Lacoste has transformed its iconic crocodile into a GOAT, in tribute to Novak Djokovic, widely hailed as the greatest tennis player of all time. Revealed on the eve of the US Open, this symbolic metamorphosis celebrates the player’s extraordinary journey and enduring partnership with the French brand. Aptly titled From the Crocodile to the Goat, the exclusive capsule collection reimagines the emblem that defined René Lacoste’s legacy, aligning it with Djokovic’s unparalleled achievements on the court.
For more than eight years, Novak Djokovic has been a Lacoste ambassador, his name and presence amplifying the brand’s global resonance. Across this period, he has won half of his record 24 Grand Slam titles, cementing his place at the pinnacle of tennis history. With the greatest number of weeks as world No. 1, the highest tally of Grand Slam match wins, and a record number of Masters 1000 victories, Djokovic has surpassed every frontier of the sport. It is this legacy that Lacoste captures in the GOAT collection.
The capsule comprises five essential pieces — a polo, a t-shirt, a tracksuit jacket, trousers, and a cap — each bearing the exclusive GOAT logo. This new insignia symbolizes not only Djokovic’s achievements but also the spirit of reinvention and excellence that has long defined Lacoste. Available in limited numbers across select countries, the collection speaks to collectors, fans, and style connoisseurs alike.
The unveiling took place at Lacoste’s newly opened Fifth Avenue flagship in New York, a location steeped in history and ambition. René Lacoste’s nickname “Crocodile” was first coined on American soil, where he also won the US Championship in 1926 and 1927. It was here too that he redefined tennis apparel by conceiving the iconic polo shirt. Nearly a century later, the brand returns to this stage, intertwining René Lacoste’s heritage with Djokovic’s era-defining excellence.
Novak Djokovic himself marked the launch in person, attending an intimate meet-and-greet at the Fifth Avenue boutique. His presence underscored the deep connection between athlete and brand, a relationship that transcends performance to embody mindset, resilience, and shared values. The transformation of the crocodile into a GOAT becomes not just a tribute, but also a symbol of Lacoste’s willingness to evolve its codes while staying anchored in legacy.
Thierry Guibert, CEO of Lacoste, reflected on this milestone, noting that Djokovic’s discipline and determination have elevated the brand on a global scale. By embracing such an audacious visual change, Lacoste underscores its place at the intersection of sport and culture, where heritage inspires bold reinvention.
The Lacoste GOAT capsule collection stands as both a fashion statement and a cultural moment — a bridge between past and present, René Lacoste’s pioneering spirit and Novak Djokovic’s mastery. It is a rare fusion of sport, style, and symbolism that captures greatness in its purest form.
