The infamous 'Drake Curse' has struck again with devastating financial consequences, this time at the US Open. Canadian rap superstar Drake placed a staggering $1 million bet on Italian sensation Jannik Sinner to win the men's singles title, only to watch his investment evaporate in a shocking fourth-round upset.
Sinner, the world number one and overwhelming favourite, was sensationally knocked out of the tournament by American Ben Shelton in a thrilling five-set battle. The defeat not only ended Sinner's title hopes but also incinerated Drake's enormous wager, adding another notorious chapter to the rapper's long and costly history of failed sports predictions.
The Million-Dollar Gamble
Drake proudly shared his enormous bet on Instagram, showcasing a betting slip that would have netted him a $2.35 million payout had Sinner claimed the title. The post was captioned with a simple "Sinner tennis," displaying the rapper's characteristic confidence in his pick.
This high-profile wager immediately sent shockwaves through the tennis world and betting communities, with many immediately recalling the so-called 'Drake Curse' - a phenomenon where athletes and teams the rapper publicly supports often suffer unexpected defeats.
History Repeats Itself
The Drake Curse has become legendary in sports circles, with numerous high-profile victims over the years:
- Connor McGregor's UFC defeat after Drake's support
- Anthony Joshua's boxing losses following the rapper's backing
- Various football teams suffering unexpected defeats after Drake's endorsement
- Now, Jannik Sinner joins this growing list of cursed athletes
This pattern of misfortune has become so well-established that many sports fans now actively worry when Drake declares support for their favourite athletes or teams.
The Match That Broke the Bet
Ben Shelton's victory over Sinner represents one of the biggest upsets in recent US Open history. The American underdog fought back from a set down to claim a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-7, 6-4 victory in a marathon match that lasted over four hours.
Shelton's powerful serve and relentless aggression ultimately overwhelmed the top-seeded Italian, who appeared to struggle with the weight of expectation following Drake's very public endorsement.
Fallout and Reactions
The tennis world has been buzzing with reactions to both the upset and Drake's costly failed bet. Social media platforms exploded with memes and comments about the Drake Curse, with many fans suggesting athletes should actively avoid the rapper's public support.
For Drake, this represents one of his most publicly embarrassing betting losses, with the $1 million wager disappearing in spectacular fashion. The incident has also sparked discussions about the influence of celebrity endorsements on athlete performance and the psychological impact of such high-profile backing.
As Ben Shelton advances to the quarter-finals, and Drake counts the cost of his cursed endorsement, the tennis world is left wondering: who will be the next victim of the infamous Drake Curse?
