NikeCourt Offers a retro look into this year’s US Open collection. Inspired by the one and only Andre Agassi
If Nike’s take on tennis in the 1980s offered subtle jabs at country club convention, the brand’s early-90s approach delivered a knockout punch.
Arriving on the emergent Andre Agassi at the tail end of 1990, the Nike Challenge Court apparel collection defined a whole new energy for tennis in the early part of the decade. On the courts of Flushing, Queens, Agassi reached the second Slam final of his career. His look, style and attitude — the mix of denim, neon and surf/skate-like geometric graphics — pulled tennis into the now.
The Challenge Court logo itself was Inspired by an accidental ink blot. It was almost the grunge response to ‘80s pop art, and it naturally fit an era of dynamic change for the sport. Agassi wasn’t just rising in the tennis ranks, he was a pop culture juggernaut. The Challenge Court look propelled advertisements extolling the virtues of playing loud and even a “Rock & Roll Tennis Camp.”
“Bringing back a historical collection from 30 years ago was inspiring, challenging and really fun,” says Abby Swancutt, NikeCourt Design Director. “We know the pieces from 30 years ago still resonate today.”
Reprising the core Challenge Court hallmarks (jorts, crop tops, neon, spandex and that logo), the 2020 collection combines the unmistakable flare with a contemporary material palette. Just as in the 1990s, there are looks for women and men. And, just as in the 1990s, the collection treads the line between performance wear and in-the-know leisure wear.
“We created each piece to make sure we didn’t sacrifice the aesthetic and nostalgia, but also didn’t compromise performance,” says Swancutt.
The Collection:
Along with on-court basics, like shorts and polos, highlights include logo-driven accessories and fresh colorways of NikeCourt’s current suite of footwear.
Shop the Men’s Nike Challenge Court Collection: Here
Shop the Women’s Nike Challenge Court Collection: Here
The 2020 Challenge Court Collection will feature at court during play in Cincinnati (from August 22) and New York City (from August 31). The collection launches August 17 to Nike Members, followed by a general release August 24.
The latest Fall NikeCourt 2020 US Open Challenge Court collection can be purchased at the following TennisWarehouse.com link or in Europe at TennisWarehouse-Europe.com. Canadian residents can shop their favorite pieces at Tennis Giant.
Nike has made the ugliest women’s tennis outfits I have ever seen.
Luckily for Nike, they have nearly sold out of the line as many people do not share the same feelings as you. That said, thank you for your comment.
Please I need a t-shirt of new collection inspired by Agassi, but I can’t find it!!! How could I do? Help me please
Hi Paolo,
Which t-shirt?
Hi Nima, do you know which model Naomi Osaka was wearing in the final, kind of pink model from Nike?
Hi Bar,
The model she was wearing was the Air Zoom GP Turbo: https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Nike_Air_Zoom_GP_Turbo_Wh_Fuchsia_Blue_Woms_Shoe_/descpageWSNIKE-NZGTWWF.html?from=connect
This is the exact same shoe but her’s is a custom Color-way. Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Do you know if they will release her colorway anytime soon? I like the shoes but want her color!
Hi Renae,
No, they will not release her Color-way. It’s a player exclusive.
I don’t find the man t-shirt of this collection I’d really like to buy it but I don’t find it anywhere. Please help
Hi Lori,
Which t-shirt?
Please let us know.
The t-shirt in the first photo of this article. I don’t know if I can buy it but I really like it
do you know why the mens nike US Open challenge court crew(not the tee shirt) item # CK9797-101 worn by Felix Auger-Aliassime, Karen Khachanov, Andre Rublev, Jack Sock, Taylor Fritz and many others was never available to the public? It’s even featured in this article . I’ve checked all of the sights in US and Europe and only saw it for a hot second on Midwest sports but of course there were none available. How do I obtain this item? Thanks so much for your reply.
Hi Stephen,
This item was made in limited quantities but has since sold out. I’ve spoke to Nike and they had factory issues etc. All pandemic related. Most of the US Open line is backordered as well. I’ve been trying to get one myself. Good luck!
Hi, I’ve looked for the white/yellow US Open Challenge Court socks worn by some of the top players – still worn by Khachanov at the French Open – but couldn’t find them on sale. Do you know if there are any vendors of this item?
Hi Sasha, these sock are Player Exclusives. Just like the white mesh hat that says “Nike”. Unfortunately they are not for sale. Great socks! Wish they were.
Hi, I need Men’s Nike Challenge Court Collections.
Hi David,
Your best bet at this point in Ebay.