Uniqlo expands tennis reach with Emma Raducanu
Japanese apparel retailer Uniqlo has ended weeks of speculation about who will dress British tennis star Emma Raducanu at her future tournaments by announcing the 2021 US Open winner as its latest global brand ambassador.
In a statement_ Uniqlo announced that Raducanu_ Britain's top-ranked female tennis player_ will represent the brand at all major tennis tournaments_ starting with the Indian Wells Open in the US in March.
Raducanu_ who was previously sponsored and played in Nike_ will play “an active role” in designing her on-court apparel from Uniqlo_ as well as promoting the brand_s LifeWear philosophy_ with an emphasis on the “pursuit of excellence_ positive contribution to society_ and support of the next generation”.
Commenting on the move_ Raducanu said: “I am very pleased to join Uniqlo and to work closely with its amazing team of global brand ambassadors. Uniqlo and I share many values and perspectives on life_ culture_ and society.
“I am excited to promote LifeWear through my tennis career_ and to work with everybody at Uniqlo to inspire and engage young people everywhere.”
Emma Raducanu joins Uniqlo as a global brand ambassador
Raducanu becomes the first female tennis player to be signed by the retailer_ joining tennis legend Roger Federer_ former Japanese wheelchair tennis player Shingo Kunieda_ Japanese tennis star Kei Nishikori_ and British wheelchair tennis player Gordon Reid. Other brand ambassadors include actress Cate Blanchett_ Olympic champion snowboarder Ayumu Hirano_ and golfer Adam Scott. The brand also previously sponsored tennis player Novak Djokovic_ before he moved to Lacoste.
As a Uniqlo global brand ambassador_ the retailer said her primary role will be to promote LifeWear internationally through her tennis career_ wearing the brand on-court_ as well as participating in community-engagement activities worldwide_ such as Uniqlo_s Next Generation Development Programme coaching events for skilled young tennis players or young players from underserved areas_ and support for communities in need through Uniqlo Peace for All and The Heart of LifeWear initiatives.
Adding Raducanu to its line-up expands Uniqlo_s reach into the women_s tour_ as well as the UK market_ and also highlights its proprietary fabric technologies_ such as its high-performance textile Dry EX_ designed for intense physical activity_ and AIRism_ its sweat‑wicking_ quick‑dry fabric.
Koji Yanai_ group senior executive officer at Fast Retailing_ the parent company of Uniqlo_ added: “We are honoured to welcome Ms. Raducanu to Uniqlo as a global brand ambassador. Even under intense pressure_ she consistently demonstrates a bold and proactive mindset_ embracing challenge with determination.
“Off court_ she is an intelligent and well-read young person who values her connection to family and friends. We believe she will be an exceptional ambassador and look forward to making positive change together in the world.”