Former Top 30 player Victor Hanescu has explained why he thinks Romanian players find it tougher to attract sponsors. His compatriot Simona Halep went into the Australian Open as the World No.1. Yet despite this, she had no clothing sponsor, instead ordering clothes from China.
The 36 year-old, currently inactive on the ATP Tour, recalled moments in his career when he found life difficult. Speaking to Digisport, Hanescu said:”Romanian athletes are disadvantaged and marginalized when they look for sponsors.
“I remember how difficult it was for me even when I had very good results and cracked the top-30. We pay the price for having a small, poor and less attractive market in Romania for sponsors. And so they try to bring in Frenchmen, Germans or Americans.”
“What happens to Simona now has happened to others in the past.”
Hanescu was ranked as high as No.26 in 2009, and has wins over the likes of Rafael Nadal to his name. Hanescu also reached finals in Bucharest, Stuttgart, Casablanca, and Nice. His last ATP final came in Nice in May 2011.
Hanescu also had a major contreversial moment in his career. He spat at spectators at Wimbledon in 2010 when they called him a derogatory name. He then deliberately foot-faulted to hand points to his opponent Daniel Brands. He was subsequently fined.
Halep is thought to be considering deals with Nike and New Balance after the news of her lack of sponsorship made headlines. The Australian Open finalist is now the World No.2 after being surpassed by Caroline Wozniacki in the Australian Open final.
