Polo Ralph Lauren has signed the agreement with the United States Tennis Association (USTA), according to which the company will be the Official Apparel Sponsor of the US Open until 2008.

Polo Ralph Lauren is rumored to have paid $ 20 million for the 4-year contract. The price doesn’t look so big when you know that about 600 thousands of people visit the Grand Slam US Open each year, and 86 million of people watched the last year’s live broadcast.

The 37-year-old fashion company will create an official shirt, designed by Ralph Lauren himself, which will outfit all on-court officials including ballpersons and line judges.

“This partnership creates a new, worldwide platform for the integration of fashion and sport - all part of the unique appeal of tennis,” said Arlen Kantarian, chief executive, Professional Tennis, USTA, quoted by sportbusiness.com

“Polo Ralph Lauren will bring a new dimension of style to the US Open. Polo Ralph Lauren has also signed a contract with Scott Oudsema, the three-time junior Grand Slam doubles winner, to represent the Ralph Lauren tennis brand in their upcoming advertising campaign.”

Before Polo Ralph Lauren, an authentic sports brand Fila has been sponsoring the US Tennis Association for 20 years.

Polo Ralph Lauren has also signed a deal with 18-year-old Scott Oudsema, the three-time junior Grand Slam doubles winner, to represent the Ralph Lauren tennis brand in the company's upcoming advertising campaign.