Tennis news today: Stan Wawrinka to make his comeback next week, Emma Raducanu is Porsche's latest brand ambassador | 22 March 2022
After being on the sidelines for more than a year, Stan Wawrinka is set to return to competitive tennis next week. Meanwhile, Emma Raducanu's endorsement portfolio continues to grow as she has signed up with yet another major brand.
Bianca Andreescu's absence from the tour has seen her ranking plummet outside the top 100, while compatriot Eugenie Bouchard is preparing for her latest comeback.
The Miami Open men's draw has been released and promises plenty of exciting matches over the next two weeks.
Here's a round-up of the day's biggest stories.
Stan Wawrinka to compete at Andalucia Open next week
Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka hasn't competed on the tour since undergoing foot surgery in early 2021. The Swiss has received a wildcard to participate in the Monte-Carlo Masters next month.
Wawrinka will, however, return to action earlier than expected, as he's set to compete at the Andalucia Open next week. The Challenger event will also feature former top-10 players Fernando Verdasco and Lucas Pouille.
Emma Raducanu is Porsche's new brand ambassador
Emma Raducanu's endorsement portfolio is already the stuff of legend, as the teenager is the face of some of the world's biggest brands. After signing with Nike, Dior, Tiffany, Evian, British Airways and Vodafone, Raducanu recently inked a deal with automobile giant Porsche.
#DreamersOn #ad
So happy to be part of the #PorscheFamily as an official Brand Ambassador! Ready for every moment our journey holds for us 🙌 #DreamersOn #ad https://t.co/tf6DGiDfzK
Porsche's engagement with women's tennis isn't new; Maria Sharapova, Julia Goerges and Angelique Kerber are former and current ambassadors of the German car manufacturer. Raducanu is currently in Miami preparing for the WTA 1000 event.
Bianca Andreescu set to drop out of WTA top 100
Bianca Andreescu rose to the top of the women's game following her breakout season in 2019. However, frequent injuries have kept her away from the tour for much of the time since then.
The Canadian hasn't competed at all this season. At last year's Miami Open, she made it to the final, losing to Ashleigh Barty. However, since Andreescu isn't participating in Miami this year, once the points from last year drop off at the conclusion of the tournament, she won't be ranked in the top 100 anymore.
Going by Andreescu's latest Instagram post, however, it appears that tennis is on her mind and it's only a matter of time before she returns to the tour.
Eugenie Bouchard to make her comeback next month at ITF event
Eugenie Bouchard has been out of commission since undergoing shoulder surgery last year. The Canadian is set to return to action after being awarded a wildcard for the US Pro Women's Clay Court Championships, to be held from April 11-17.
Bouchard hasn't lived up to expectations, but the Canadian has continued to work hard and push for better results.
Miami Open men's draw has been released
The men's draw for the Miami Open is out and there are plenty of exciting matches to look out for from the get-go. Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray could face top seed Daniil Medvedev in the second round.
Andrey Rublev and Nick Kyrgios are on course for a second-round meeting and Indian Wells champion Taylor Fritz and rising star Carlos Alcaraz could meet in the quarterfinals.
In the absence of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, it's a good opportunity for Next Gen players to flourish.