Djokovic hopes to emulate heroes in Sergio Tacchini
Novak Djokovic announces his switch to Sergio Tacchini
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After clinching a 10-year sponsorship deal with Sergio Tacchini, World No.3 Novak Djokovic is to become the latest big name in an illustrious list to don the label’s elegant clothing and footwear during matches.
With Jimmy Connors, Ilie Nastase, John McEnroe and Pete Sampras all wearing the brand throughout the majority of their careers and many collective Grand Slam triumphs, the deal symbolises more than just a new set of clothes for the 22-year-old Serb.
“My own idols Pete Sampras and John McEnroe have won almost all titles wearing the Sergio Tacchini logo,” Djokovic announced after signing with the Italian giant.
Now in company with his heroes in choice of attire at least, Djokovic will hope to emulate the success of past greats to have worn the distinctive emblem of former Italian champion Tacchini.
‘Super-brat‘ John McEnroe did the brand no disservice with his four US Open and three Wimbledon triumphs, while the king of the ‘chip and charge’ Pete Sampras won four of his 14 Grand Slam titles under the guise of the Sergio Tacchini label.
Add Jimmy Connors, Pat Cash, Mats Wilander and Vitas Gerulaitis to the list, and it becomes unequivocally apparent that Sergio Tacchini has an unrivalled history of success in tennis.
“My own idols Pete Sampras and John McEnroe have won almost all titles wearing the Sergio Tacchini logo.” – Djokovic
Forming the company after his retirement from the sport in 1966, former Italian Davis Cup Champion Tacchini was as forward-thinking as they come, initiating colour on tennis strips and tracksuits for the first time.
Jimmy Connors became the first man to wear coloured tennis-wear at Wimbledon after debuting the Sergio Tacchini brand at SW19 in 1974, before going on to win the tournament.
More recently, Goran Ivanišević wore Sergio Tacchini during his 2001 Wimbledon victory over Pat Rafter. Despite being a wild card entry with a ranking of No.125, Ivanišević pulled off an astonishing triumph with the prominent Sergio Tachinni logo in full view – completing a feat that might be considered more applicable to the ‘impossible is nothing’ slogan of adidas.
But with modern day pro Novak Djokovic ending a colourful alliance with adidas to begin a mammoth deal with the Italian clothing giant, you would not bet against the Serb recreating a portion of the Grand Slam success of his past heroes.
One thing for certain, Sergio Tacchini know how to pick them.
