In an unexpected crossover between technology and tennis, Apple CEO Tim Cook has made a staggering offer of $245 million to tennis superstar Jannik Sinner. The offer? The sinner will not only become the new face of Apple’s marketing campaign for its next-generation iPhone , but will also exclusively use and promote the device during his 2025 US Open tour.
The move comes just weeks after Apple made headlines by approaching Carlos Alcaraz with a similar, but smaller, endorsement deal. However, the amount offered to Sinner marks a new high for athlete endorsement deals in the tech world.
According to Insider Reports, the deal included: a total compensation package of $245 million, exclusive rights for Apple to film Sinner behind the scenes during the US Open, a personal appearance by Sinner at Apple’s Septosce Keynote event, and required the use of the new iPhone in all public settings, social media content, and post-match interviews.
Apple reportedly sees Jannik Sinner as the ideal figure to bridge elite sport and sleek technology: a disciplined, rising champion with global appeal and a clean, marketable image.
The sports world expected negotiations to take weeks, if not months. Instead, Jannik Sinner stunned everyone with a blunt and immediate response to the multi-million dollar offer: “I play tennis, you don’t sell your phones.”
The response, confirmed by sources close to the player, was sent in a private message that leaked and exploded on social media. Reactions ranged from admiration to disbelief.
Fans and fellow athletes flooded X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram with comments, praising Sinner’s integrity and dedication to his sport: “Respect the sinner. Not everything is for sale.” – Rafael Nadal fan account. “This man just turned away more money than most pros make in a lifetime. Legend.” – @sportssshock.
Others questioned whether the move could have long-term financial repercussions for the young Italian, while some praised his resistance to what they called “corporate influence in sport.”
Apple remained tight-lipped about the leaked deal, declining to comment on whether the offer was real or still under consideration. Marketing insiders suggest the tech giant may pivot to a different athlete or influencer in time for the September launch event.
However, the backlash and buzz surrounding the situation inadvertently generated massive free publicity for Apple, even without Sinner’s participation.
At just 23 years old, Jannik Sinner continues to forge a path defined not only by talent, but also by principle. His eight-word response may have cost him $245 million, but it may have earned him something far rarer in today’s sports world: unquestionable respect.
