Jordan Brand reimagines the Air Jordan 7 Retro through Andre Agassi’s legacy

Where 90s tennis attitude collides with Air Jordan heritage.

By
Julien Roversi
Julien Roversi, a Paris-based fashion enthusiast, is an emerging voice in footwear & fashion journalism. After studying fashion communication and media at the London College of...
3 Min Read
3 Min Read

The release of the Air Jordan 7 Retro “Tennis Day” brings back one of Michael Jordan’s signature silhouettes with an unexpected twist that pays homage to tennis legend Andre Agassi.

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The “Tennis Day” draws direct inspiration from the Air Tech Challenge 2, Agassi’s signature sneaker that defined his on-court presence throughout the ’90s. The Air Tech Challenge 2 is one of the most influential pieces of tennis footwear ever created, and its impact extends beyond the court. Jordan Brand took the bold color palette and signature design elements from Agassi’s sneakers and applied them to the basketball silhouette.

📌 Key Facts
🎾 Inspiration: Andre Agassi’s Nike Air Tech Challenge 2
👟 Model: Air Jordan 7 Retro
🎨 Colorway: Phantom / Lemon Twist / Pink Blast / Anthracite
🖌️ Signature Detail: Paint-splatter accents inspired by 90s tennis
📅 Release Date: September 9, 2026 (US Open period)
💰 Retail Price: $215 (Adults) / $155 (GS)
🏷️ SKU: IV6508-030
🎂 Context: Comeback year ahead of AJ7’s 35th anniversary (2027)

The sneaker arrives in a “Phantom/Lemon Twist-Pink Blast-Anthracite” color scheme that mirrors the vibrant aesthetic of ’90s tennis culture. The most distinctive feature is the splatter detailing across select areas, which is a direct reference to the paint-splattered midsole that made the Air Tech Challenge 2 instantly recognizable. This detail acts as the strongest visual bridge between both worlds.

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Jordan Brand built the sneaker with a mesh base and nubuck overlays to stay true to the original construction of the Air Jordan 7. Flat laces maintain a clean presentation while allowing the bold colors to take center stage. The model maintains the classic Air Jordan 7 shape while incorporating tennis-inspired elements throughout.

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The September 9 release date coincides with the end of the US Open, making the tennis theme particularly relevant. Jordan Brand internally refers to the colorway as “Tennis Day Colors,” confirming how intentional the crossover concept is. The Air Jordan 7 has been relatively quiet in recent years, so 2026 is a significant year for the model’s return, coming as it does ahead of its 35th anniversary in 2027.

The Air Jordan 7 “Tennis Day” will be available on Nike.com and at select Jordan Brand retailers on September 9, 2026. Adult sizes will retail for $215, while grade school sizes are priced at $155. The SKU number is IV6508-030.

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