Emma Raducanu, the young British tennis sensation who shot to fame after her historic 2021 US Open win, was recently seen cruising around London in a brand-new Porsche, just as rumors were swirling about her previous Porsche being reclaimed by the brand. This recent sighting appears to have put to rest the speculation surrounding her relationship with the German luxury carmaker. As Raducanu returned to the wheel of a Porsche, she seemed to subtly address rumors of tension between her and the iconic brand.
Raducanu’s association with Porsche dates back to 2022 when she became an official brand ambassador for the automobile giant. This partnership followed her remarkable ascent in the tennis world, where she captured global attention by becoming the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam title at the US Open. To mark the beginning of their collaboration, Porsche gifted Raducanu a stunning silver 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet, a luxury sports car valued at around £125,000 ($163,000). Fans frequently saw the sleek car on her social media, where it was clear the 911 had become part of her public image, showcasing her new association with one of the world’s premier car brands.
However, speculation recently began circulating that Raducanu’s time with the 911 had come to an end. According to an anonymous source close to the tennis star who spoke with the *Daily Mail*, Porsche had reportedly taken back the car. “Emma no longer has a Porsche. They took it back. It used to have pride of place at her home,” the source was quoted as saying, leaving fans to wonder about potential tensions in the partnership. Adding fuel to the fire, Raducanu was spotted driving her Dacia Sandero — a reliable and modest car she had bought second-hand four years earlier — as she navigated around London without her Porsche.
In response to the rumors, a Porsche spokesperson addressed the situation directly, clarifying that there had been no change in Raducanu’s role as their global brand ambassador. The spokesperson insisted that the relationship remained positive and that Porsche continued to value Raducanu as a key figure representing their brand worldwide. “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,” the spokesperson stated, aiming to clear up the confusion surrounding the car recall rumors.
True to their word, Porsche recently provided Raducanu with a brand-new car, which she was spotted driving around London. This time, she was behind the wheel of a Porsche Cayenne, an elegant luxury SUV with a price tag of approximately £100,000. The sighting of Raducanu in a new Porsche came soon after she had responded to media coverage that speculated about her taking public transportation. Seemingly unbothered by the rumor mill, the young star enjoyed her drive in the Cayenne, signaling that her connection with Porsche remains as strong as ever.
In a humorous twist, Romanian automaker Dacia, which is known for its affordable and reliable vehicles, also chimed in on the situation. Noticing Raducanu’s apparent return to her trusty Dacia Sandero, the brand offered her an upgrade. Dacia posted an image of a black Sandero parked outside Wimbledon’s gates and tagged Raducanu in a post that playfully highlighted the vehicle’s reliability, subtly poking fun at Porsche’s rumored “double fault.” The post read: “Dear @EmmaRaducanu, Whether it’s your forehand, backhand, or Sandero keys in hand — you know a thing or two about reliability. So while some brands may (double) fault and let you down, you can always trust your Sandero. Here’s to many more miles.”
This lighthearted gesture from Dacia garnered plenty of attention, especially among Raducanu’s fans who appreciated the brand’s tongue-in-cheek approach. Dacia’s playful invitation for Raducanu to stick with their vehicle added a touch of humor to the narrative, underlining the ongoing interest in Raducanu’s image both on and off the court.
On the tennis front, Raducanu has faced her share of challenges lately. Following her injury at the Korea Open, she announced her withdrawal from the upcoming Hong Kong Open due to a foot injury involving sprained ligaments. This setback adds to a list of physical struggles the 21-year-old has encountered over the past year, raising questions about her health and ability to maintain a steady playing schedule. The young athlete has faced ongoing scrutiny regarding her performance since her meteoric rise in 2021, with frequent injuries impacting her recent tournaments and requiring her to take breaks from competition.
Despite these recent challenges, Raducanu remains a significant figure in both the tennis world and popular culture. Her partnership with Porsche and her interaction with brands like Dacia highlight her influence beyond the tennis court. Raducanu’s grounded nature, seen in her openness to driving a modest car like the Dacia Sandero, continues to resonate with fans who admire her relatable persona. Her ongoing association with Porsche, despite the recent rumors, affirms that Raducanu still holds a valued place in the brand’s strategy.
As she recovers from her recent injury and prepares for her next steps in tennis, Emma Raducanu remains an inspiring and evolving figure. Her journey underscores both the pressures and privileges of being a young athlete in the spotlight, navigating the demands of professional sports, brand partnerships, and public opinion. Whether she’s driving a luxury Porsche or her reliable Dacia, Raducanu’s authenticity and resilience continue to endear her to fans around the world.