Sports Brand Salutes Tennis Star

Le Coq Sportif has launched a limited range of clothing and footwear, inspired by a late tennis great.

Arthur Ashe made history in 1963, becoming the first black player to be selected for the United States Davis Cup team. The Virginia-born world number one went on to win 72 titles, including the Australian Open in 1970 and Wimbledon in 1975.

Despite his success, as a black man living in the 1960s Ashe came up against his share of difficulties. International status failed to prevent him being denied a visa to compete in the South African Open. However, Ashe, an active civil rights supporter, used the snub as a platform to rally against the apartheid regime.

Le Coq Sportif’s new collection celebrates the brand’s ties to Ashe – a sporting legend and style icon.

The footwear consists of a variety of modern re-interpretations of the shoe Le Coq designed for Ashe in the 1980s. It also includes a suede boot that takes key elements of the tennis shoe silhouette, re-working them to produce an everyday style.

Clothing in the collection is made up of a polo shirt, track top, trousers and jacket. The pieces combine to form a simple look inspired by the stylish sportsman. The use of orange and navy recalls some of the iconic images of Ashe both on and off the court.

The polo and track top are limited edition, with only 50 of each piece being produced. Similarly, only 75 of the boots will be rolled out.

Le Coq Sportif’s Arthur Ashe collection is available online now, with prices ranging between £60 – £115.

Le Coq Sportif Arthur Ashe Collection