Serve On SI

Carlos Alcaraz Rocks Andre Agassi's Tennis Shoes at Australian Open

Carlos Alcaraz wore the Nike Air Tech Challenge II at the 2025 Australian Open.
Pat Benson|
Carlos Alcaraz waves to the crowd after winning in the fourth round at the Australian Open.
Carlos Alcaraz waves to the crowd after winning in the fourth round at the Australian Open. | IMAGO / AAP

What is better than advancing to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open? Picking up a fourth-round win and then lacing up a pair of iconic retro Nike tennis shoes.

On Sunday, Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jack Draper in two sets after the British star was forced to retire due to injury. After consoling his opponent, Alcaraz excited some fans by switching out shoes.

The Spanish superstar paid homage to tennis legend Andre Agassi by rocking his retro Nike tennis shoes. Agassi's tennis shoes have enjoyed retro releases over the years and are hitting shelves again later this month.

While some fans gawked over a shirtless Alcaraz after the match, others began searching out his tennis shoes. The Nike Air Tech Challenge II was first released in 1990 as the second installment of Agassi's signature line.

The Nike Air Tech Challenge II was designed by Tinker Hatfield, who is credited for saving Michael Jordan's signature sneaker line after the Air Jordan 2.

The Nike Air Tech Challenge II continues its retro run by dropping un the "Racer Pink" colorway on January 31 for $150 in adult sizes on the Nike website and select retailers.

It is no surprise that Alcaraz got a pair of the highly anticipated kicks before the official release date. Last summer, Alcaraz signed a massive contract extension with Nike. Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will be the face of Nike tennis moving forward.

Alcaraz faces Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals on January 20. Tennis fans can follow Sports Illustrated's Serve on SI for all the most important news from the sport.

More Tennis News

Published
Pat Benson
PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers professional tennis for Serve on Sports Illustrated, reporting on ATP and WTA events worldwide. From Challenger tournaments to Grand Slams, he brings readers in-depth coverage, daily recaps, and exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names in the sport. With a decade of experience in sports journalism, Pat is recognized as a trusted voice in tennis media. You can contact him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.

Share on XFollow Pat_Benson_Jr
Home/Style