Lacoste CEO Thierry Guibert has come out in defense of Novak Djokovic and revealed the French clothing brand. «I would never choose Rafael Nadal» be their ambassador. This week, Mike Nakajima, former director of tennis at Nike, said CNN «there is always a dark cloud around Djokovic» and that is something that the big brands do not want to see.
In the spring of 2017, Djokovic signed his first contract with Lacoste. «Lacoste is very proud to have Nole and would never choose Nadal (with all due respect to him). Thank you @NDjokofan for the English translation.» Lacoste CEO Guibert tweeted.
Lacoste is very proud to have Nole and would never choose Nadal (with all due respect to him)
Thank you @NDjokofan for English translation 😂😘 — thierry guibert (@tguibert) February 16, 2023
Lacoste CEO Guibert comes to Djokovic’s defense
Earlier this week, former Nike tennis director Nakajima’s comments about Djokovic went viral.
“He could well be the most successful tennis player in history. But there is always a dark cloud around him. It is as if he brought it himself. He Hits the lineswoman at the US Open (in 2020) and he gets disqualified? It happens, I guess.
But why does it always happen to Novak? Or all the controversy over vaccination against Covid-19. Now, as a brand: do I want to be behind someone who always has controversy around them? Or do I want to go with an athlete with a squeaky clean image? Nakajima told CNN.
Djokovic himself has not reacted to Nakajima’s comments. Meanwhile, Djokovic is off to an outstanding start to the 2023 season. After winning back-to-back titles at the Adelaide International and the Australian Open, Djokovic is currently resting.
Djokovic, who was hampered by a hip injury in Australia, is signed up to compete in Dubai later this week. The latest reports suggest that Djokovic will be able to compete in Dubai. Additionally, Djokovic has applied to be granted special permission to enter the United States for the Masters events in Indian Wells and Miami.
