The 2025 US Open was already set to be a stage for tennis titans, but this year, the drama has spilled far beyond the court. In a move that has stunned fans, commentators, and business insiders alike, Apple CEO Tim Cook—one of the world’s most prominent LGBT billionaires—has reportedly offered tennis superstar Carlos Alcaraz a staggering $199 million sponsorship contract. The catch? Alcaraz would become the global face of a pro-LGBT campaign, sporting messages and symbols of inclusion at the US Open and every international match he plays.

A Proposal That Turned Heads

According to sources close to the tournament, the deal is unprecedented not just in its size, but in its ambition. Apple’s proposal goes beyond personal endorsement—if accepted, it would fund major social projects to promote diversity and equality in sports. The contract would eclipse even the legendary deals of Roger Federer with Uniqlo and Serena Williams with Nike, making it one of the most lucrative sponsorships in tennis history.

A Forbes financial analyst summed up the moment: “We’ve never seen such an aggressive movement in sports. Tim Cook wants Apple to not only sponsor, but lead a global cultural conversation with Alcaraz as its central figure.”

CEO Apple Tim Cook ca ngợi DeepSeek

Alcaraz: The Athlete Caught in a Cultural Crossfire

At just 22 years old, Carlos Alcaraz has already reached the pinnacle of tennis, earning Grand Slam titles and the adoration of millions. But this offer thrust him into a debate much larger than sport itself: Should athletes serve as ambassadors for social or political causes?

The tennis world—and beyond—quickly split. In Spain, many hailed the opportunity as historic, a chance for Alcaraz to become an icon of inclusion. Others worried that the controversy could overshadow his achievements on the court.

On social media, the conversation was intense and immediate. One fan tweeted, “We want to see Carlos lift trophies, not banners.” Another replied, “Why not both? Being an elite athlete also means being a social figure.”

A Statement That Resonated Worldwide

Amid swirling speculation, Alcaraz broke his silence. Through his press team, he released a brief but powerful statement:

“My commitment will always be to tennis, to my values, and to respect for everyone. Sport unites, not divides.”

Those seven words—tennis, values, respect, sport, unites, not divides—reverberated across the globe. Hashtags like #Respetalcaraz and #ElDeporteUne trended worldwide, as fans and experts alike praised the young champion’s poise and maturity.

Even tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic reportedly expressed their admiration privately, recognizing Alcaraz’s ability to handle immense pressure with grace.

A columnist for The Guardian wrote, “Alcaraz neither accepted nor rejected the proposal directly. He cleverly put the ball back in the court of those who want to use sport as an ideological showcase.”

Carlos Alcaraz Blames His Brother for His New Haircut at US Open

Tim Cook and Apple: A Silence That Speaks Volumes

As the world waited for Tim Cook’s response, Apple remained quiet. Internal sources confirmed that the offer was genuine and that the contract remained “on the table,” pending Alcaraz’s decision.

American media outlets began to speculate: Could this episode mark a turning point in the relationship between multinational corporations and elite athletes? Apple’s intention to increase its visibility in sports is well-documented, but this proposal—combining business, activism, and celebrity—represents a new frontier.

Observers note that while the facts are clear—Apple’s offer, Alcaraz’s response—the story has been amplified by the echo chamber of social media. What is undeniable is that Alcaraz’s strength is not just in his serve or his volley, but in his ability to remain calm amid chaos.

A Moment That Transcends Tennis

The 2025 US Open will be remembered not only for its epic matches, but for the debate it ignited about the role of money, sports, and social causes. Alcaraz, at just 22, is no longer only a tennis champion; he has become a symbol of how respect and serenity can triumph over external pressures.

As the tournament continues, fans, players, and sponsors are watching closely. Will Alcaraz accept the offer and step into a new role as a global ambassador for inclusion? Or will he choose to keep his focus solely on the game he loves?

Whatever his decision, one thing is clear: Carlos Alcaraz has shown that true champions lead not just with their talent, but with their values.