The Wall Street Journal last week reported Rafael Nadal, in conjunction with sponsor Nike, was planning to introduce a new, clean-cut image at the U.S. Open. The move would have seen him playing in shorter shorts and sleeved shirts in an attempt to look older and appeal to a broader audience. So as I watched Nadal walk onto the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium for his first round match, I noted his outfit: knee-length shorts, tight sleeveless shirt, bandanna around his head. So what changed? Thankfully, nothing.

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Does Nadal really need to change his image? Are there tennis fans out there who refuse to give him his due solely because his shorts hang below his knees or his shirt doesn’t cover his arms? Admittedly, I was reluctant to give Nadal his due when he burst onto the scene and shocked the world by playing tennis in Capri pants. But that was back when he would dominate the clay court season and then disappear for the rest of the year. Now he’s a threat on any surface.

Just watch him on the court as he sprints and slides along the baseline, retrieving seemingly out-of-reach balls, ripping impossible winners and glaring over his shoulder at opponents with a sneer. Does that style of play really say polished and traditional? The new image I’ve heard described reminds me of the black and white footage of Wimbledons past, where men played in pants and moved stiffly from ball to ball. That’s not Nadal’s game. He’s all about speed, power and tenacity. What better way to exhibit that than a sleeveless shirt showing off his biceps? Nadal’s game sends a clear message to opponents on the court: “You’re going to have to outwork me to beat me.” Refined and clean-cut do not portray that message.

So Nadal decided to scrap the makeover for the Open, apparently because he wasn’t yet comfortable playing in the attire. And who could blame him? The guy has won everything in sight this year, including the French, Wimbledon and the Olympic Gold in the last three months alone. The length of his inseam is the least of his worries.

Apparently the makeover has not been abandoned entirely, though, as Nadal and Nike plan to introduce the new threads sometime later this year. Surely Nike execs and his reps at IMG helped nudge him in this new direction, as the apparel giant clearly stands to gain from a new product line focused on the No. 1 player in the world. But you don’t mess with what works, and Nadal’s dogged approach to the game, mirrored in his wardrobe, has earned him that ranking. I say stick with what got you to the top, Rafa.