Emma Raducanu appears to have put speculation about a clothing sponsorship change to rest after being photographed in Nike gear during her first practice session in Perth ahead of the United Cup.
Recent weeks had seen widespread reports suggesting Britain's top female player was poised to end her relationship with the American sportswear giant in favour of a deal with Uniqlo for the upcoming season.
However, the 22-year-old's appearance on court still sporting Nike branding suggests she remains committed to her current sponsors, according to Tennis 365.
While a switch to the Japanese company cannot be entirely ruled out given her existing contract likely extends through the year's end, the signs indicate Raducanu is staying put with her clothing and footwear partner.
The rumoured Uniqlo agreement would have seen Raducanu follow in the footsteps of Roger Federer, the 20-time Grand Slam champion who joined the Japanese brand during the latter stages of his illustrious career.
Nike secured Raducanu's signature before her remarkable triumph at the 2021 US Open, which transformed her into a global sporting star virtually overnight.
Despite not claiming another title or reaching a WTA Tour final since that extraordinary victory in New York more than four years ago, the British player's marketability remains substantial thanks to her considerable social media presence and status as one of the most discussed figures in women's tennis.
Emma Raducanu appears to have put speculation about a clothing sponsorship change to rest after being photographed in Nike gear during her first practice session in Perth ahead of the United Cup
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A Uniqlo partnership would have held particular appeal given Raducanu's Asian heritage through her Chinese mother.
Raducanu's presence in Australia has also quashed fears that a persistent foot problem might force her to delay the start of her 2026 campaign.
Speaking at the LTA's National Tennis Centre in London earlier this month, the British No 1 expressed optimism about her prospects for the coming year.
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Five facts for tennis fans | GETTY/PA"I feel quite content with how things are going on and off the court. I'm in a pretty good place," said Raducanu.
She acknowledged the challenges posed by her foot issues and health concerns towards the end of the previous season but remained upbeat about her recovery.
"Despite any challenges I have been facing with the foot or the health at the end of the season, I feel in a good place, and I'm building back in the gym, to start with," she added.
Raducanu expressed then satisfaction with her 2024 campaign and the strides she has made, while outlining a more measured approach for the year ahead.
"I'm feeling pretty relaxed ahead of next year, which is a good place to be. And I'm just proud of the season that I put in this year and the progress I have made," she said.
Emma Raducanu made the third round of the Australian Open this year
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The 23-year-old revealed plans to reduce her playing schedule compared to this year, emphasising the importance of integrating fitness work into her warm-up routines rather than treating conditioning as separate sessions.
"You just have to try and drip feed as much as you can in for the overall health of your body, little and often, I think, is the biggest thing that's helped," Raducanu explained.
Raducanu made the third round of the Australian Open this year.
However, she was sent crashing out after losing to Iga Swiatek - winning just one game during that match.