Novak Djokovic dealt further blow as key sponsor announces ‘review’ of his conduct
Lacoste say they will ‘review’ the events surrounding the deportation of Novak Djokovic from Australia.
Djokovic’s legal problems in Australia dominated the build-up to the Australian Open, with him being detained at the airport and denied entry to the country upon arrival.
The problem surrounded Djokovic’s vaccination status, with the Serbian still choosing not to get jabbed.
Australia demand vaccination against Covid-19 to enter the country, although Djokovic travelled with the assurance that a recent infection granted him a medical exemption.
His visa was cancelled at the airport, but he successfully appealed and was allowed to prepare for the Australian Open, only for the government to exercise executive power to cancel it again before deporting him.
The Australian government acted on the grounds that Djokovic’s opposition to the vaccine may fuel anti-vax sentiments in the country.
The consequences for Djokovic could be much further reaching than just not playing the Australian Open, though, with one of his key commercial partners Lacoste reviewing their position with the Serbian.
“As soon as possible, we will be in touch with Novak Djokovic to review the events that have accompanied his presence in Australia,” the French clothing brand said in a statement.
“We wish everyone an excellent tournament and thank the organizers for all their efforts to ensure that the tournament is held in good conditions for players, staff and spectators,” it added.
Furthermore, it has been suggested that a previous deportation for Djokovic may make getting a visa to enter the United States very difficult.
That would put his participation at events such as Indian Wells, the Miami Open, and the US Open in serious doubt.
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