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Marion Bartoli has come to Emma Raducanu's defense as she does not think that Emma Raducanu's sponsorship and endorsement deals are to blame for what has been happening since the 2021 US Open. Raducanu, who is now 20 years old, wrote tennis history two years ago when she became the first-ever qualifier to win a Grand Slam at the US Open.
Shortly after winning the US Open, Raducanu landed several lucrative sponsorship and endorsement deals and became the face of some of the biggest brands in the world - Dior, Tiffany & Co, Porsche, etc. But since the 2021 US Open, Raducanu hasn't won any titles and she has been often struggling with her form and results.
Over the last year, some have been pointing to Raducanu's sponsorship and endorsement deals, accusing the Briton of being more focused on off-court stuff than on actual tennis.
Bartoli defends Raducanu: Endorsement deals are not to blame
"She has so many more years ahead of her and if she can get her body ready, I don't think there is a lack of focus.
Of course there are endorsements but Maria Sharapova had a lot of endorsements but she was extremely focused throughout her career and Serena Williams was the same. Players can have a lot of endorsements, but they're able to deal that, so that's not the issue for Emma.
She didn't have the time to get herself mentally and physically ready to deal with everything that's been thrown at her since she won that Grand Slam, but it doesn't mean she won't be ready. It just requires slightly more time.
Give her time and she will be fine," Bartoli told Sky Sports. Earlier this month, Raducanu underwent surgeries on both hands and her left ankle. Now, Raducanu is set to be out for quite some time. Bartoli advised Raducanu to wisely use this time and make a strong comeback when she does return to tennis.