Emma Raducanu made a significant sponsorship change shortly before the start of the new tennis season and is training with a new racket for the first time.
Farewell to Wilson before the start of 2026
The world rankings 29th played with Wilson brand rackets since she was a teenager. The partnership was particularly present during their historic Grand Slam triumph at the 2021 US Open. This collaboration has now ended. In preparation for her first official tournament in 2026, the United Cup, Emma uses a Yonex racket. The contract with the Japanese supplier is expected to come into force on January 1st.
Footage from Perth shows the British number one wearing the Yonex E-Zone model as coach Francisco Roig watches training. The racket is considered powerful, but offers slightly less control. A change could therefore take time, especially in view of their first match at the United Cup against Japan’s Naomi Osaka on January 4th.
Preparing for the Australian Open and prominent comparisons
In addition to the United Cup, Raducanu is also on the entry list for the Hobart International. This gives her additional playing practice with the new material before the Australian Open. With a new racket, she joins a group of prominent players. These include fifth in the world rankings and 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina and three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka.
Osaka won all four of her major titles with a Y Ezone 98 racket. Madison Keys also used Yonex in her first Grand Slam victory at the Australian Open 2025. Rybakina, Osaka and Keys are known for their powerful games, which could give indications of the desired development for Raducanu.
For men, Ben Shelton, Casper Ruud, Nick Kyrgios and Frances Tiafoe, among others, rely on Yonex. Legends such as Martina Navratilova and Martina Hingis also act as brand ambassadors.
Another change could follow. According to rumors, Raducanu is about to switch supplier from Nike to Uniqlo. Your current contract could have expired on December 31st. Roger Federer, Iga Swiatek and Ben Shelton are among the most famous Uniqlo faces.
