Who is Guibert Thierry? Why is Andy Murray hitting out at the CEO?
Who is Guibert Thierry? Here’s everything you need to know about the beef between Lacoste’s CEO Guibert Thierry and Andy Murray
Andy Murray has responded to Lacoste CEO Guibert Thierry’s statement on social media regarding Stefanos Tsitsipas‘ withdrawal from a match due to injury. The exchange occurred on X, formerly known as Twitter, following Novak Djokovic’s advancement to the ATP finals’ last four. Djokovic, a Lacoste brand ambassador, relied on another player’s win after Tsitsipas withdrew, prompting Thierry to commend Jannik Sinner’s victory while criticizing Tsitsipas’ actions as “unfair.”
Murray, the 2016 tournament winner, came to the defense of the Greek player, criticizing the Lacoste CEO’s statement. He remarked that getting injured is a natural part of sports and not considered “unfair behavior,” concluding his response with a thumbs-down emoji. Meanwhile, Sinner had already secured a spot in the last four before his match, potentially avoiding a face-off with Djokovic had he lost. Djokovic, after winning against Hubert Hurkacz earlier in the day, awaited confirmation about his advancement.
Lacoste, established in 1933 by tennis player René Lacoste and entrepreneur André Gillier, is renowned for its range of products including clothing, footwear, sportswear, eyewear, leather goods, perfume, towels, and watches. The brand is easily identified by its iconic green Crocodile logo. René Lacoste, the company’s founder, earned the nickname “the Crocodile” from the American press after a bet involving a crocodile-skin suitcase based on winning his match. This nickname stuck among French fans due to his remarkable determination on the tennis court. Presently, Guibert Thierry serves as Lacoste’s CEO.
Lacoste is actively working to establish itself as a prominent and respected brand within the tennis community. It aims to appeal to tennis enthusiasts, encouraging them to embrace the brand both on and off the court. Additionally, Lacoste aims to reach consumers who might not play the sport directly, showcasing its accessibility through a diverse range of fashion and performance lines.
The brand collaborates with numerous ATP and WTA athletes, sponsors tennis events such as the Miami Open and Roland Garros, providing outfits for officials and support staff. Notably, Lacoste holds exclusive clothing partnerships with top tennis stars like Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, and several others.
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