Nike is dropping yet another player. Britsh superstar Jack Draper is leaves Nike for Vuori.
Although neither Draper nor Vuori has officially announced the deal, fans have already spotted him training in unbranded clothing, marking a clear departure from his familiar Nike kit. Also, kudos to Craig Shapiro for being the first to drop the news on his social media platforms.
Vuori, what?
This is a big sign for a “relatively” new brand in Vuori. Founded in 2015 and based in Southern California, Vuori has earned a reputation for premium athleisure. The brand focuses on eco-conscious apparel and has recently expanded its retail presence across the US and UK.
While Draper’s switch aligns him with rising athletes like Marcos Giron and Tristan Boyer, already in Vuori’s fold, it also positions the brand for a landmark moment when the partnership is officially revealed.
Nike not into tennis anymore?
Nike has already seen two high-profile male players, Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe, depart in recent years. With Draper ranked world No. 5 and a prominent figure in British tennis, his departure signals not just a loss of brand visibility but a potential shift in Nike’s strategic focus within tennis apparel.
Asics steps in
Since Vuori doesn’t currently produce performance tennis shoes, Draper has been seen wearing ASICS Speed Solution FF 3 (Dark Cobalt/White) models on court. So we expect Vuori for apparel, ASICS for shoes.
What this can mean
Draper’s sponsorship update is not huge news, but it can inspire smaller, design-first brands to snap up top tennis athletes. Also, Draper will hopefully have better-fitting clothes than that huge purple jersey he wore at the US Open last year. And it can also give Vuori the boost to sign even more tennis players.
What do you think of Vuori apparel? And do you think Draper made the right move?
