On Running presents an unexpected duel: Roger Federer faces Zendaya in an “air tennis” match.
In a bold and innovative advertising campaign, On Running delivers an extraordinary spectacle: a fictional “air tennis” match pitting tennis legend Roger Federer against rising star Zendaya. Titled “Dream On,” this initiative combines humour and technical mastery in a fictitious tournament where the ball is imaginary, but the tension is very real.
A Surprising Showdown
Who would have thought we would one day see Roger Federer, tennis icon, go head-to-head with Zendaya, talented actress, on a tennis court? Yet that’s exactly what On Running offers us with this original campaign. The concept is simple: an invisible ball, but an intense competition. In a one-minute video, Zendaya challenges Federer to a match at 3 PM. The two celebrities then meet on the court, ready to battle it out.
The absence of a ball does nothing to diminish the realism of their gestures and movements. Thanks to choreography inspired by the style of Busby Berkeley, our two protagonists deliver a performance that, despite its fictional aspect, exudes authenticity. The exchanges are dynamic, the gazes intense, and the audience is kept on the edge of their seats. Who would have thought that a match without a ball could be so gripping?
Custom Ambassadors
The choice of Roger Federer and Zendaya for this campaign is no coincidence. Federer, beyond his legendary career from 1998 to 2022, is a long-time ambassador for the Swiss brand On Running. As a shareholder in the company, he perfectly embodies the precision and excellence that are core values of the brand.
Zendaya, on the other hand, has just shone in the film “Challengers,” released on 24 April, where she plays a tennis player. Her intensive training for this role allowed her to master the technical movements of tennis, to the point of performing most of the scenes herself without a stunt double. With such a track record, she was the ideal partner for Federer. Furthermore, her multi-year contract with On Running only strengthens her connection to the brand, which she proudly showcases both on set and during her travels.
A Fictional Meeting, Yet Full of Emotion
In this advertisement, we witness a fictional but incredibly engaging encounter between two giants of their respective fields. The scene begins in an On store, where Zendaya crosses paths with Federer. A simple glance, a silent challenge, and they're on the court, ready for a game of “air tennis.”
The exchanges are quick and precise, and even without a ball, the energy of the match is palpable. The audience is transported into this alternative reality where the game unfolds in the imagination, yet with a very real intensity.
The “Dream On” campaign is not merely about promoting trainers; it invites us to dream big and let our imaginations run wild. It reminds us that even the most improbable scenarios can come to life, as long as we have a bit of faith.
Conclusion
With “Dream On,” On Running pulls off a masterstroke by combining the prestige of Roger Federer and the charisma of Zendaya in an advertisement that is both funny and captivating. This “air tennis” match is a perfect metaphor for innovation and boldness, proving that even the wildest dreams can come true, even if it's just in our imagination. This campaign marks a turning point in how brands can create engaging and memorable advertising content. Because after all, who needs a ball when you have imagination?
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