All-black everything: Novak Djokovic to play in exclusive “Legend” racquet for rest of his career

Remember when Novak Djokovic famously walked out on court in Paris wearing a Darth Vader mask? The 24-time Grand Slam winner is once again embracing the Dark Side—or at least, its all-black aesthetic—thanks to an exclusive new racquet designed only for a “Legend”.

Eagle-eyed Djokovic fans may have already clued in during the 36-year-old’s brief stint at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia—though you’d be forgiven if you weren’t paying close attention to changes in Djokovic’s gear, during a bizarre week that saw the world No. 1 be struck in the head by a metal water bottle before bowing out in a shock defeat to Alejandro Tabilo.

WATCH: Novak Djokovic tests for concussion following freak accident in Rome | THE BREAK

Amid all the chaos, there was something else different about Djokovic: His racquet now featured a darker, more ominous colorway. And now we know why, as Head recently unveiled a new all-black “Legend” colorway for the Serbian’s signature Speed frame.

Featuring a glossy black finish set against flatter black detailing, the Speed Legend is set to be Djokovic’s new racquet until the end of his career. It’s a fitting tribute to the three-time Roland Garros champion, who has reportedly worked closely with Max Bauer, Head’s global product manager of performance racquets, to develop the Speed line since becoming an ambassador back in 2008.

“It is always special to create such a special racquet and this one specifically stands out because it combines many features that Novak loves,” Bauer said in an interview with Forbes’ Tim Newcomb. “The naming of the racquet also celebrates Novak’s unique status in the tennis world.”

As his “legend” grows on and off the court, so too does Djokovic’s preference for stylish, yet understated drama. His new Head racquet is just the latest in his growing collection, as the Serbian also turned heads last month at the Laureus World Sports Awards rocking another cool, all black accessory.

A Hublot ambassador since 2021, Djokovic swapped his usual blue or yellow Big Bang timepieces for something more fitting for the occasion, as he received his fifth World Sportsman of the Year Award in a sparkling ceremony in Madrid.

Being honored for a season that saw him win his 10th Australian Open, third Roland Garros and fourth US Open titles—bringing his Grand Slam tally to an all-time record-equalling 24 Grand Slam singles triumphs—Djokovic paired his look with an equally glittering Hublot Spirit of Big Bang All Black Pavé watch.

While according to GQ “a skeletonized, 42 mm, black pavé diamond-studded tonneau is the last watch you might expect to see paired with a tux,” at Baseline we’re fans of Djokovic embracing the moody monochrome look—and stealing the show along the way.

Meanwhile, tennis fans can take another look at the all-black “Legend” racquet in Geneva, where Djokovic has taken a last-minute wild card ahead of Roland Garros. The clay-court Grand Slam tournament kicks off on May 26.

The Head Speed Legend is set for release May 23.