• The Wall Street Journal , Tuesday, August 26, 2008 10:30 AM

Rafael Nadal was set to debut a new look at the U.S. Open Monday, but at the last minute decided against it after having captured two Grand Slams, Olympic gold and the top spot in the world rankings in his old garb. The exuberant Spanish star had practiced in a new wardrobe that included such radical adjustments as shirts with short sleeves and pants that stopped above the knee.

The Wall Street Journal reported Aug. 25 that Nadal had decided to shift his image from adolescent muscle T-shirts and Capri-style pants. Nike had unveiled Nadal's new look after months of careful planning that began with a trip by Nike's design team to the star's home in Majorca, Spain. But perhaps no one is more resistant to change than an athlete on a winning streak.

"Frankly, Nadal is on a roll," says Kilee Hughes, a spokesman for Nike, which designs Nadal's clothes. "We listen to the voice of the athlete." Hughes says Nadal is still committed to switching to the new gear, perhaps at a smaller tournament after the U.S. Open.

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