Novak Djokovic news: World No 1 has the backing of his Swiss sponsor, for now

Serbia's Novak Djokovic in action

Swiss luxury watchmaker Hublot is waiting on Novak Djokovic before making any decision relating their sponsorship of the world No 1 following events at the Australian Open this month. 

Earlier in January, Djokovic lost his appeal case against the Immigration Minister Alex Hawke’s decision to revoke his visa, with the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia ordering that he be deported.

Following that ruling, his lead sponsor Lacoste admitted they want to meet with the 20-time Grand Slam winner as they want to review their sponsorship agreement with the world No 1.

However, it appears Hublot – the brand that is owned by French luxury conglomerate LVMH (LVMH.PA) – is unlikely to follow suit.

The company is waiting on the 34-year-old to issue a public statement at the end of events at Melbourne Park.

“We are waiting to see what his position is with regard to all that he went through,” Hublot CEO Ricardo Guadalupe told Reuters.

“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. We will define our position then.”

 

The company is known for its contribution to sponsored sports stars, including Pelé, Kylian Mbappé and Usain Bolt, Djokovic was signed up with last August.

Even though the Serb refused to be vaccinated, two weeks ago it become public that Djokovic had purchased an 80% share of QuantBioRes, a firm that is working to cure the virus.

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