Uniqlo, the Japanese global apparel brand operated by Fast Retailing Co Ltd, has announced a unique new partnership with British tennis star Emma Raducanu.
Raducanu is Britain’s top-ranked female tennis player, and 2021 US Open winner–the first British woman to win a Grand Slam singles title since 1977.
She joins Uniqlo as its newest global brand ambassador and will represent Uniqlo at all major tournaments around the world, starting with the Indian Wells Open in the US in March.
Raducanu will work alongside other Uniqlo Global Brand Ambassadors, including tennis and wheelchair-tennis legends Roger Federer and Shingo Kunieda, and Academy-Award-winning actor Cate Blanchett, to promote Uniqlo’s LifeWear philosophy, which emphasises the continuous pursuit of excellence, contributions to society and support of the next generation.
She will also work actively on designs and functions of her on-court apparel.
Raducanu said, “I am very pleased to join Uniqlo and to work closely with its amazing team of Global Brand Ambassadors. Uniqlo and I share many values and perspectives on life, culture and society.
“I am excited to promote LifeWear through my tennis career, and to working with everybody at Uniqlo to inspire and engage young people everywhere.”
Fast Retailing group senior executive officer Koji Yanai said, ”Even under intense pressure, Raducanu consistently demonstrates a bold and proactive mindset, embracing challenge with determination.
“Off court, she is an intelligent and well-read young person who values her connection to family and friends. We believe she will be an exceptional ambassador and look forward to making positive change together in the world.”
Raducanu’s primary role will be to represent Uniqlo and to promote LifeWear internationally through her tennis career. She will play an active role in designing her on-court apparel.
She will participate in Uniqlo’s community-engagement activities worldwide, such as Uniqlo Next Generation Development Program coaching events for skilled young tennis players or young players from underserved areas, and support for communities in need through Uniqlo Peace for All and The Heart of LifeWear initiatives.
Uniqlo combines the expert insight of its Global Brand Ambassadors with its most advanced proprietary technologies, creating apparel that supports human performance at the highest level, while also bringing greater comfort and functionality to the everyday lives of its customers.
In addition to Emma Raducanu, the Uniqlo Global Brand Ambassadors today are Roger Federer (tennis), Kei Nishikori (tennis), Shingo Kunieda (wheelchair tennis), Gordon Reid (wheelchair tennis), Ayumu Hirano (snowboarding), Adam Scott (golf) and Cate Blanchett (actor).
