Tag Heuer announced a Japanese tennis player, Kei Nishikori, as the newest brand ambassador. Currently the world’s number 19 has shown a great improvement in the last couple of years, which recommended him to become a part of the prestigious team of Tag’s ambassadors that includes some of the greatest names of sport. Nishikori has already chosen his favorite timepiece that we expect to see frequently on his wrist. It is a new Formula 1 Chronograph 42 mm watch. Nice choice, Kei!
The pursuit for the world’s top tennis players is continuing. High-end watchmakers have already reserved almost every male player from the top ten. The latest big name who signed the partnership with a watch brand is Andy Murray who became Rado’s ambassador. Previously, Audemars Piguet has chosen Novak Djokovic, just in the right time to follow his biggest successes and his quest to the top. We have already written about Rafael Nadal and his half a million dollars worth Richard Mille timepiece, and about Rolex’s passion for tennis which is expressed through several multi-million dollar contracts with top players (currently with Roger Federer, Jo-Wilfried Csonga and Juan Martin Del Potro).
Tag Heuer has already been benefiting its long-lasting partnership with the biggest star on the ladies’ tour, Maria Sharapova, so that its new engagement in the men’s tennis seams like a next logical step. As TAG Heuer’s President and CEO, Jean-Christophe Babin said while introducing the Japanese player, “Kei has put in a tremendous amount of hard work and effort over the years. He has an insatiable passion for tennis and a strong will that will never accept the possibility of giving up.” Nishikori’s upturn is very possible in the next few years, which, along with his impeccable reputation, makes him be a pretty promising partner.
Nishikori began playing tennis at the age of five. In 2003, he leftJapanin order to get high-end training and education at IMG Academies inBradenton,Florida. Before he became professional in 2007, Nishikori had finished his junior’s career as the 2006 Junior Boys French Open Doubles champion.
In 2008, he became the first Asian player to be awarded as the ATP Newcomer of the Year. Last year was the crucial for Nishikori’s carrier. He entered Top 20, finishing the season by defeating ATP No. 1 Novak Djokovic. Soon after this historic victory, he became the part of the national tennis history as the first Japanese male player who reached the Australian Open’s quarterfinals since 1968.
