 9. The American hit the practice court sporting a Nike T-shirt and shorts. However, he traded his usual Nike Zoom GP Challenge for a pair of K-Swiss sneakers.

The choice of sneakers was surprising since Tiafoe has been sponsored by Nike since 2016. He has custom-made sneakers by the brand he donned in the 2022 and 2024 US Open semifinals - his best performances in a Grand Slam so far. His headband with the famous Swoosh is also part of his signature on-court style. As per Tim Newcomb:

"Frances Tiafoe will wear the K-Swiss Ultrashort 4 shoe for the upcoming Australian Open."

K-Swiss is no stranger to the world of tennis. In 2009, it signed Anna Kournikova as brand ambassador. The Russian had hung up her racket in 2003 and was playing exhibition matches for charity events.

In 2021, it collaborated with seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams. The former World No. 1's brand EleVen and K-Swiss released a collection "Retro" including hoodies, joggers, and a Williams-inspired Tubes B sneaker that year. The brand is currently worn by Tomas Etcheverry and Andrey Rublev on-court.

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Frances Tiafoe's emotional message to Denis Kudla as the latter bids adieu to fans after USA's United Cup victory

Frances Tiafeo at the 2024 Miami Open. Image: Getty

Team USA lifted the 2025 United Cup on Sunday, January 5 in Sydney. The seven-member team included top American players such as Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz. After the event, Denis Kudla, also part of Team USA, took to Instagram to announce that the event marked the end of his career.

Fans and players' congratulatory notes on Kudla's career flooded the comments section. Frances Tiafoe, who trained at the same club as Kudla, shared a special message on his Instagram story for his compatriot.

“Congrats on a dope career. I really appreciate you bro. More than you can ever imagine,” Tiafoe wrote. “You truly helped me believe that being a pro can be a reality. Especially coming out of the DMV where there are only a handful of guys to ever do it. Thanks for giving me game and support as a youngin’ and still to this day. Nothing but love for you.”

Tiafoe is currently practicing in Melbourne for the 2025 Australian Open.