Raducanu Reportedly Loses Lucrative Sponsorship Deal Due To Financial Demands
News
Emma Raducanu has suffered a financial loss after Vodafone reportedly decided to end a lucrative partnership with the British player.
There have been reports about sponsors considering ending their deals with Raducanu because of her results since stunningly winning the 2021 US Open as an 18-year-old qualifier without dropping a set.
That incredible success led to some of the world's most significant brands wanting to partner with Raducanu, including Porsche, Nike, Evian, and Vodafone. Those collaborations earned Raducanu millions of pounds.
The 22-year-old's deal with Vodafone was worth an estimated £3 million per year. Even if Raducanu had to do some work for the telecommunications company in return, that would still be an incredible sum.
However, Daily Mail's sources have said Raducanu demanded more money, and Vodafone decided not to renew the deal. It is unknown how much money the former Grand Slam champion wanted.
Although it cannot be proven for sure, Raducanu's results in the last few years might have influenced Vodafone's decision. Turning down the player's money demands may have been more difficult if she had secured more major titles since.
Instead, Raducanu has not won any WTA tournaments since her US Open success. Various factors have contributed to her challenges on the court over the last three and a half years.
Raducanu was not helped by sections of the media, especially in her home country, placing unrealistic expectations on her shoulders. She needed some time to adjust to the daily grind of the WTA circuit after rising so quickly.
The young star has also been plagued by injury issues. She missed nine months in 2023 because of severe wrist and ankle problems, but she finally returned at the start of the 2024 season.
Although Raducanu can be sympathized with due to how tough being in the spotlight is, sponsors will always act based on what is best for their bottom line, meaning they have undoubtedly been following her results.
Porsche had given Raducanu one of its cars, but she had it reportedly taken away in October. Although the brand said the gesture was never meant to be permanent, there were strong rumors about the move being due to Raducanu's results.
The overall results pattern of the past few years might make some sponsors tempted to walk away from deals with Raducanu, but she showed auspicious signs at the 2025 Miami Open, reaching the quarterfinal.
Her run to that stage included victories against 2025 Qatar Open champion Amanda Anisimova and Emma Navarro. Raducanu lost a thrilling quarterfinal in three sets to the eventual runner-up Jessica Pegula.
That terrific showing in Miami felt important after a tough previous few months for Raducanu. She was forced to end her partnership with coach Nick Cavaday after the 2025 Australian Open because of his health issues and desire to spend more time at home.
Raducanu also dealt with a scary stalking incident during the Middle Eastern swing. She was left in tears and hid behind the umpire's chair during a match against Karolina Muchova at the 2025 Dubai Championships when a man who had followed her at two previous tournaments appeared in the crowd.
