Tennis News: Emma Raducanu and Serena Williams have beaten the "Big Three" and are now the most marketable tennis players in the world

Not only Raducanu, but the first two spots of the most marketable tennis players of the world are not held by the most famous Big Three, but by now retired, Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka.

In another shocking turn of events, Serena Williams, who remained inactive for most of the year, jumped several spots on the list to now hold the second position in the list of the most marketable players in the world, right below the legend Christiano Ronaldo. Her retirement was during the last Grand Slam of the year, the US Open. 

Owing to the incredible buzz during the US Open related to Williams' retirement, Naomi Osaka, holding the second position last year, has now moved down to the sixth position.

Meanwhile, among the male tennis players, Rafael Nadal holds the top position, 16th on the list. Roger Federer has the 23rd place, while Novak Djokovic falls to the 46th position from the ninth place he held last year. 

One of the primary reasons for Djokovic's dropping marketability is his refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19. His refusal has cost him two of the season's major tournaments, the Australian and the US Opens, and several minor tournaments because of his non-vaccination; his ATP ranking has also dropped.

Despite not having a great year after winning the US Open last year, Emma Raducanu was still one of the most marketable tennis players in 2022, making her the 12th most marketable player globally.

This year's rankings do not reflect the players' performance in the season because this year's criteria included factors like social media following, brand value, audience engagement and others.