Tennis - U.S. Open - Flushing Meadows, New York, United States - September 4, 2024 Britain's Jack Draper reacts after winning his quarter final match against Australia's Alex De Minaur REUTERS/Mike Segar
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Britain's Jack Draper honored American tennis legend and U.S. Open champion Andre Agassi via post-match footwear after his quarter-final win on Wednesday, but don't expect him to don those kicks on court in the semis.
The 25th seed in the men's draw paused before an on-court victory interview to swap out his match sneakers for a pair of "hot lava" colored Andre Agassi Nike Air Tech Challenge IIs like the ones worn by the mulleted one in the 1990s.
And while the style was on point, their performance might not be.
"I don't know how the hell he moved with these shoes. Honestly, I can't imagine sliding in these," Draper said.
Asked if he would play in them, he said "Absolutely no chance."
Draper's footwear fashion was the latest in a U.S. Open brimming with on- and off-court shoe style, from Frances Tiafoe's custom-made Air Jordan lowtops to Naomi Osaka's match-worn Nikes with Harajuku inspired bows to match her tutu "super suit."
(Reporting by Karl Plume in New York; Editing by Stephen Coates)
