Why Emma Raducanu is set to leave Nike as new clothing sponsor teased

Emma Raducanu is set to leave Nike and sign with a new clothing sponsor as Uniqlo teased an upcoming announcement.

The British No 1 has worn Nike since she was a teenager and signed an extension with the sportswear giant after winning the US Open in 2021.

But the 22-year-old is widely expected to be announced by Uniqlo, the major Japanese clothing brand, in the coming weeks.

Uniqlo said they are “proud to welcome a new face” while posting a picture of a female tennis player from the side but excluding her face.

Any announcement from Raducanu could come ahead of her next appearance at Indian Wells at the start of March.

Roger Federer, the 20-time grand slam champion, also left long-time sponsor Nike to sign with Uniqlo in 2017.

But while the company also sponsored Novak Djokovic between 2012 and 2018, as well as Japanese star Kei Nishikori, they have become less visible in tennis in recent years.

Nike have also shifted their strategy, putting their resources into top talent such as Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka, meaning it is harder for others to stand out.

Jack Draper, the British men’s No 1, switched from Nike to California-based lifestyle brand Vuori last season, explaining the move would help him forge his own “unique” identity.