Lacoste, Djokovic’s sponsor, wants to watch events in Australia with a tennis star

Lacoste said Monday it wants to look at events that sparked a nearly two-week lawsuit that prevented unvaccinated Serbia from defending its Australian Open championship. Australia is demanding that international visitors be vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus unless they have a medical exemption.

“We will contact Novak Djokovic as soon as possible to look at the events that have followed his presence in Australia,” the French clothing brand said in a statement.

“We wish everyone an excellent tournament and thank the organizers for their efforts to ensure that the tournament is held in good conditions for players, staff and spectators,” it added.

Djokovic’s sponsors have said very little since his visa was revoked for the first time shortly after his arrival in Australia on 5 January. It is unclear when Djokovic will re-enter the court. He has a chance to break the men’s grand slam record at the French Open in May, but events in Australia have raised questions about how unvaccinated players will compete on the season tour.

French carmaker Peugeot, another sponsor now owned by Djokovic Stellantis, declined to comment on Monday. Swiss watchmaker Hublot and Japanese sportswear giant Asics (ASCCF) did not respond immediately to requests for comments.

Djokovic has $ 30 million worth of support contracts a year Forbes, and was the world ‘s 46th highest paid athlete in 2021.

The world number one was scheduled to play on Monday night in Melbourne, where he had hoped to win the record 21st men’s grand slam championship.

Instead, he left Australia on an Emirates flight to Dubai after losing his legal appeal against the decision to revoke his visa a second time. He returned to the Serbian capital, Belgrade, later Monday.

In a statement, Djokovic said he was “extremely disappointed” with the decision.

“I am uncomfortable that the focus in recent weeks has been on me and I hope we can all now focus on the game and tournament I love,” the statement added.

Lacoste was founded in 1933 7-time grand slam winner René Lacoste and entrepreneur André Gillier. The brand became known for its lightweight cotton polo shirts with the crocodile logo – a nickname given to Lacoste during his game days.