Stan Smith's journey from tennis legend to fashion icon

The Adidas Stan Smith shoe can be seen in stores all over the world, when walking down the street, on your favourite athlete, or anywhere, really.

But beyond the shoe is a tennis legend whose contributions to the sport warranted such an honour that has now transcended the court and solidified its place in pop culture.

Former world No.1 Stan Smith joined this week’s episode of The Sit-Down podcast to take a trip down memory lane – wearing his signature shoes, of course.

Transitioning to professional tennis after coming through the US college system, where he became a three-time All American playing for University of Southern California and won the 1968 NCAA Singles Championships, Smith's first chance at Grand Slam glory in singles came quickly.

In 1971, he secured a spot in the Wimbledon final against John Newcombe, where he led two sets to one before succumbing to the Aussie.

“I kind of lost a little concentration. It made me realise that you’ve got to focus for the whole match. I had a big lead, was really playing well. I was even starting to think about my speech for the Wimbledon ball. By the time I figured out a pretty good speech, I was congratulating him for winning the match,” Smith recalled.

“It’s always helpful to go through it. You understand what to expect from yourself, what you expect from the media, and handling all that situation when you’re in the final. It’s very special.”

The devastating loss didn’t set the American back for long as he won his maiden major title on home soil at the US Open just months later. By the time Wimbledon came back around, Smith returned to the final at the All-England Club in 1972, and this time, he was the one lifting the Gentlemen’s Singles Challenge Cup.

“When I was about 16, I had four goals. One was to become a member of the US Davis Cup team. The second was to the best player in the US. The third was to win Wimbledon and the fourth was become the best player in the world," Smith revealed.

"I really don’t know why the US Open wasn’t in that, but I think it was just because at that age I realised that Wimbledon was the big one to win.

“I think Wimbledon was the premier event. It meant you’re one of the best or the best if you win it, that was almost synonymous.”

Smith was also no stranger to doubles triumph. Partnering with Bob Lutz, the pair would go down as one of the successful doubles' teams ever, winning five Grand Slam doubles titles together – including at the Australian Open in 1970.

“It helps to know you can beat these [top] players, whether it’s singles or doubles,” he said.

When it came time to select a new face for Adidas’ leather tennis sneaker, it’s clear why Smith was an obvious choice.

“They wanted to get a stronger presence in the United States and I was No.1 in the world at the time, an American. They were looking for a good looking guy to put on the face of the shoe. They couldn't find one, so they got me to do it,” the former President of the International Tennis of Hall joked.

“My face and my signature were on the tongue of the shoe and that started in '73.

"You can say the rest is history.”

Listen to the full episode of The Sit-Down, a weekly podcast released each Monday featuring an in-depth interview with a notable tennis identity. Subscribe in your favourite podcast player so you never miss an episode.

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