In a brewing controversy that has stunned fans and divided the tennis world, Emma Raducanu is facing allegations that she deliberately underperformed in her second-round match at Wimbledon 2025 in order to meet a sponsorship obligation scheduled less than 24 hours later in Milan.
According to multiple insider sources, the 2021 US Open champion—who lost in straight sets to an unseeded qualifier—allegedly adjusted her schedule around a private marketing campaign shoot for a luxury fashion brand, raising serious concerns within the WTA.
The incident has sparked a quiet internal probe by tour officials, who are reviewing communications between Raducanu’s management, sponsors, and tournament officials in the lead-up to the match. While no formal accusations have been made, the optics have raised eyebrows—especially as Raducanu boarded a private jet to Italy within hours of the loss.
Timeline Sparks Suspicions
Raducanu’s match on Court 1 lasted just 64 minutes and was widely criticized for a lack of intensity and effort. Commentators noted her uncharacteristically passive play, lack of emotion, and refusal to engage with her box throughout the match.
Hours later, social media erupted when behind-the-scenes footage surfaced of Raducanu posing for a luxury fashion campaign in Milan, smiling and seemingly unaffected by her Wimbledon exit. The shoot, believed to be tied to a major seven-figure endorsement deal, had allegedly been scheduled before the tournament even began.
One anonymous WTA official told The Times:
“We can’t ignore what we’re seeing. When competitive integrity is in question, even the perception of prioritizing money over the sport is damaging.”
Fans and Critics Clash
The backlash from British tennis fans has been swift. On X (formerly Twitter), one user wrote:
“She tanked that match to catch a plane. How’s that fair to fans who paid hundreds to see her play?”
Another posted:
“If Raducanu wants to be a model, that’s fine. But don’t disrespect the game like this.”
However, many of Raducanu’s supporters rushed to her defense, accusing critics of holding her to an unfair standard.
“No one questions male players when they lose. Emma gets judged because she’s young, rich, and successful,” one fan replied.
Raducanu Responds
In a carefully worded statement released late Tuesday, Raducanu denied any wrongdoing:
“I gave everything I had in that match. Sometimes, it’s just not your day. I had a prior commitment that didn’t conflict with the tournament, and I fulfilled it. That’s all.”
She added,
“It’s disappointing to have my integrity questioned without facts.”
WTA Statement Pending
While the WTA has not publicly commented, sources suggest they are treading carefully. With Raducanu being one of the tour’s most marketable stars, the organization is reportedly weighing the potential fallout of any disciplinary action.
For now, the whispers of discontent have cast a shadow over Raducanu’s image, raising difficult questions about the increasingly blurred line between sport and sponsorship.