The Legacy of Novak Djokovic and Technical Elegance
Lacoste’s 2026 strategy is inextricably linked to the continued dominance and legacy of Novak Djokovic. The brand has used the Australian Open to signal that Djokovic will remain a central figure in its future, unveiling a signature collection that emphasizes “Technical Elegance” over experimental fashion. This approach aligns with Lacoste’s heritage as a brand that blends classic French style with advanced technical performance.
Novak Djokovic: The Green Polo and “Croc to GOAT” Narrative
Novak Djokovic’s 2026 Australian Open kit represents a departure from the court-matching blue tones of the previous year. For 2026, Djokovic will wear a signature shade of green, a choice intended to make him stand out as the focal point of the tournament. The kit consists of an Ultra Dry technical jersey polo in green, paired with navy blue shorts. Notably, the 2026 design removes the “court lines” graphic seen in 2025, opting instead for a cleaner, minimalist aesthetic that highlights the Lacoste crocodile and Djokovic’s personal signature logo on the sleeve and back.
Technical specifications for Djokovic’s apparel include a blend of organic cotton and recycled polyester, treated with Ultra Dry moisture-wicking technology. The integration of mesh panels in high-perspiration areas ensures that the garment maintains breathability even during the grueling five-set matches that have defined Djokovic’s career in Melbourne.
Medvedev and the Expansion of “Team Lacoste”
While Djokovic remains the figurehead, Lacoste has also heavily invested in its secondary roster, most notably Daniil Medvedev. The Medvedev collection for 2026 focuses on the AG-LT23 Ultra performance shoe, available in high-visibility colorways such as Navy/Yellow and Light Purple/Yellow. Medvedev’s apparel line mirrors the technical focus of Djokovic’s, utilizing high-stretch jerseys and moisture-repellent fabrics.
The 2026 Lacoste collection also includes gear for Grigor Dimitrov, Ugo Humbert, and Eva Lys, reinforcing the brand’s presence across both the ATP and WTA tours. The thematic consistency across these lines—using clean color blocking and lightweight fabrics—suggests a brand strategy focused on timeless performance rather than following the volatile trends of athletic “streetwear”.
Grigor Dimitrov: The “Playful Premium” Aesthetic and Sartorial Fluidity
While the Djokovic and Medvedev lines lean heavily into technical rigidity and “croc-coded” patterns, Grigor Dimitrov remains the brand’s premier ambassador for sartorial elegance. For the 2026 Australian Open, Dimitrov’s kit is characterized by a “Playful Premium” philosophy, moving away from his previous high-contrast yellow tracksuits toward a more sophisticated and light-filled palette.
The “On Court” Melbourne Polo
Dimitrov will feature the Lacoste Men’s Player On Court Melbourne Polo, a piece that prioritizes a slim, athletic fit over the traditional boxy silhouette. The 2026 kit utilizes a Pastel Yellow and Cream base—a nod to the bleached tones of the Australian sun—accented with navy piping.
Technical highlights for the Dimitrov collection include:
- Sleeveless and Slim-Fit Options: Reflecting Dimitrov’s preference for maximum shoulder mobility, his collection includes the Sleeveless Stretch Knit Polo, allowing for a complete range of motion during his signature one-handed backhand.
- Ultra Dry Stretch Taffeta: Unlike the heavier cotton blends of the lifestyle line, this performance fabric is engineered with a high percentage of elastane to accommodate the Bulgarian’s legendary defensive sliding.
- Minimalist Branding: Following the “Technical Elegance” theme, the garment replaces loud graphics with a silicone crocodile on the chest and a discreet “Grigor” heat-seal on the inner collar.
Fashion Meets Performance
Dimitrov’s role within Lacoste has evolved beyond just being an athlete; he is often the face of the brand’s crossover into high fashion. His 2026 gear was teased alongside his appearance at the Lacoste SS26 Runway Show in Paris, where he sat front-row with Anna Wintour. This connection is visible in the refined tailoring of his Melbourne kit, which transitions seamlessly from the high-intensity environment of Rod Laver Arena to the more relaxed “tennis-core” luxury aesthetic favored by spectators.
