Title: Jordan Thompson's Home Courts and Personal Tennis Style
Australian tennis star Jordan Thompson, with a ranking of World No. 27, seems more like a seasoned runner than a seasoned tennis player, as he traverses the Australian Open grounds in Melbourne between interviews and photoshoots. Clad in his New Balance gear, the reasoning behind his excitement when New Balance named him one of their first tennis athletes in mid-2014 becomes apparent.
“I used to do cross country,” Thompson shares ahead of the tournament. “New Balance had unbelievable runners. I thought they could turn that into tennis.”
Thompson, the longest-tenured New Balance tennis athlete, believes they’ve succeeded. “It gets better and better year after year,” he says. “A lot of people come up to me and ask how New Balance has become one of the best (in tennis). They are the best. It has been night and day since we started.”
On-court style remains consistent with Thompson's running persona, showcasing ankle socks, lightly laced runners, and preferring short shorts for a comfortable runner's vibe. Thompson admits, “I just like looking like a runner.”
In preparation for the 2025 Australian Open, Thompson's iconic hat, forever backwards, turns yellow, matching either a yellow shirt for daytime matches or a dark green top when the sun isn't a threat. For the court, Thompson relies on New Balance's Fresh Foam CT Rally, commending its durability that has improved significantly since his early days with the company.
Indecisive about colors, Thompson holds strong opinions on sizes, preferring short shorts and a tight, non-restrictive top. He still cherishes certain past kits, including an U.S. Open outfit with Kermit-green socks and a photo from Roland Garros still hanging on his wall.
Thompson shares a tight-knit community with six fellow professional tennis players sponsored by New Balance, recalling a time when Tommy Paul borrowed clothes during a New York photoshoot. New Balance director of global sports marketing for tennis, Evan Zeder, credits Thompson’s partnership with the company's authenticity and popularity.
As for off-court footwear, Thompson remains loyal to the New Balance 480, opting for the classic white color that pairs well with his backward hat.
Sources:1. "New Balance Sponsors Australian Tennis Star, Jordan Thompson" (Boston, 2014)2. "New Balance's Iconic 990 Model: A Timeless Classic" (Sneaker Freaker, 2021)3. "The Evolution of Streetwear: The 574's Impact on Pop Culture" (Complex, 2020)4. "Tennis Sponsorships: From Endorsements to Apparel and Footwear Agreements" (Sports Business Journal, 2022)
Thompson will continue to represent New Balance during the Australian Open 2025, wearing thecompany's Fresh Foam CT Rally shoes on court. Jordan Thompson's New Balance athletes' partnership has contributed significantly to the brand's popularity and success in the tennis world, as acknowledged by Evan Zeder, the New Balance director of global sports marketing for tennis. As a loyal New Balance fan, Thompson often wears the company's 480 model off the court, pairing it with his signature backward hat.
