Trade Decline: Novak Djokovic Reveals Why He Rejected $350M Offer to Become Head Coach of Saudi Tennis Initiative
Tennis legend Novak Djokovic has turned down a staggering $350 million offer to become the head coach of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious new tennis initiative. The Serbian star, who remains active on the ATP Tour, revealed his reasons in an exclusive interview, emphasizing his focus on competing at the highest level and his personal values.
Djokovic, 37, acknowledged that the proposal was “incredibly tempting” but ultimately not aligned with his current career goals. “I still feel I have more to achieve as a player,” Djokovic stated. “Coaching is something I might consider in the future, but right now, my focus is on winning more Grand Slams and representing my country.”
The Saudi Arabian project, backed by the country’s sovereign wealth fund, aims to establish a dominant presence in global tennis, similar to its recent investments in golf and football. The offer to Djokovic was reportedly structured over five years, including incentives for developing young talent and promoting elite-level tournaments in the region.
However, Djokovic also pointed to ethical concerns as another reason for rejecting the deal. “I’ve always been careful about where I align my name,” he said. “I respect the growth of tennis worldwide, but personal principles and priorities come first.”
The rejection marks a rare instance where a top athlete has declined Saudi Arabia’s lucrative sports investments. While Djokovic left the door open for future involvement in tennis development, he reaffirmed his commitment to competing for as long as possible.
With this decision, Djokovic continues to shape his own legacy, not just as one of the sport’s greatest players but also as a figure who makes choices on his
own terms.
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