Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic faces Rs 42 crore headache – World No.1 Novak Djokovic’s deportation from Australia has put in a new challenge with sponsors. The brand’s innings with Djokovic is under the scanner with the Serbian tennis star’s largest sponsor now saying it wants to “review” the events of the past two weeks. Follow Aus Open LIVE updates on InsideSport.IN
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic faces Rs 42 crore headache as sponsors seek answers; French Open & US Open likely to bar vaccine-sceptic World No.1
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Novak Djokovic’s problems don’t end at the Australian Open alone, after Australia, France has confirmed that the Serbian legend will not be able to play at Roland Garros if not vaccinated. Meanwhile, his US Open participation is also in jeopardy with double vaccination is mandatory for the upcoming edition of the tournament.
Sponsors expert have warned brands might end their association with Djokovic if he becomes “anti-vax poster boy”
“Apart from questions of perception and association and what is charitably called ‘polarisation’, these contracts come loaded with participation clauses,” Sports Illustrated executive editor Jon Wertheim wrote on Twitter.
“What’s your value to Lacoste or Peugeot if you won’t play Roland Garros?”
Wertheim also shared an example of a termination clause which read: “If at any time, in the opinion of Sponsor, Athlete becomes the subject of disrepute, contempt, or scandal that affects Athlete’s image or goodwill, then Company may, upon written notice to Athlete, immediately suspend or terminate this Agreement and Athlete’s services hereunder, in addition to any other rights and remedies that Sponsor may have hereunder or at law or in equity.”
Meanwhile, a French clothing brand worth $12.5 million with Djokovic is unlikely to be renewed.
“As soon as possible, we will be in touch with Novak Djokovic to review the events that have accompanied his presence in Australia,” Lacoste said in a statement.
“We wish everyone an excellent tournament and thank the organisers for all their efforts to ensure that the tournament is held in good conditions for players, staff and spectators.”
Other key sponsors like Peugeot and Japanese sportswear Asics are expected to soon release a statement amid an unwanted saga.
On the contrary, Hublot–Swiss watchmaker– apparently stood by him after signing a contract with the Tennis star last year.
“Novak Djokovic is his own man,” a spokeswoman told AFP on Sunday. “We cannot comment on his decisions. Hublot will continue its partnership with the world number one in tennis.”
Austrian bank Raiffeisen was more nuanced, recalling that its partnership dates back to “long before the reporting on the vaccination status of Novak Djokovic or his participation in the Australian Open”.
“As a sponsor, we are closely monitoring the ongoing situation,” it said.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic faces Rs 42 crore headache as sponsors seek answers; French Open & US Open likely to bar vaccine-sceptic World No.1
Djokovic 46th highest-paid athlete- Novak Djokovic was one of the top 50 richest athletes in 2021. He made $208 million during his on-court career. But the income still lags behind the number of stars.
Roger Federer and Serena Williams banked $US90 million ($124.8 million) and $US40 million ($55.5 million) respectively in 2021. Japan’s Naomi Osaka attracted $US55 million ($76.3 million), reported Fox Sports.
Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic is left with Wimbledon as the only option to compete in his bid for most grand slam subject to King of Clay Rafael Nadal’s performance in Melbourne and the French Open.
Australian Open LIVE: French Open & US Open likely to bar vaccine-sceptic World No.1 Djokovic
Australian Open:
Under Australian Immigration rules, Djokovic cannot apply for a visa for three years. He was deported from Australia on Sunday before the first Grand Slam tournament of the year after losing a court case to have the cancellation of his visa overturned.
French Open:
Novak Djokovic could be barred from playing in the French Open as things stand now after the country’s sports ministry said on Monday there would be no exemption from France’s new vaccine pass law.
US Open:
ANTI-vax Novak Djokovic will be barred from the French Open but could still defend his Wimbledon tennis title this year, reported The Sun.
AUS Open Results: 2 times Wimbledon Champ Petra Kvitova ousted
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic faces Rs 42 crore headache as sponsors seek answers; French Open & US Open likely to bar vaccine-sceptic World No.1
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