Emma Raducanu Claps Back at Trolls: ‘Like I Vanished and Reappeared’ as Porsche Stands Firm
British tennis star Emma Raducanu, 22, silenced critics on Monday by sharing a photo behind the wheel of a £100k Porsche, putting an end to rumors about her endorsement with the luxury car brand. The 2021 US Open champion has faced challenges on the court due to ongoing injuries, leading some to speculate that her lucrative partnership with Porsche might be “heading for the scrapyard.”
Porsche, known for swiftly ending partnerships with underperforming ambassadors, became the center of online speculation earlier this month. When an article suggested Raducanu’s deal might be next to go, social media trolls seized the opportunity to mock her. Fueling the rumors, she was recently seen driving a modest £5,000 Dacia Sandero, her dependable, longtime car, according to the Mirror.
Unfazed, Raducanu responded by posting a picture of herself in a Porsche on social media alongside a caption that read, “Like I vanished and reappeared.” The post hinted at her resilience, despite the scrutiny. Porsche further dispelled rumors by releasing an official statement in support of the tennis star: “Emma Raducanu is a global brand ambassador for Porsche, and there have not been any changes within our successful partnership since it started in 2022. We are very happy with our partnership.”
Yet, the drama didn’t stop there. Raducanu raised more eyebrows on Monday morning when she was spotted queuing for a London bus, sparking further questions about her endorsement status. However, it was soon revealed that she was simply picking up her Porsche later in the day. By Monday afternoon, Raducanu was behind the wheel of a high-powered Porsche Cayenne, trading her previous £125,000 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet for the more comfortable Cayenne model, potentially aiding her recovery from the injuries that have hindered her progress.
Raducanu’s connection with Porsche goes beyond a business deal; she has long admired the brand. “Whenever I would turn up to practice in the morning, I would see [my coach’s] Porsche,” she once shared. “I would go, ‘Wow!’ and be dreaming of one day sitting in my own.”
While Raducanu’s journey has seen ups and downs, her resilience remains unshaken, and Porsche’s continued support solidifies her status as a valuable brand ambassador. As she focuses on recovery, Raducanu is proving that her drive—both on and off the court—remains as strong as ever.