Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis icon with 24 Grand Slam titles, has sparked excitement among fans by hinting at a future collaboration with fellow tennis legend Maria Sharapova. The announcement, made on May 3, 2025, comes as Djokovic navigates a challenging phase in his career, including an unexpected withdrawal from the Italian Open and a drop to No. 5 in the ATP rankings. Despite these setbacks, his enthusiasm for a new venture with Sharapova under the banner of Aman Resorts, a luxury hotel chain, signals a bold step toward shaping his legacy beyond the court. This partnership promises to blend their athletic expertise with wellness innovation, captivating tennis enthusiasts and wellness seekers alike.
Djokovic, the first global wellness advisor for Aman Resorts, has been deeply involved in crafting health programs and exclusive events for the Swiss-based luxury brand, which operates 36 hotels and resorts across 20 countries. Sharapova, a five-time Grand Slam champion, joined Aman as a wellness ambassador in 2023, designing fitness programs and leading retreats, including a notable resilience-focused retreat in Greece. Their shared commitment to holistic well-being has fueled speculation about a joint project, with Djokovic expressing optimism about its potential impact. “Maria Sharapova is also a wellness brand ambassador for Aman, and I’ve been friends with her for a long time,” he shared in an interview. “I hope we’ll be able to do some of those retreats together, because the impact would be even greater.”
The prospect of Djokovic and Sharapova teaming up is rooted in a friendship that spans nearly two decades, marked by playful moments like their 2012 HEAD commercials and a memorable 2008 mixed doubles exhibition in La Quinta, where Djokovic won a bet for a dinner date. “I was young, and you were young, way before you had any Grand Slam titles,” Sharapova recalled during a 2020 Instagram Live, laughing about Djokovic’s old Kodak camera capturing their Japanese restaurant outing. Their camaraderie, evident in Djokovic’s support during Sharapova’s 2016 suspension and her praise for his fitness transformation, adds a personal layer to this professional venture. “She’s a very smart girl, someone that I know very well for a long time,” Djokovic said in 2020, lauding her champion’s mindset.
The timing of this collaboration is significant. Djokovic, now 37, faces questions about his form after early exits in Monte Carlo and Madrid, with former doubles star Todd Woodbridge noting, “He’s now losing to people he’s never lost to.” His withdrawal from Rome, citing a need to prepare for Roland Garros, where he aims for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam, underscores the demands of his ongoing career. Yet, Djokovic remains forward-thinking, viewing the Aman partnership as a way to “wire my brain to wellness.” He acknowledged scheduling challenges, stating, “We don’t know yet where or when. As my active career is still ongoing, it’s a bit challenging with calendars, but I’m excited.” Sharapova, retired since 2020, has embraced her post-tennis career with ventures like Therabody and Aman, making her an ideal partner for this endeavor.
The retreats, still in the planning stages, are expected to combine Djokovic’s expertise in mental strength and recovery with Sharapova’s focus on resilience and fitness. Aman’s philosophy of peace and longevity aligns with their vision, promising curated experiences that draw on their athletic journeys. “I’m excited about the retreats we are going to do, where I’ll be able to share my experience, my know-how,” Djokovic said, emphasizing his passion for wellness, a cornerstone of his career alongside tennis and education. His selective approach to partnerships, refusing deals misaligned with his values, underscores the authenticity of this venture.
As Djokovic eyes Roland Garros and Sharapova continues to build her wellness portfolio, their collaboration could redefine how athletes transition into impactful post-career roles. Fans, already nostalgic for their on-court charisma, eagerly await a partnership that promises to inspire beyond the baseline, blending tennis stardom with a shared mission to enhance global well-being.
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