FASHION FIX: You reach No. 1 and all you get is this lousy, recycled outfit

Maybe it's the tough economy. Or maybe they ran out of ideas. Or MAYBE it's Kate Middleton's sartorial influence.

Whatever the reason, Sergio Tacchini deserves a major red card for recycling this outfit for Novak Djokovic's first match as the top baller in the world. And it's not the first time they recycled it. He debuted it during the spring clay-court season and then, shockingly, showed up wearing it at Roland Garros. But even if the outfit was AMAZING (and it's not) it still wouldn't be okay to have him wear it again. You're lucky he won his match, ST.

The same could be said for adidas by Stella McCartney and Caroline Wozniacki. They recycled the much-maligned blue ruffle dress she debuted at Indian Wells at Roland Garros and today she appeared in Toronto for her opening round match (which she lost) in a similar outfit to the one she wore starting at Charleston in the spring. The skirt is the same but the tank top was the orange of her sports bra, not white. Same diff to me.

These companies have the opportunity to outfit the top-ranked ballers in tennis and this is the best they can do. I mean, REALLY. These spots are kinda high visibility. Get it together.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: Tennis in technicolor

Hey Nole! Joseph called and he wants the fabric from his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat back. Here's a pic if you don't remember him. I think you do, though.

Sorry guys, there really isn't much to say about Novak Djokovic's tennis since he's playing in some other stratosphere at the moment. He just bullied Robin Soderling 6-3, 6-0 and pretty much toyed with the towering Swede throwing in drop shots and ridic lobs during the bagel set. And now he gets Andy Murray.

I'd say 'GOOD LUCK!' to you Muzz but you're going to need a lot more than luck to break his 35 match win streak. Frightening indeed.

[Photo(s): AFP PHOTO / ANDREAS SOLARO]

FASHION FIX: Dark+Dreamy vs. Nice Nole - which would you like?

Novak Djokovic debuted his gear from new sponsor Sergio Tacchini gear for the Oz Open (left, worn with the adidas CC Genius II White/Black) during his 7-5, 6-3, 6-2 defeat of Spaniard Daniel Gimeno-Traver. He'll face Switzerland's Marco Chiudinelli for a spot in the third round.

I was pretty surprised to see the outfit the Italian brand chose for Nole. It's completely different from their traditionally classic stylings though the fit is still spot on and the design is typically minimal. Perhaps he'll be "Dark+Dreamy" Nole for the night matches only. We'll see.

For my tastes, the duds he wore at the Kooyong exo last week (right) were my fave. Preppy, for sure, but super cute.

I'm sure some of us will disagree on which Nole we like better here, but I bet we can all agree on which way we'd always like him.

Even better...

[Photo(s): AP, Getty]

Nole drops adidas for 10-year deal with Sergio Tacchini

Novak Djokovic will be the newest face of Sergio Tacchini starting in January 2010, leaving longtime sponsor adidas and putting to rest rumors of a switch to K-Swiss.

The Serb announced the brand-spanking new 10-year sponsorship deal with the Italian sports apparel brand this weekend in London where he's seeking to defend his title at the ATP World Tour Finals.

"My own idols Pete Sampras and John McEnroe have won almost all titles... wearing the Sergio Tacchini logo”, said Novak.

“I am pleased to partner with Sergio Tacchini, a strong brand with a true tennis DNA and am honoured to become a part of this legacy."

Nole joins ballers Tommy Robredo, Ivo Karlovic, Victor Hanescu, Olivier Rochus, Steve Darcis, Flavia Pennetta and Sara Errani in the ST stable.

This partnership with a Grand Slam champ and potential World No. 1 is a total coup for Sergio Tacchini and should help their product get global exposure and brand recognition. They make stylish, well-made gear and should be a great fit for the Serb.

Plus, a 10-year sponsorship means Nole will be wearing their duds for what would likely be the remainder of his career - talk about puttin' a ring on it.

(Photo: NovakDjokovic.rs)

FASHION FIX: Pennetta goes periwinkle in Acapulco, Tacchini teases with style

Pennetta pulls it off: I've never thought of Flavia Pennetta as a tennis fashionista, but she's beginning to make a believer out of me this week. The Italian is the top seed at the Abierto Mexicano Telcel in Acapulco, Mexico and reached the quarterfinals yesterday with a 6-2, 6-3 win over German Julia Schruff.

These tennis duds by Flavia's sponsor Sergio Tacchini, who also gave yellow fever to Russian Vera Dushevina in Dubai, are impressive for their color, subtle design elements and sexiness. High marks go to the fitted periwinkle blue polo-style sleeveless shirt with white piping around the collar. The shirt also hints at a wrap-style design, which continues with the white wrap-skirt, revealing just enough leg at the slit. Love it.

Who knew Flavia could be such a tease?

(images via ALFREDO ESTRELLA/AFP/Getty Images)