Tennis news: Iga Swiatek, Jessica Pegula, and the business side of tennis

Female tennis players often earn more money from sponsorships and endorsements than they do for winning tournaments. Who can blame them for maximizing their earning opportunities when they have finite careers in the sport?

Iga Swiatek recently received a new endorsement. She is the new face of Lancome cosmetics. Many would not associate cosmetics with female tennis players who are most often seen fresh-faced and sweating on the court. Part of her deal with Lancome as the first Polish ambassador is a collaborative pay-it-forward initiative in Poland "to support women in the job market."

Swiatek was glammed up for a recent photo shoot, and the World No. 1 looked comfortable and gorgeous as a model. She continues to be a good example for young tennis players that hard work, sportsmanship, and good endorsements are elements of a successful career on and off the court.

While Swiatek is trying her hand at modeling, Jessica Pegula has too many tennis kits

Jessica Pegula is sponsored by Adidas. Clothing sponsors provide designs and unique colored kits for each Grand Slam and patriotic kits for United Cup and Billie Jean King Cup play. Beyond that, they provide warm-up gear, practice, workout gear, and shoes for every surface.

Pegula recently spoke about all of the Adidas items she receives. She is always looking for worthwhile outlets to donate the excess items including Goodwill, the USTA, and Serving Up Hope a charitable foundation created by ex-tennis player Vania King to offer underserved children opportunities through the sport of tennis.

The issue is not limited to Pegula and Adidas; it is likely a problem for the top players and their clothing/shoe sponsors. Rising American star Emma Navarro, sponsored by FIla, admits it is an issue for her also.

With the WTA headed to Saudi Arabia for the WTA Finals for the next few years, a way to repurpose and earn money from the clothing and donate it to worthwhile causes supporting women in Saudi Arabia would be a thought. Also, players could donate autographed or personalized pieces for auction to their favorite charities similar to the NFL's "Cleats for a Cause," It sounds like a problem/opportunity that the WTA could take action on and spearhead a positive outcome for all of the top players.

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