"Fake news" - Novak Djokovic denies reports of him negotiating to buy late Spanish tennis star Manolo Santana's club

Novak Djokovic has refuted the widely circulated reports that he was in negotiations with the wife of late Spanish tennis legend Manolo Santana to take over his club in Marbella.

On Wednesday, December 13, reports emerged that the World No. 1 was eyeing a deal with Claudia Santana and the Santana family to take over the Manolo Santana Racquets Club in Marbella, Spain. Manolo Santana, a four-time Grand Slam champion, died at the age of 83 on December 11, 2021. His assets have been undistributed and preserved ever since.

According to the reports, Claudia Santana and his son, Christian, are struggling to run the club, which is in dire straits. Djokovic, meanwhile, was reported to be interested in preserving the facility and the legacy of Manolo Santana.

However, the 36-year-old has unequivocally refuted that via a post on social media platform X, formerly called Twitter. He wrote:

"Fake news…"

Novak Djokovic set up a tennis academy of his own called the 'Novak Tennis Centre' in Belgrade 15 years ago. Recent reports from Serbia suggested that he began giving up control of the academy on June 1 earlier this year, handing the reins to the city.

The Novak Tennis Center has hosted seven ATP and one WTA tournaments in the past, as well as numerous low-level tournaments.

Novak Djokovic begins pre-season training in Marbella

Novak Djokovic

In 2023, Novak Djokovic had one of the most successful seasons of his long career. The Serb won three Grand Slam titles - Australian Open, French Open, and the US Open - and reached the final of the Wimbledon Championships. He also lifted trophies at the ATP Finals, Cincinnati Masters, Paris Masters and the Adelaide International, winning 56 of his 63 ATP tour-level matches.

Djokovic has begun preparations for the next season and was recently spotted at an undisclosed tennis training facility in Marbella, Spain — his residence since 2020. According to a post on Instagram, the 36-year-old performed some routine drills and traded shots with amateur players on hard courts.

Screengrabs from Instagram

Djokovic will begin his 2024 ATP tour season at the United Cup in Australia. He will represent his country at the international tournament, competing alongside young talents Olga Danilovic and Hamad Medjedovic.

The event will serve as a warm-up for the most successful player at the Grand Slam level before he begins his title defense at the 2024 Australian Open.