Flailing Raducanu loses her luxury ride

The downward spiral of Emma Raducanu has intensified, with sponsor Porsche reportedly taking back the luxury ride given to the 2021 US Open winner whose career has dropped like a stone since her improbable title.

The 21-year-old who claimed the New York trophy three years ago from an unheard-of qualifying start, has never really figured again at the business end of a tournament.

And it looks like the current No. 54 who briefly touched 10th in the world could be in for more disappointment if she cannot begin picking up her sinking game.

British media reported that Porsche has reclaimed the 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet they gave her at the start of what had looked like a lucrative career.

The car firm said it loaned cars to sponsorship ambassadors “on occasion.” Prices for the machine begin at around USD 175,000 and quickly rise. 

Raducanu, who has not been beyond the second round of a Grand Slam – save twice at Wimbledon –  since her only major title, will no longer be tootling around her hometown of Bromley in the southern London suburbs in the flashy German machine.

In the immediate wake of her Open title, the teenaged Raducanu – whose half-Chinese heritage makes her a hit for Asian consumers – was also signed by high-profile names including British Airways, Vodafone, Tiffany, Dior, Evian, Wilson, Nike and HSBC.

But local media report that some of those contracts might be under threat.

London’s Daily Express noted that Raducanu’s family company reported just under GBP 10 million in 2023 income despite the player’s tennis income totalling around GBP 200,000.

Raducanu has been a ghost on the WTA this season, skipping the clay events to concentrate on grass and then falling victim to more poor form and injuries.

She is currently out of action after a September foot injury in Korea and could well be done for another season.