Federer: I Will Regain RF Brand

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Federer: I Will Regain RF Brand

Roger Federer split from the swoosh, but vows to regain his "RF" branding from Nike.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion made history stepping onto Centre Court wearing Uniqlo clothes with his trademark Nike shoes.

More: New-Look Federer Flies Through First Round

It's the first time in his pro career Federer wore a brand other than Nike.

Federer signed a reported $300 million endorsement pact with Uniqlo, which nearly quadruples the $7.5 million annual endorsement money Nike was paying him.

Though his Nike contract expired in March, Federer continued wearing the swoosh brand in Wimbledon warm-up events in Stuttgart and Halle.

Nike owns the "RF" branding, which it has emblazoned on baseball caps, shirts and shoes.

RF fans can rejoice: Federer says he will gain control of the RF logo "in a short period of time."

"The RF logo is with Nike at the moment, but it will come to me at some point," Federer told the media after his opening-round win. "I hope rather sooner than later, that Nike can be nice and helpful in the process to bring it over to me. It's also something that was very important for me, for the fans really.

"Look, it's the process. But the good news is that it will come with me at one point. They are my initials. They are mine. The good thing is it's not theirs forever. In a short period of time, it will come to me."

Currently, Federer's Uniqlo aren't available in stores so distribution is an immediate issue. Federer suggested his Uniqlo apparel won't be available for sale until next year.

Then there's the question of footwear.

Since Uniqlo does not make sures, can Federer work on a shoe deal with Nike? Or is he so frustrated the swoosh brand failed to come to terms on an apparel contract that he will consider switching to Asics and Adidas, who have both reportedly been in contact?

"Obviously we also need to figure out with Uniqlo when at one point we can start selling clothes for the public as well," Federer said. "All this has just gotten underway. We're hopeful the beginning of next year people can also start buying my stuff. For the moment, as fast at retailing as they are, as great as they are, it just needs a bit of time."

Photo credit: Ashley Western/CameraSport

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