Will Emma Raducanu debut new Uniqlo partnership at Indian Wells?

Emma Raducanu is making a big change ahead of the Sunshine Double. The 2021 US Open champion has left Nike, her apparel sponsor since the age of 15, to become the first female tennis player sponsored by Uniqlo.

After she was spotted "experimenting" with a Yonex racquet in the offseason, only to stick with Wilson once the season began, rumors also swirled about Raducanu's next apparel contract as far back as December. Tennis podcaster Craig Shapiro claimed last month that the Brit would make upwards of $3 million annually with an impending switch to the Japanese brand that has sponsored Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Kei Nishikori.

The news, without terms, was made official by the brand on Monday, as it first teased a "new face" joining its ranks by posting the body of a female player posing in blue tennis attire with red details on its social media channels. It later revealed that player to be Raducanu.

"Emma will champion UNIQLO’s LifeWear philosophy, which is committed to pursuing excellence, making meaningful contributions to society, and empowering the next generation," the announcement on Uniqlo's channels read.

Though Nike still sponsors top tennis names including Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka, Raducanu represents the latest high-profile player to make the switch from the sportswear giant to another brand over the last year. Taylor Fritz (Boss), Frances Tiafoe (Lululemon) and Raducanu's compatriot Jack Draper (Vuori), have all recently left Nike for other brands. Federer famously made the very same switch as Raducanu in 2018, and the 23-year-old's relationship with Uniqlo will reportedly mirror that of the Swiss legend.

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A report in *The Athletic* said that "Raducanu will play an active role in designing her on-court apparel and will participate in community-engagement activities worldwide, in a similar way to Federer and the actress Cate Blanchett, who joined as a global brand ambassador last summer."

Currently ranked No. 25, Raducanu reached her first final since her famous New York triumph earlier this month at the Transylvania Open, where she finished as runner-up to Sorana Cirstea.