Tennis star Emma Raducanu has signed a lucrative deal to become the global brand ambassador for British Airways.
The airline confirmed on Tuesday it would fly the teenage star and team to her tournaments across the world.
Raducanu, 19, was catapulted to fame after triumphing in the US Open in September, becoming the first qualifier ever to win a Grand Slam tennis tournament.
She has since become a superstar and signed a string of sponsorship deals with giants including Tiffany & Co, Dior and Evian.
The tennis star, from Bromley, shared the news of her BA deal with her 2.1 million followers on Instagram.
She wrote: “The airline has already been part of a special time for me, flying me home from the US Open.
“I look forward to working with the iconic British brand on some exciting projects.”
The size of the BA deal was not revealed.
Tom Stevens, British Airways’s director of brand and customer experience, said: “As we look ahead to the world opening up again, we’re excited to be supporting the very best of British talent, Emma Raducanu.
"We couldn’t have been prouder as a nation than when Emma won the US Open. Sport has the power to inspire and unite people all across the globe, so we are delighted to be supporting Emma as she represents Britain and takes on the world.”
Earlier this week, she capped a fairytale year by being voted the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year.
Raducanu has denied expanding her global brand will affect her performance on the pitch.
In an interview with the Radio Times, she said: “You’ve got to remember you got [the deals] because you’re a good tennis player, and not for any other reason. So you’d better stay being a good tennis player.”
