Roger Federer was honored with a "special shoe" by sponsor Nike, according to James Gray of the London EXPRESS. Federer recently earned "enough points to overhaul Rafael Nadal at the top of the rankings." He will become the oldest ever world No. 1 -- he turns 37 later this year -- and will "also embark upon his 302nd week in the position," a figure recognized by Nike in its design of the "Nike Air Force 1 Federer Forever" shoes and their packaging. Nike is the Swiss player’s biggest sponsor, paying him an estimated £7M ($9.8M) a year. While many of the companies associated with Federer "paid tribute to his achievement," Nike appears to have "gone further than any other." The American company released a video with a "dramatic message emblazoned on it." The video said, "Federer should stop. Should quit when he's ahead. Should be too slow. Should be too tired. Should be too old to be No. 1. Should be history. But Federer is too busy making it." The brand then unveiled the "exclusive special edition pair that comes in a wooden box replete with the 302-week boast about Federer's unreal return to the top" (EXPRESS, 2/19).
