Djokovic’s wolf spirit comes alive in Lacoste’s custom Roland Garros jacket

Novak Djokovic walked onto Court Philippe-Chatrier at Roland Garros this week wearing more than a warm-up jacket.

The piece, custom-created by Lacoste creative director Pelagia Kolotouros, marks his record-tying 22nd main-draw appearance at the French Open and brings back one of tennis’s most personal symbols: the wolf.

Lacoste designed the piece specifically for Djokovic, whose connection to the wolf as his self-described “spirit animal” dates back to a childhood encounter he first discussed publicly at Wimbledon in 2021.

images via Lacoste

The oversized jacket draws on the tones and textures of court clay, incorporating real clay detailing alongside a large wolf figure down the back.

Sharing images on Instagram the brand commented; “Inspired by the rich tones, textures, and energy of clay season, the jacket reinterprets a runway silhouette through a contemporary fusion of innovation, artisanal craftsmanship, and performance design. From sculptural 3D detailing to handcrafted authentic clay finishes, every element was conceived to reflect the intensity, movement, and emotion of the Parisian stage.”

“I was very honored to wear it,” Djokovic told reporters after beating Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard  in his opening round.

Kolotouros and the Lacoste team turned a personal mythology into a wearable campaign moment, threading Serbia’s national animal into a piece that doubles as tribute and talisman.

For a player who has spent two decades treating Roland Garros as his personal hunting ground, the imagery lands exactly right.