Babolat is pleased to announce that Andy Roddick will be wearing Babolat shoes starting in early 2006. Andy Roddick has been playing with Babolat racquets and strings since the age of 17.

“We are proud of our collaboration with Andy Roddick,” says Eric Babolat, President and CEO of Babolat. “We have been with Andy since he was a junior. In 2003, he won the U.S. Open and became #1 player in the world. He also holds the world record for fastest serve at 155 mph. The fact that he’s choosing to play with our shoes is an additional show of confidence in the excellence of our products.”

Andy Roddick added, “Babolat has always been a great partner. They have believed in me from the first time they saw me play and have supported me ever since. I’m delighted to expand my partnership with this legendary brand.”

Launched in Europe in 2003, Babolat’s line of shoes, equipped with Michelin soles, was developed to meet the specific needs of tennis players:

“Exact, the Shoe Energizer” is a patented Babolat technology. It is designed for efficient and precise lateral movement and stability, and delivers unique energy transfer to rebound the player back to position.

Durability and traction are based on specially adapted soles for each playing surface thanks to an exclusive partnership with Michelin.

Chris Dawes, Managing Director of Michelin Lifestyle: “From our tyres being used by the world’s most renowned motorsports teams, to our tyre technology now being used by one of the world’s greatest tennis players. The fact Andy Roddick will be playing on soles developed jointly between Babolat and Michelin is real proof of the success of this technology partnership and the outstanding performance delivered through the technical contribution of Michelin”.

These shoes have been extremely well received because of their innovative technology, their playing performance and their design. Babolat shoes will be available in Fall 2005 in the United States.