"Many companies make sneakers similar to mine"
Stan Smith, one of the greatest tennis legends, talks about the current health of our sport, as well as mentioning the product that made him eternal.
It is always interesting to listen to the legends of the circuit because they have a broader perspective on photography. Stan Smith is one of the authoritative voices within American tennis, both for his statistics as a player and for his ongoing support for the next generations. However, what truly made him unforgettable was putting his face on a pair of sneakers that remain top sellers to this day. A curious story from the American that we can hear in an interview conducted with Tennis Magazin, where he analyzes the current moment and also shares some anecdotes from his era.
The USTA's Drive
“Our association, the USTA, has been intensifying player promotion for several years. They have invested a lot of money, coaches, and time in helping players by all possible means. Seven years ago, for example, a new national tennis center was built in Orlando. Now we are gradually seeing the results. It is crucial for players to push each other, and the USTA itself promotes building this kind of camaraderie. If one player makes progress, it encourages others to believe they can do it too.”
Who Will Be Roddick's Successor?
“I don’t like to speculate on such matters because it can create pressure for the players. I think some of the players we have at the top can achieve something special, but luck also plays a part, along with health. You have to seize the opportunities that arise; that is key. In the women's game, we have already seen what Coco Gauff did at the US Open, but I also admire Jessica Pegula, who has worked very hard in recent years to overcome injuries and reach the top 5. We developed her at our Academy.”
In Search of a Leader to Drive Others
“Nobody knows what the future holds. It takes a special personality to become an exceptional athlete. You must be able to handle expectations and achieve your best results under pressure. This principle applies to all world-class players: play your best tennis when it matters most. Federer, Nadal, or Djokovic have done everything to be the best, putting everything else related to the sport aside, always maintaining excellent physical condition.”
Tennis Losing Strength in the USA
“Nevertheless, tennis is still behind baseball, football, and basketball. Imagine if young people stopped playing basketball and turned to tennis. Who knows what could happen? Good basketball players move excellently, they all have great hand-eye coordination. Tennis, unfortunately, remains a very expensive sport, and access is not so easy. It's great to see what Frances Tiafoe has achieved, for example, but among all the street talents, he is probably the exception. Right now, tennis not only competes with other sports but also with digital entertainment formats.”
His Sneaker, Everyone's Sneaker
“Adidas is a big part of my legacy; the sneaker has been around for over 50 years. In 1972, they asked me to join the company because they wanted more attention in the United States. At the time, I was world No. 1. They suddenly put a picture of me and my name on a sneaker, and the rest is history. By 2023, I think more than 100 million pairs had been sold, from which I receive a small percentage. But the most gratifying thing is seeing so many men, women, and children wearing my shoes. Nowadays, many companies make shoes that closely resemble mine.”
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, “Muchas empresas hacen zapatillas parecidas a las mías”