A leading international car manufacturer has said they expect their logo to be displayed on the clothing worn by Novak Djokovic when he returns to action next week.
A source at Peugeot has confirmed to Reuters news agency that their sponsorship deal with the tennis star remains unchanged at present following his interview with the BBC. Earlier this week Djokovic spoke publicly for the first time since being deported from Australia following a high-profile argument over the legitimacy of his visa. During the fiasco it was confirmed that the Serbian is not vaccinated against COVID-19 which has prompted allegations that he is an anti-vaxxer. Something which Djokovic has denied but he maintains that everybody has the right to choose if they wish to be vaccinated.
“I say that everyone has the right to choose, to act or say whatever they feel is appropriate to them, and I have never said that I am part of that movement,” Djokovic told the BBC.
“You know, no-one in the whole process, during the Australian saga has asked me for my stance or my opinion on vaccination. So I could not express, you know, what I feel and where my stance is, neither in the legal process, neither outside, so it’s really unfortunate that there has been this misconception.”
The controversy has raised questions about if some of Djokovic’s sponsors may have a change of hearts and distance themselves from him. However, it has been confirmed that Peugeot has no intention to do such a thing in the short-term. Speaking on condition of anonymity, a source has confirmed that the brand will allow their logo to be displayed on Djokovic’s clothes when he plays at the Dubai Tennis Championships in what will be his first tournament of the season.
“We anticipate the Peugeot brand will be represented at the tournament in Dubai on Mr. Djokovic’s shirt,” the source told Reuters.
“Peugeot has taken note of Mr. Djokovic’s statements and is glad that he has expressed himself,” they added.
Djokovic has had an agreement with Peugeot for almost a decade. In 2014 he signed a three-year deal with the car manufacturer to be a global ambassador for them and has since continued to be sponsored by them in some capacity. Last July he was named ambassador for their electric e-Ludix range and in December they published a video marking his season.
Two other sponsors, watchmaker Hublot and Lacoste, didn’t supply Reuters with a comment when they were asked about their current partnerships with Djokovic.
According to a report by Forbes magazine which was published last month, the world No.1 is the 46th highest paid athlete in the world. It is estimated that he made in the region of $30M from endorsements last year alone.
Djokovic is the only player in the top 100 on the men’s Tour who isn’t vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the ATP.
