Apparel brand Uniqlo is poised to enter women’s tennis for the first time, teasing a mystery female player as its newest ambassador.
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The Japanese brand shared a cryptic post on Instagram, writing, “We’re proud to welcome a new face to Uniqlo.” Rather than revealing the athlete outright, Uniqlo opted for intrigue by posting only a cropped image of a female player’s midsection, dressed in a light blue pleated tennis dress.
While Uniqlo has yet to confirm the identity, online speculation strongly points to Emma Raducanu. The former US Open champion has long been associated with Nike, but her apparel contract is widely believed to be ending, opening the door for a high-profile switch.
Earlier this year, tennis insider Craig Shapiro reported that Raducanu’s Uniqlo deal is expected to begin at Indian Wells, with figures estimated at $3.5 million per year plus performance-based bonuses. If accurate, the partnership would mark Uniqlo’s first-ever foray into women’s professional tennis.
For now, Raducanu still wears Nike. At her most recent appearance at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, she competed in the purple Nike Spring Slam Dress. All eyes will now turn to the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, which begins on March 4, 2026, and could serve as the official debut of Uniqlo’s new ambassador.
