Novak Djokovic has been unveiled as Qatar Airways’ Global Brand Ambassador and Wellness Advisor in a multi-year partnership. This collaboration brings together two icons, with the 24-time Major winner joining forces with the World’s Best Airline in 2024.
Novak traveled to Doha, and the announcement occurred at the Altitude Wellness Centre. The fitting venue reflects Djokovic’s emphasis on peak performance and well-being, as the Serb remains a top-10 player as a 37-year-old.
Novak Djokovic becomes Qatar Airways Global Ambassador
The most successful tennis player in history will represent Qatar Airways globally. His new role aligns with the airline’s dedication to wellness. Novak expressed his admiration for the airline’s focus on well-being and longevity, sharing the same values as a professional athlete.
Novak Djokovic, Doha 2016© Stream Screenshot
“As I continue to travel the world as a professional athlete, with my family and for business, I am grateful to have Qatar Airways as my partner,” Novak Djokovic said.
The partnership also highlights Qatar Airways’ focus on innovation and wellness through Djokovic’s patented Regenesis Pod technology. This cutting-edge recovery solution, which enhances physical recovery and performance, will be introduced in Qatar.
It will benefit the airline’s staff and bring sports science in the region to another level. Qatar Airways will also collaborate with Djokovic to elevate the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, a tournament with tradition and the ATP 500 status.
Novak Djokovic & Rafael Nadal, Doha 2016© Stream screenshot
Leveraging the legend’s influence, the tournament aims to attract top-tier talent and expand its global reach, strengthening its legacy as a premier tennis event. Qatar Airways Group CEO, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer praised Djokovic’s unrelenting drive to succeed.
He noted the alignment of values between the athlete and the airline. “Novak truly personifies the ambitious drive for excellence, making him the perfect choice as our Global Brand Ambassador and Wellness Advisor,” Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said.
This partnership underscores Djokovic and Qatar Airways’ shared dedication to excellence, wellness, and global impact. It also sets a new standard in sports and travel.
Novak Djokovic, Doha 2019© Stream screenshot
Novak’s results in Doha
The Serb is 15-2 in Doha since debuting in 2015. Novak did not embrace glory in his first visit to Qatar Open, falling to Ivo Karlovic in the quarter-final after a thriller. The Serb bounced back a year later and lifted his first trophy in Doha in style!
World no. 1 ousted Dustin Brown, Fernando Verdasco, Leonardo Mayer and Tomas Berdych en route to the final. Novak faced Rafael Nadal in the title clash and produced one of his most dominant victories over his greatest rival. Djokovic ousted Nadal 6-1, 6-2 in an hour and 13 minutes.
Novak dropped ten points in eight service games. He saved the only break point and kept the pressure on the other side, delivering four breaks and controlling the scoreboard. Djokovic competed in Doha for the third straight time in 2017, seeking the title defense.
Novak Djokovic, Doha 2019© Stream screenshot
The legend defended five match points in a tight 4-6, 7-6, 6-3 victory over Fernando Verdasco! Thus, he reached the title clash and ousted Andy Murray 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 in nearly three hours, lifting a beautiful trophy for the second time. The Serb missed Doha in 2018.
World no. 1 embraced his fourth campaign in 2019 and reached the third straight semi-final. Novak faced Roberto Bautista Agut and suffered a 3-6, 7-6, 6-4 loss in two hours and 35 minutes. The Spaniard ousted world no. 1 for the second time in nine encounters.
The two-time champion prevailed in two encounters to enter the last four and lost steam, looking tired and flat. The Spaniard played well and kept the pressure on world no. 1. The lower-ranked player prevailed with a break with a decider for a notable victory.
Roberto clinched two points more than Novak. He faced four break points and defended two. Bautista Agut provided two breaks from eight opportunities, generating seven chances in the second set and the crucial one in the decider.
Roberto Bautista Agut & Novak Djokovic, Doha 2019© Stream screenshot
Novak played well in the opener. He dropped six points in his games and delivered a break in the second game. Djokovic wrapped up the first part of the duel with a service winner in game nine for 6-3 and a boost. The Serb moved closer to the finish line with a break at 3-3 in the second set.
However, the Spaniard pulled it back instantly, locking the result at 4-4 and improving his chances. Novak smashed his racquet in anger and lost momentum. He denied a set point in the tenth game with an ace and two more at 5-6 to introduce a tie break.
With no room for errors, Roberto stayed focused and clinched a breaker 8-6 after the rival’s backhand error. Surviving from two points away from the exit door, Bautista Agut landed a forehand winner at the beginning of the decider and secured the pivotal break.
It was the only break point of the set. The Spaniard served well in his games and moved over the top with a hold at 15 in game ten, securing his career-best victory.
Tennis World USA