Rafael Nadal came to Aryna Sabalenka’s defense after the Belarusian tennis player flatly rejected a multimillion-dollar offer from Elon Musk to collaborate on Tesla’s promotion. Sabalenka’s blunt refusal not only surprised many in the sports world, but also provoked an explosive reaction from the tech mogul, who issued a public threat that left everyone stunned: “She’s going to regret this!”
The controversy began when, according to sources close to the sport, Musk attempted to recruit several sports figures for a new international Tesla advertising campaign. Among the names on the target list was Aryna Sabalenka, the current world number 3 in the WTA rankings, known not only for her power on the court but also for her strong character and firm principles off it.
However, far from giving in to the lucrative financial offer, Sabalenka stood firm. “I’m not interested in being part of campaigns that don’t align with my personal values,” she reportedly told her inner circle. Although the statement wasn’t officially published, it quickly leaked to the press and sparked a debate on social media.
Elon Musk’s response was almost immediate. During a private event in Texas, when questioned about the tennis player’s rejection, Musk didn’t hold back and uttered his now-famous line: “She’s going to regret this.” This threat, although subtle in tone, was interpreted by many as an act of intimidation on the part of the entrepreneur, generating a wave of criticism against him.
It was then that Rafael Nadal, one of the most respected voices in world tennis, decided to intervene. In an interview with a Spanish media outlet, Nadal expressed his support for Sabalenka and harshly criticized Musk’s attitude. “Not everything in life can be bought with money. There are values and principles. If Aryna decided not to accept that offer, we must respect it. You can’t threaten someone for having integrity,” the Mallorcan stated.
Her words were echoed by promising young American tennis star Coco Gauff, who praised Sabalenka for her courage. “The easy thing would have been to say yes for the money. But she chose the difficult path, the right one,” she posted on her official X account (formerly Twitter).
The gesture of support from influential figures such as Nadal and Gauff not only strengthened Sabalenka’s public image, but also once again exposed Elon Musk’s more controversial side: a brilliant entrepreneur, but one who does not tolerate rejection.
Meanwhile, the controversy continues to grow in sports and technology circles. And while it’s unknown whether there will be any real consequences for Sabalenka, her refusal has set a precedent: not everything can be bought, not even with Elon Musk’s millions.
