Azarenka becomes first tennis player to endorse Red Bull

15 January 2013 | Posted in Personal Endorsement, Tennis, Global | By Michael Long Azarenka becomes first tennis player to endorse Red Bull

World number one tennis player Victoria Azarenka has signed a personal endorsement deal with energy drink giant Red Bull.

The Belarusian, who began the defence of her Australian Open title in Melbourne on Tuesday, has signed a multi-year agreement and becomes the first tennis player to endorse the Red Bull brand.

News of the deal was revealed by Azarenka’s management at Lagardère Unlimited on Monday, however financial terms were not released.

"I am really excited to be part of the Red Bull family,” said Azarenka. “I've always enjoyed the product and admired how they have worked with their athletes."

Drew LeMesurier, director of talent marketing for Lagardère's tennis division, added: “She has a certain swagger about her consistent with the Red Bull culture.”

The 23-year-old, who was ranked 35th in SportsPro’s 2012 list of the world’s most marketable athletes, joins a Red Bull stable of endorsers that includes golfer Rickie Fowler, NBA stars Blake Griffin, Rajon Rondo and Deron Williams, MLB players Tim Lincecum and Jimmy Rollins, and NFL players Reggie Bush and DeMarcus Ware.

Azarenka currently holds endorsement deals with Wilson, Nike, MuscleTech, Six Star Pro Nutrition, Citizen Watches and Tourna Grip.