Sports
Wilson Sporting Goods and Roger Federer Unveil Groundbreaking Tennis Racket Line: The RF Collection
Longstanding partnership elevates with co-creation of performance tennis rackets and accessories
CHICAGO /PRNewswire/ — Wilson Sporting Goods Co. today announces the launch of the RF Collection, a revolutionary tennis equipment line inspired, designed and developed in partnership with Roger Federer. The collection is rooted in legacy, driven by performance and innovated for the future, representing Federer’s profound impact on the sport and his unwavering dedication to excellence. The RF Collection by Wilson will launch globally today, coinciding with Roger Federer’s birthday.
“Wilson’s partnership with Roger over the last 20 years has been one of the most remarkable relationships in the history of sport, and we are thrilled to take it to the next level with the RF Collection,” says Jason Collins, Global General Manager of Wilson Racquet Sports. “This collection has been years in the making, inclusive of in-depth racket testing, designing and collaborating with Roger; we are excited to finally bring it to the court for professionals and future generations of tennis players to continue his everlasting legacy. Roger is a powerful force on the global stage, and his influence will undoubtedly continue to drive the sport of tennis and industry as a whole forward.”
In 2022, Roger Federer began collaborating with Wilson’s innovation team to create a racket for his remaining time on tour. The main goals were to increase racket head speed and maintain his versatile style against heavy baseliners, while retaining a familiar Wilson racket feel. Despite retiring that year, Roger and Wilson utilized these insights to develop the RF 01, devoting countless hours to testing and reviewing the designs to create the most premium performance tennis racket line. This collaboration will keep Roger actively involved in tennis, partnering with Wilson to continue growing the sport, with the RF 01 being the first line in this signature collection.
“Having spent my whole career playing with Wilson rackets, I’m excited about the new RF Collection that we’ve created together,” says Roger Federer. “I’m honored that Wilson is continuing my legacy by further innovating the game I love, and I hope the collection inspires the stars of today as much as I was inspired the first time that I picked up a Wilson racket.”
The RF Collection is a testament to Roger’s illustrious career with Wilson, his enduring influence on the tennis world and inspiration to play it forward. With game-changing innovations, iconic design and elevated performance, this racket collection is set to redefine the game. The RF 01 line is inclusive of three rackets models, all designed and tested by Federer himself:
- RF 01 PRO: Roger’s personally built racket* and the most playable, authentic RF frame ever created ($299).
- RF 01: Built for the advanced adult player who prefers a standard weight performance frame ($279).
- RF 01 FUTURE: Ideal for the advanced next generation player utilizing a lighter frame to develop their game. The lighter weight and adjusted balance point enhance comfort and power needed by young players ($259).
Wilson technological innovations include the SABR™ FRAME DESIGN for superior performance versatility, GLIDE GUARD for reduced air resistance, BRAIDED 45 TECHNOLOGY for enhanced ball pocketing and stability and FEEL FILL for optimized vibration dampening. Style elements draw inspiration from Roger’s personal and professional life, including the iconic RF logo, as well as a unique peak design that represents the mountains of Roger’s native Switzerland.
The collection also features performance bags and accessories, such as the RF Tournament Racket Bag 15 Pack ($189), RF Practice Bag 6 Pack ($159), RF Backpack ($129), RF Racket Cover ($49), RF Premium Leather Replacement Grip ($19.95), RF Premium Replacement Grip ($10.95) and RF Dampener Pack ($6.50).
The RF Collection is now available online and in-stores at Wilson for purchase. For more information, please visit Wilson.com and follow @wilson and @wilsontennis on social.
*Pros often customize the racket they use. Racket specifications on endorsed consumer models may vary from the models used by Pros for match-play.
About Wilson Sporting Goods:
Chicago, USA-based Wilson Sporting Goods Co. is the world’s leading manufacturer of high-performance sports equipment, apparel, footwear and accessories. The Company brings more than a century of innovation and heritage to the world of sport – celebrating the iconic moments made possible by Wilson across Racquet Sports, Baseball, Softball, American Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer and Golf. In Racquet Sports, Wilson is a global leader in tennis, padel, racquetball, badminton and pickleball. Wilson is part of Amer Sports, a global group of iconic sports and outdoor brands, publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
About Roger Federer:
Roger Federer is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes and tennis players of all time. With 20 Grand Slam championships and 103 titles in singles, Federer has helped set the standard of excellence in the sport. His legacy of grace, sportsmanship, and versatility on the court endures, as he continues to actively promote and grow the sport of tennis globally.
Off the court, Federer is dedicated to philanthropy through the Roger Federer Foundation, which supports educational projects in southern Africa and Switzerland, reflecting his commitment to giving back to communities and making a positive impact.
SOURCE Wilson Sporting Goods
Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game.
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health and wellness
“Protect Your Skin: Celebrate Sunscreen Day”
“May 27th is Sunscreen Day! Protect your skin from harmful UV rays with broad-spectrum sunscreen and sun safety practices.”
Last Updated on May 27, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Sunscreen Day is a day dedicated to promoting the importance of wearing sunscreen and protecting our skin from harmful UV rays. Observed annually on May 27th, this day serves as a reminder that sunscreen is not just for the beach or pool, but an essential part of our daily routine.
The sun emits two types of harmful UV rays: UVA and UVB. UVA rays are responsible for premature aging, such as wrinkles and age spots, while UVB rays cause sunburn and can lead to the development of skin cancer. Sunscreen works by absorbing or reflecting these rays, preventing them from penetrating the skin.
Unfortunately, many people still do not wear sunscreen or do not wear it correctly. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, only 30% of Americans regularly use sunscreen. This is concerning, as skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with over 5 million cases diagnosed each year.
To ensure that sunscreen is effective, it is important to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays, while SPF 30 provides adequate protection for most skin types. Sunscreen should be applied 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating.
It is also important to remember that sunscreen is not the only way to protect your skin from the sun. Seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours (10 am to 4 pm) can also help reduce your risk of sun damage.
Sunscreen Day is a great opportunity to start incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine. Make it a habit to apply sunscreen every morning before leaving the house, and keep a bottle in your car or bag for reapplication throughout the day. Encourage your friends and family to do the same, and spread awareness about the importance of sun protection.
In conclusion, sunscreen is a crucial aspect of protecting our skin from the harmful effects of the sun. By choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and incorporating it into our daily routine, we can reduce our risk of skin cancer and premature aging. So let’s celebrate Sunscreen Day by making a commitment to protect our skin and encouraging others to do the same!
For more information heres a link to the Skin Cancer Foundation: https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/
https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/
Sports
CatchCorner by Sports Illustrated Partners With CityPickle to Expand Urban Pickleball Access in NYC
CatchCorner by Sports Illustrated partners with CityPickle to expand NYC pickleball access, adding Central Park, Times Square and LIC courts to easy online booking.
New York City’s pickleball boom is getting a little easier to navigate. CatchCorner by Sports Illustrated, a North America–wide platform for booking sports facilities, announced a strategic partnership with CityPickle that will bring several of the operator’s most recognizable NYC courts onto CatchCorner’s reservation network.
The launch includes three CityPickle locations: Wollman Rink in Central Park, the flagship facility in Times Square, and indoor courts in Long Island City. A fourth site at Brooklyn Bridge is expected to open soon, expanding the footprint even further. The idea is simple: players can discover and book court time through CatchCorner in “just a few clicks,” with real-time availability and built-in payment options.
Why this partnership matters
Pickleball’s growth has been fueled by accessibility, but in dense cities the biggest barrier is often logistics: finding courts, knowing what’s available, and actually locking in a time slot. By pairing CityPickle’s high-profile, high-traffic venues with CatchCorner’s booking infrastructure, the partnership aims to reduce friction for everyone from first-timers to regular players.
CatchCorner CEO Jonathan Azouri framed CityPickle as a key player in expanding access, pointing to the way the operator is repurposing iconic city spaces into “dynamic hubs for sport, community, and social connection.” CityPickle’s Director of Strategic Operations, Nate Hamowy, echoed that community-first approach, saying the company’s mission is to create a place where “everyone can enjoy the game,” and that CatchCorner’s platform helps players find and connect across sports.
The bigger trend: racquet sports go urban
The announcement also signals a broader shift in how racquet sports are being built into city life. Instead of relying solely on traditional clubs or hard-to-access public courts, operators are increasingly activating prominent locations and creating event-like environments around play. In a place like NYC—where space is scarce and demand is high—partnerships like this can be the difference between pickleball feeling like a trend and pickleball becoming a permanent part of the city’s recreation ecosystem.
What to watch for next
- Brooklyn Bridge expansion: The upcoming fourth location could be a major demand driver, especially if it mirrors the visibility and foot traffic of the Central Park and Times Square sites.
- More venue additions: CatchCorner’s model is built for scale. If the CityPickle rollout performs well, it could accelerate additional urban racquet-sport partnerships.
- Community programming: The most successful city courts tend to pair bookings with leagues, clinics, and social play—expect more structured programming as these venues attract new players.
Players looking to reserve court time can do so through CatchCorner’s platform at www.catchcorner.comor via the CatchCorner app on the App Store and Google Play.
The Sports section of STM Daily News is your ultimate destination for all things sports, catering to everyday fans and dedicated enthusiasts alike. We cover a wide range of topics, from the thrill of amateur competitions to the excitement of semi-professional and professional leagues. Our content delves into physical and mental fitness, providing insights and tips that help individuals elevate their performance, whether on the field or in their personal wellness journeys. Stay informed and inspired as we explore the dynamic world of sports, celebrating both the passion of the players and the joy of the fans.
https://stmdailynews.com/sports
Senior Pickleball Report
Pickleball Kingdom’s California Expansion Starts in Roseville; Sleeves SPR Has Full Details
West Coast pickleball players could see more indoor options soon as Pickleball Kingdom’s California Expansion becomes statewide. The first club opens in Roseville with 11 indoor courts.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Pickleball Kingdom, which calls itself the world’s largest indoor pickleball entity, announced a landmark agreement to develop locations across California, with multi-unit franchisees Parminder and Komal Saini leading the statewide expansion.
Pickleball Kingdom’s California Expansion
The company said demand is rising across the Bay Area, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego County, and the Inland Empire, and that future clubs are expected to include professional-grade indoor courts, coaching and clinics for all skill levels, youth development programs, leagues and tournaments, a pro shop, and social areas.
The first California location is set to open in Roseville with grand opening activities the weekend of March 28. The club will feature 11 professional-grade indoor courts across approximately 32,900 square feet at 10251 Fairway Drive, Roseville, CA 95678.
For more context on the announcement and what the rollout could mean for California players, Sleeves Senior Pickleball Report published a full write-up here: https://sleeves-spr.com/pickleball-kingdom-announces-major-california-expansion-first-club-opens-in-roseville/Pickleball Kingdom also said it is seeking additional franchise partners in California. More information is available at https://pickleballkingdom.com/franchise/
Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game. https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/
