In a move that has left the sports and tech worlds equally stunned, reports surfaced early this morning that Apple CEO Tim Cook personally offered a $255 million endorsement and appearance deal to the 2025 Wimbledon champion, only to be flatly rejected by the tennis superstar in question.
The reason? The world’s No. 1-ranked player wanted a higher bonus package—a demand that reportedly left Tim Cook “speechless” and the entire tennis community in disbelief.
The deal, rumored to be one of the most lucrative athlete endorsements Apple has ever offered, included a multi-year collaboration with the Apple Watch and Vision Pro teams, an exclusive AI training performance campaign, a custom sneaker tech line, and an appearance at the 2025 Canadian Open—an event Tim Cook is said to be personally backing through Apple’s new Health and Fitness initiative.
Sources close to the deal told The Post that the Apple board had already approved the $255 million figure, which included $55 million upfront, private jet access, and exclusive media production rights around the champion’s preparation and lifestyle.
“It was supposed to be a game-changer,” an Apple executive said under anonymity. “Tim was excited. Apple was ready. The tennis world was ready. And then… it all fell apart.”
The rejection came just days after the Wimbledon trophy was lifted by the new reigning champion, whose dominant performance and global fan base made them the most in-demand athlete of the moment.
Instead of celebrating on a yacht or vacationing in Monaco, the tennis star was quietly reviewing offers—and turned Apple down with just seven words:
“I respect Apple, but I want more.”
The unnamed source says the No. 1 player believed that the true market value of their influence is closer to $400 million, citing skyrocketing global streaming views, engagement metrics, and fashion collaborations already underway.
“He’s not just a tennis player. He’s a brand, a movement, a cultural icon,” said Max Hoffman, a leading sports marketer. “And apparently, $255 million isn’t enough anymore.”
Though Apple has declined to comment officially, insiders say Tim Cook personally flew to London following the Wimbledon final, believing he could secure the deal with a direct conversation.
But after a 45-minute meeting in a private suite at The Langham Hotel, Cook left without a signature.
“It’s the first time in Tim’s career where someone turned down Apple money on principle, not preference,” said a former Apple board member. “He was both impressed and a little stunned.”
Social media exploded with reactions, with hashtags like #CookVsChampion, #255MillionRejection, and #KnowYourWorth trending worldwide. Some fans praised the tennis player’s confidence and self-worth, while others criticized them for being “greedy” or “arrogant.”
At the heart of the deal lies the 2025 Canadian Open, which has been rebranded this year as part of Apple’s global wellness initiative. The tournament, which struggled in recent years with declining attendance, is being relaunched with a $50 million prize pool and high-tech fan experiences sponsored by Apple.
The presence of the Wimbledon champion was seen as critical to the event’s relaunch. Now, with their refusal, the Canadian Open faces an uphill PR battle and questions about who—if anyone—can replace that star power.
Insiders say the rejection has now opened the floodgates for other tech giants and luxury brands to enter the fray. Rumors suggest Nike, Louis Vuitton, and even Tesla’s new AI sports division are drafting proposals to woo the champion with even higher offers.
“There are whispers of a $500 million lifetime deal on the table,” one marketing agent revealed. “We’re witnessing the rise of a billion-dollar athlete. This Wimbledon champion knows their worth—and the world is scrambling to keep up.”
While the identity of the player hasn’t been officially confirmed due to ongoing negotiations, all signs point toward a young, global fan-favorite who has taken the tennis world by storm in the past two years.
Whoever they are, they’ve just taught Silicon Valley a lesson: money talks, but self-worth screams louder.
As one tweet put it bluntly:
“Apple offered a kingdom. The champion wanted to be the emperor.”
