Grigor Dimitrov joins Lacoste after splitting with Nike

28th-seeded Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov kicked off his 2023 Roland Garros campaign with an emphatic first round victory.

However, attentions were diverted elsewhere as the former World No. 3 debuted his new sponsorship with Lacoste during his encounter, joining the likes of Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev.

The 32-year-old started his Roland Garros campaign on the right note, defeating unseeded Timofey Skatov in straight sets, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2. He sported his brand-new Lacoste kit during the clash, after splitting with Nike. According to reports, the two have agreed on a three-year partnership deal. 

The brand also took to social media to welcome Dimitrov to the Lacoste family. 

Lacoste’s official social media handle also celebrated the former World No. 3’s emphatic first-round victory in Paris.

“A partnership launched in-style. Grigor Dimitrov scores a straight set win to begin in Paris. Welcome to the family Grigor,” a post said.

The French company released a commercial starring the 32-year-old where he appeared in an all-white ensemble as he practised on clay. 

Besides Dimitrov, other notable men’s tennis stars associated with the French brand include the likes of Novak Djokovic, who joined Lacoste as a brand ambassador in 2017. Meanwhile, Daniil Medvedev partnered with Lacoste in 2019, having recently designed his new logo in partnership with the French company at the 2023 Australian Open. 

Dimitrov will be up against Finland’s Emil Ruusuvuori in the second round of the French Open. Ruusuvuori’s win, unlike Dimitrov, was anything but straightforward as he battled past Grégoire Barrère in a tense five-set encounter.