Novak Djokovic has every right to make a personal choice over the Covid-19 vaccine - according to one of the millionaire's main sponsors.
In early January, the Serbian star ended months of speculation by confirming he had declined to receive his jabs, and yet would be participating in the Australian Open via a medical exemption.
His announcement proved anything but the end of the matter though, and upon his arrival at Melbourne Airport the world no 1 had his visa revoked before being detained in a Government detention hotel.
Djokovic's lawyers successfully appealed against him being deported though, only for the country's immigration minister, Alex Hawke, to cancel the visa a second time.
His decision followed evidence that Djokovic, who tested positive for Covid on December 16, had deliberately flouted isolation rules thereafter and submitted false information on his immigration forms.
The 34-year-old subsequently launched another appeal but this time around the courts ruled against him, and the explosive saga finally culminated last Sunday when he flew out of Australia.
Debate has continued to rage however, with Djokovic yet to publicly speak out about his ordeal, whilst his main sponsors have also appeared reluctant to clarify their position on the issue.
However Swiss watchmaker Hublot, who Djokovic signed with in August last year, have broken their silence in what appears a show of support for one of their most high-profile associates.
CEO Ricardo Guadalupe told Reuters that the brand was waiting to hear from Djokovic about his experience, but supported his stance to keep medical matters private.
"We are waiting to see what his position is with regard to all that he went through," he said.
"The principle of vaccines is that it's something private. We value personal freedom. Everyone can decide. One can be in favour or against. That's our position."
He added he expected the 20-time Grand Slam champion to speak out once the Australian Open was over, and pledged "We will define our position then."
Hublot also sponsor the likes of Pele, Kylian Mbappe and Usain Bolt, and have helped Djokovic become one of the most endorsed athletes in the world.
Despite his saga down under, it appears he will be defending his French Open title in May however, despite Covid passports being mandatory for sporting events in France.
Djokovic testing positive in December qualifies him for a passport, given his test result falls within the six month timeline that precedes the event.
