Personal Logos of the Top 4 In Men’s Tennis Have you ever considered having your own logo? I’m talking about outside of business – a personal logo. Well, as it turns out, they are not as rare as they may appear. In fact, the world…
Personal Logos of the Top 4 In Men’s Tennis
Have you ever considered having your own logo? I’m talking about outside of business – a personal logo. Well, as it turns out, they are not as rare as they may appear. In fact, the world of sports seems to attract a lot of attention with personal logos becoming the norm rather than the exception. The world of men’s tennis is a fine example. Personal brands are everywhere, even if you aren’t fully aware of it.
I like to think that the personal logos that have been created are for marketing purposes mostly – you know, to be part of the branding of a product either created or endorsed by a particular athlete. Other than that, I suppose it would be a cool way to build an identity to set yourself apart from all of your competitors. That, by the way, is the primary goal of good branding. Let me introduce you to four of the top men’s tennis players who have personal logos.
Andy Murray Logo
There is a lot of symbolism hidden within the Andy Murray logo. Designed by Aesop Agency, the brand was originally going to just appear on the British tennis player’s court bag and training t-shirts. That was to lead to a launch of the logo on a wide range of products and accessories connected to an Under Armour endorsement deal with Murray.
The logo itself contains three key components. The initials “AM” and two number sevens that also double as the number 77. The significance of the digits comes from the number of years it took for a British tennis player to win the Wimbledon men’s singles title – which took place in 2013. The victory was on the seventh day of the seventh month of that calendar year.
The logo itself is simple – uncomplicated – and modern. Aesop design director Dan Calderwood says the concept was to create a “modern mark that captures Andy’s energy and spirit while subtly referencing his affinity with the number 77.”
Rafa Nadal Logo
Not all personal brands are built around initials and numbers. It’s the same with corporate logos. In the case of Spanish-born Nadal, the inspiration for his brand came from a nickname. Known for an intense style of play that includes grunts and fist pumps on court, it is not a stretch to try to figure out how he got the nickname of Raging Bull.
The beautiful thing about the Rafa Nadal logo is also quite easily the most confusing thing about it. The design is sharp, well-defined and stylish. What you basically have here are two lightning bolts that form a mirror image and when viewed appear to create a bull’s head. It’s simply brilliant and dynamic. I would go as far as to say I would pick this one to become an iconic logo as it meets all the criteria. Well, except for that confusing part I mentioned a moment ago.
If you had not known that Nadal’s nickname was Raging Bull, would you have connected the incredible lightning bolt logo to him?
Roger Federer Logo
Here’s another logo designed around initials but with a very different twist to it. You know what a sans serif font is, right? Its letters that have the curly parts missing from them turning the letters into a straighter, bolder style that is actually a lot easier to read. However, with this “RF” logo, it’s sort of an extreme sans serif font with a little more missing than just the curly parts. Don’t get me wrong, it’s worthy of head turning to get a second look but it may also be confusing to some who may feel there is something missing.
Regardless, the letters sort of float and when you consider they are being used by a tennis player, I kind of like that idea. The treatment done to the letters give them an unusual, maybe even contemporary, styling. One thing is for sure, they are miles away from classic in any sense of the word. But that also makes them so interesting. A successful brand has to be different. The “RF” here is definitely that.
If you use your imagination and look at the “R” part of the logo, the swooping action that the letter suggests can easily be applied to the motion of a tennis racket in a volley or serve.
Novak Djokovic Logo
I am fond of logos and brands that have hidden meanings or connections to the product they represent. The Novak Djokovic logo comes from his Serbian roots. There are a few elements in play here including a mash up of Greek alphabet, medieval Serbian letter styling and birds in flight. The last part symbolizes dreams and freedom.
At first glance this is a rather busy brand. There’s a lot going on. That also includes the background story that I’ve briefly outlined already. Once again, unless you knew about the Serbian roots and symbolic birds of freedom you may not immediately connect this logo to Djokovic. However, because it is not as bold as the other logos discussed here, it does a good job of representing the personality of Djokovic.
Ask the tennis player yourself and he’ll tell you that he considers himself a seeker. One who is searching for the truth. That’s his spiritual nature. Now look at his personal logo again. You should pick up on some of these connections as well. Subtle, but they are there.
Game, Set, Match!
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