“An opportunity I couldn't turn down”: Jack Draper reveals how Vuori deal happened
The world No. 5 joins a trend of players moving from big brands, like Nike and Adidas, in favor of boutique labels.
NEW YORK — New Grand Slam, new Jack Draper.
Last year at the US Open, the British star was one of many players wearing identical Nike kits. This year, all eyes are on him as the new global brand ambassador for Vuori. Draper marked the partnership’s official debut with a hard-fought 6-4, 7-5, 6-7 (7), 6-2 win on Louis Armstrong Stadium on Monday.
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Vuori, a fast growing California-based sportswear brand, has previously dipped its toes in pro tennis by outfitting Marcos Giron, world No. 55. This summer, they went all in on Draper, and won the bidding war for one of tennis’ hottest free agents.
“Obviously I have been with Nike for many years. My contract was running out this summer… Vuori came in with an opportunity I couldn't turn down,” Draper said during a pre-tournament press conference.
Draper is part of a wave of players leaving the big names like Nike and Adidas in favor of smaller or brands that are newer to tennis and can offer a more tailored approach. Frances Tiafoe signed with Lululemon, Taylor Fritz with BOSS, Andrey Rublev with K-Swiss, Sloane Stephens with FP Movement, and Donna Vekic with Uomosport.
“It's really cool,” Draper said. “I mean, obviously, you know, very, very privileged to be wearing the clothes…. to feel I'm not playing someone with the same kit is a bit of a different feeling sometimes.”
The switch isn’t just about aesthetics. According to Forbes, Nike contracts tie compensation closely to performance, with bonuses for Grand Slam wins and ranking climbs—and reductions if a player is injured or slips in form. Smaller labels tend to offer more flexible deals, easing the pressure on players who need time off.
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“I think I have always been someone who has wanted to do a bit of something different anyway,” Draper said. “So working with a brand like Vuori, their creative mindset, their values as a company, that really aligns with what I wanted to do. I think the kits and everything that we're going to create together is going to be really cool.
“So, yeah, very, very grateful for Nike for everything they have done over the years, but at the same time I'm looking forward to the journey with Vuori.”
The partnership also builds on Draper’s growing off-court presence. He already has a modeling deal with IMG and is a global ambassador for Burberry, posing alongside model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in a recent campaign.
He celebrated the countdown to his US Open start by toasting the Vuori partnership at a Manhattan event, and gave fans a sneak preview of the collection during mixed doubles with Jessica Pegula.
“I'm still a bit blown away with the fact that they want me as kind of the face of their (brand),” Draper said. “I'm not someone who is always, like, ‘I belong in that position.’ I'm very blown away and grateful for the fact that they want me as the face of the brand at the moment. It's an amazing feeling.
Draper will be back on court on Wednesday at the US Open, where the No. 5 seed faces Zizou Bergs in the second round.