PARIS, Feb 17 (Reuters) – Peugeot is expected to continue sponsoring Novak Djokovic when the tennis champion, amid controversy over his refusal to be vaccinated against the coronavirus, takes part in the Dubai tournament, Reuters told Thursday on Thursday. a source close to the car brand.
The world number one tennis player is ready to return to competition next week at an ATP tournament in Dubai, the first since his expulsion on the eve of the Australian Open.
Novak Djokovic was deported last month from Australia after 11 turbulent days during which he faced two visa cancellations and two legal proceedings. His run-ins shone the spotlight on his sponsors and how they would react.
“The Peugeot brand will normally be represented at the Dubai tournament on Mr. Djokovic’s shirt,” the source close to the Stellantis Group brand told STLA.MI. “Peugeot has taken good note of Mr. Djokovic’s statements and is pleased that he has spoken.”
In an interview with the BBC on Tuesday, the Serbian player said he was not opposed to vaccination but would not participate in Grand Slam tournaments in case of compulsory vaccination against COVID-19. nL8N2UQ1OQ
To a question on the future of the sponsorship contract between Peugeot and Novak Djokovic in the face of the controversy, the source replied that the discussions on “mutual relations” continued “in good understanding”.
Another sponsor of the tennis player, watchmaker Hublot – owned by French luxury group LVMH LVMH.PA – declined to comment on its relationship with Djokovic. No immediate comment could be obtained from a third sponsor, clothing brand Lacoste.
Another victory at Melbourne Park, where Novak Djokovic has already won nine titles, could have allowed him to clinch the record 21 Grand Slam titles for men. It was ultimately his longtime rival, Spaniard Rafael Nadal, who took the lead in lifting the trophy last month.
(Gilles Guillaume, with Mimosa Spencer and Christian Lowe, edited by Matthieu Protard)