Emma Raducanu is set to compete in her first clay-court event on the WTA Tour. The Brit will participate in the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart next week, where the winner will receive one of the German manufacturer’s snazzy cars.
The British number one, who was unveiled as an ambassador for the tournament sponsor last month, is looking forward to playing at an event she described as ‘unique’. ‟I am excited to play my first ever WTA tournament on clay,” she told Porsche tennis.
“It’s nice that it’s the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. I’ve been following the event since I was young and for me it was always the tournament where the winner gets a Porsche. It was unique and it has stayed on my mind. Since being on the Tour, I have heard so many good things about the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix.
“I know it’s one of the most popular tournaments on the calendar which is no wonder – who doesn’t want to win a Porsche?” Sharing her thoughts on becoming a brand ambassador for the popular motor company, the British number one shared: “Being a Brand Ambassador for Porsche means a lot to me. Porsche is a brand that fascinated me as a kid.
“It’s really important for me to align with partners and brands that I really feel passionate about and that I identify with. Porsche is the perfect fit. I think the partnership is incredible and obviously I’m really excited to see what sort of exciting things we can do going forwards.”
The US Open champion is part of a strong field that features nine of the world’s top 10 players. The 19-year-old has struggled for form since her epic win in Flushing Meadows, and so far has won just two matches in 2022 as she adjusts to life on the professional tennis tour.
Raducanu knows the challenges that lie ahead next week and is ready for the put her best foot forward as she aims to get back into the winner's circle. ‟It will be challenging but I have already won matches against some of these players in my short experience on tour,” she added.
“It would be very motivating to add to my wins against the best players in the world, especially on clay where I have little experience as there aren’t really any clay courts in the UK. This clay season with the French Open as the highlight will be an interesting challenge, but one I am looking forward to.”
