Novak Djokovic and his sponsors are scrambling following his deportation from Australia
Novak Djokovic has lost one of his long-time sponsors. Djokovic, who just lost his World No.1 ranking to Daniil Medvedev, had stood by his decision to remain unvaccinated after being deported from Australia ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year.
Peugeot who have been one of his main sponsors since 2014 have pulled out of sponsoring the Serb.
The Serbian could also end up losing another key sponsor Lacoste after the French clothing brand released a statement to admit they will be getting in touch with the player to talk about recent events. Djokovic touched down in Melbourne nearly two weeks ago as he looked to defend his Australian Open crown.
Djokovic has stood by his beliefs, admitting he would miss the likes of Wimbledon and the French Open if they required vaccination to compete.
“Yes, that is the price that I’m willing to pay because the principles of decision making on my body are more important than any title or anything else,” he recently told the BBC in his first in-depth interview since his saga in Australia.
Novak Djokovic’s sponsors show support amid $42 million dilemma
Watch-maker Hublot saying they believe vaccination is a personal choice. One of Djokovic’s major sponsors has thrown its support behind the tennis star amid all the chaos.
Novak Djokovic‘s sponsors are scrambling following his deportation from Australia, with some of the biggest brands in the world weighing up whether they want to be associated with the unvaccinated World No.1.
It appears as though Hublot will be sticking by Djokovic’s side after a telling statement on Monday.
Hublot CEO Ricardo Guadalupe said the brand, owned by French luxury conglomerate LVMH, was waiting to hear from Djokovic about his experience.
“The principle of vaccines is that it’s something private. We value personal freedom.
“Everyone can decide. One can be in favour or against. That’s our position.” he said [Via au.sports.yahoo.com]
Hublot, who also sponsors sporting greats including Pele, Kylian Mbappé and Usain Bolt, signed up “living legend” Djokovic last August.
According to Forbes, Djokovic earned $30 million (AU$42 million) last year from sponsorship tie-ups.
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