Djokovic ‘the new crocodile’ for Lacoste

Novak Djokovic has announced a surprise partnership with French apparel company Lacoste. Djokovic, who has been playing in Japanese brand Uniqlo since 2014, made the announcement in the week leading up to the French Open.

In a video released to support the new partnership, Djokovic refers to himself as the ‘new crocodile’. That is meant as a nod to Lacoste founder Rene Lacoste, who was nicknamed ‘the crocodile’ by French newspapers following a bet that he made with his Davis Cup captain back in the 1920s. The moniker stuck, and Lacoste founded the apparel brand off the back of it.

Proud to be part of this revolutionary @LACOSTE story, that still lasts till this day. I'm proud to be the new Crocodile. ???? #NewCroc2017 https://t.co/3MH3v15hGx

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) May 22, 2017

Lacoste also released the following statement:
“René Lacoste and Novak Djokovic. Two legends who share the same values of Fair-Play, tenacity and elegance. In 1933 tennis player and inventor René Lacoste, nicknamed the Crocodile for the tenacity he displayed on the court, revolutionized the world of sportswear by creating the LACOSTE L.12.12 Polo shirt.”