PARIS (Reuters) – Carmaker Peugeot, a sponsor of Novak Djokovic, is glad the tennis star has instructed his story about his expulsion from Australia and expects its logo to be on his shirt when he competes in Dubai this month, a source near the Peugeot model instructed Reuters.
Djokovic, world primary males’s tennis participant, was deported from Australia in January after a standoff over the nation’s COVID-19 laws and his unvaccinated standing.
Djokovic’s try and compete within the Australian Open with out getting vaccinated provoked anger in some quarters – although his supporters rallied to his facet – and targeted consideration on how his sponsors would reply.
“We anticipate the Peugeot model will likely be represented at the match in Dubai on Mr. Djokovic’s shirt,” the source near Peugeot instructed Reuters on situation of anonymity.
The participant spoke for the primary time concerning the Australia affair this week, telling the BBC he was not an anti-vaxxer, however has taken a private determination to not get the jab, and that he understood that would have an effect on his tennis profession.
“Peugeot has taken be aware of Mr. Djokovic’s statements and is glad that he has expressed himself,” the source stated.
Asked concerning the long-term way forward for the sponsorship, the source stated discussions on relations between the model and the participant have been persevering with in good religion.
Djokovic is scheduled to compete at the Dubai match which begins on Feb. 21, in what will likely be his first competitors on the ATP world tour after the deportation from Australia.
Another Djokovic sponsor, watchmaker Hublot, which is owned by French luxurious conglomerate LVMH, declined to touch upon its relationship with Djokovic.
A 3rd sponsor, clothes model Lacoste, didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark despatched on Thursday.
(Additional reporting by Mimosa Spencer; Writing by Christian Lowe; modifying by Barbara Lewis)
