3 Years After Donning the Famous Adidas Trefoil, 23YO Wimbledon Champion Flaunts $800M Japanese Brand’s Quirky Outfit in a Surprise French Open Move

Elena Rybakina is doing everything in her power to make this tennis season a success. However, she recently found herself in the midst of a controversy involving a professional matter other than tennis. The 23-year-old tennis star is presently competing in the French Open and has easily advanced to the third round of the competition. However, during her opening round of the competition, seeing the tennis player in a different sponsored attire sparked many doubts. 

The Kazakhstani tennis player’s sponsor change has surprised the tennis world. Even though she used Adidas tennis apparel during a Paris practice session, she started the second Grand Slam event of the year in Yonex gear. 

Elena Rybakina’s sudden sponsor shift from Adidas to Yonex 

Back in 2020, the world’s number four-ranked tennis player signed a sponsorship deal with Adidas as her clothing and shoes sponsor. Before that, Nike sponsored her. However, now during the first round of the French Open, the Wimbledon champion was seen wearing Yonex gear, and her Adidas trefoil was replaced by the other sponsor logos, including Red Bull. 

It shocked a lot of tennis fans to see this sudden sponsor change just before the tournament. They shared their views on Twitter. A fan pointed out that the Tennis player has changed her outfit brand in this tournament and was wearing a quite similar outfit to her opponent, Linda Nosková, whom she defeated in the second round itself. Not only did she switch her sponsor, but she also made a new sponsorship deal with Red Bull.

She made her new Yonex gear debut in a women’s Paris tank with a V-neck design that catches the eyes with its contrasting collar lines. In addition, paired that with a navy blue Yonex Women’s Paris skirt that has a built-in shortie for convenience. 

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However, this is not the first time that the world’s number four rank tennis player has signed a deal with the Japanese brand. She is been quite loyal in using Yonex racquets. And now she has complemented her tennis equipment with the same brand of apparel. 

While the sudden sponsor change can be an immense shock to the tennis fan, the $800 million Japanese brand didn’t leave the chance to make her feel welcome. 

The warm welcome message from Yonex for Elena Rybakina 

Just after a day, she won her first-round match at the clay-court Grand Slam tournament. The sports equipment company on their official Instagram account shared a warm message for their fresh face. They confirmed their partnership with the post. 

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Further, by sharing a picture of the Tennis player in the new gear. Yonex gave a warm welcome to a new member of their team. And wrote, “Starting a new chapter with Elena Rybakina #Team Yonex”. In addition, there is another WTA star, Caroline Garcia, who also shares the same apparel sponsor.