Tennis

Passionate Raducanu wants Porsche Tennis Grand Prix prize

The Porsche Tennis Grand Prix is right around the corner and WTA stars have started to arrive in Stuttgart. With a storied history and past winners including the likes of Steffi Graf, Justine Henin and Maria Sharapova, it is an event to look forward to.

Emma Raducanu is no different. The British ace is relishing the opportunity to be at the Porsche Arena and play in front of the gathered 10,000 spectators. The 20-year-old has her eyes on the prize, which is not just a monetary injection.

The WTA 500 tournament brings to the table a combined €611,210 for the participants. In addition, the winner will bag a brand new Porsche Taycan Turbo S Sport Turismo worth €198,692.

Emma Raducanu

Eye on the prize

Thanks to her partnership with AMG, Raducanu became a brand ambassador for Porsche. Their coming together fills the checkboxes for the British star, who does not shy away from blushing about the event.

Recently pictured go-karting on her own time, Raducanu is not only looking forward to playing at Porsche Arena but also driving the assembled cars in the background.

“I think it’s a very nice arena for tennis and provides a great atmosphere,” said Raducanu. “Of course, having the cars behind the court and also being able to rent from a selection of Porsche’s throughout the week is pretty cool!”

“I’ve been lucky enough to drive one on a few occasions and it’s a very smooth drive and tremendous acceleration,” she added.

Well-versed with the pioneering technologies that Porsche is bringing forward, it is the e-mobility of the cars that has piqued Raducanu’s interest.

“I think what Porsche has been able to do with e-mobility is amazing, to produce a very high-performing electric car like the Taycan is a big feat and a sign of the future,” the 20-year-old said.

Raducanu and Porsche off the court

In addition to her responsibilities as the brand ambassador, Raducanu has also launched initiatives of her own with Porsche. Advanced cars are not in the reach of all but the British ace has made that possible with a driving program.

Please with how the program has helped her own driving skills, Raducanu wants to keep pushing the envelope and explore more opportunities.

“Porsche have been amazing in supporting my off-court goals. Together we have put together a driving program that includes track lessons with more advanced cars and I’ve had a lot of fun improving my driving skills.

“The goal is to keep progressing and who knows what opportunities it might lead to. I love testing new cars and learning about the engineering side of the industry as well.”

Raducanu earned a wildcard entry in Stuttgart and will hope her niggling wrist injury does not hinder her progress at the event. She impressed at Indian Wells reaching the fourth round but could not match Iga Swiatek’s power and finesse.

Her injury woes saw her bow out of Miami Open at the first hurdle at the hands of Bianca Vanessa Andreescu. It saw her pull out of the Billie Jean Cup tie against France, making it her third withdrawal from a team competition in six months.


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