Emma Raducanu’s dream 2026 with Andy Murray link-up as sponsors return | Tennis | Sport
It’s a big year for Emma Raducanu in 2026 as she strives to transition from being a ‘nearly woman’ to a powerhouse in the tennis world. There were positive signs in 2025, with respectable showings at the Grand Slams.
However, there were also more injuries and fitness woes as she ended her season prematurely in October. There was also yet another change of coach. After a break, Raducanu recently returned to the court, representing Britain at the United Cup in Australia, ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year in Melbourne, which starts next week. Here’s how a dream 2026 could pan out for the golden girl of British tennis…
Andy Murray’s help
There had been tension between Raducanu and the Murrays following Raducanu’s late withdrawal from the mixed doubles at Wimbledon 2024, where the pair had been due to team up as part of Andy’s SW19 swansong.
An apology from Raducanu smoothed things over, with Murray insisting the matter is in the past. Therefore, Raducanu should consider picking the brains of the two-time Wimbledon champion, especially on what it takes to achieve grass court success.
Having already worked with Novak Djokovic, albeit briefly, since retiring, Murray would be open to a new coaching or consultancy project. It could help take Raducanu’s game to the next level.
Coaching stability
Raducanu has gone through more coaches than most players go through in their entire careers. Last year, she linked up with Francisco Roig.
Having been a key member of Rafael Nadal‘s backroom team during his illustrious career, Raducanu could not be in better hands. The early signs are promising, with Raducanu speaking highly of their collaboration. If this tie-up doesn’t work out, it’s hard to see where she turns, unless Murray turns out to be a long-term option.
Sponsor return
Following her remarkable US Open victory at 18, Raducanu had banked millions through various commercial tie-ups. However, she experienced a setback last year when Vodafone ended its association with her.
The telecommunications giants dropped Raducanu for ‘demanding too much money’, according to the Daily Mail. She had signed a reported £3million deal with Vodafone at the end of 2021 to be its principal tennis ambassador.
Raducanu maintains deals with brands such as Dior, Tiffany and Co., Evian, British Airways and Nike. While it is not her primary motivation, success on the court will likely lead to even more commercial interest in 2026.
Grand Slam impact
While a singles title of any sort eluded her grasp, she equalled or bettered her previous performances at the Australian Open, progressing to the third round, and the French Open, where she exited in the second round.
At Wimbledon, she gave world number one Aryna Sabalenkaa stern test, falling short after two closely fought sets but it’s still a far cry from her incredible US Open triumph.
No one is demanding that she wins a Grand Slam this year but she at least needs to go up deep in a couple. Starting the year as a top 32 player and a seed gives her a great chance to do that.
