By Gilles Guillaume

PARIS (Reuters). Reuters was told by a Peugeot source that Peugeot, a sponsor for Novak Djokovic’s tennis career, hopes its logo will be displayed on the player’s shirt in Dubai when he plays this month.

After a dispute over Australia’s COVID-19 regulations, Djokovic was expelled from Australia as he is not vaccinated.

Djokovic tried to enter the Australian Open with no vaccinations. This caused anger from some quarters. However, his supporters rallied behind him and focussed their attention on his response to sponsors.

According to a source, Peugeot’s spokesperson told Reuters that they anticipate Peugeot branding will be present at Dubai tournament on Mr. Djokovic’s shirt.

This week’s Australia episode was the first time the player has spoken out about it. He said he wasn’t anti-vaxxer but had made a decision to not get the vaccine and that that could have an impact on his tennis career.

Source said that Peugeot had taken notice of Djokovic’s statements, and was happy to hear his opinions.

The source confirmed that talks were ongoing between the brand representatives and the player about the sponsorship’s long-term future.

Djokovic has been scheduled to participate in the Dubai tournament on February 21, which will mark his return from Australia.

Hublot watches, owned by French luxury conglomerate LVMH and another Djokovic sponsor is also unavailable for comment.

Lacoste clothing brand did not respond immediately to the request for comment on Thursday.