Tennis Racket Auction Highlights
In a remarkable auction, a tennis racket famously wielded by Andy Murray during his 2013 Wimbledon men’s singles final against Novak Djokovic fetched an impressive $73,200, inclusive of the buyer’s premium. This event marked the highest amount ever paid for a piece of memorabilia associated with Murray.
Historic Significance of Murray’s Victory
The victory itself was a historic milestone; it represented the first time in 76 years that a British male player had clinched the Wimbledon title. Since the aftermath of World War I, just two British men—Murray and the legendary Fred Perry, who triumphed in the 1930s—have succeeded at Wimbledon, underscoring the significance of Murray’s achievements, including his victory again in 2016. The women’s side has seen a longer drought, with the last British champion being Virginia Wade, who won in 1977.
Auction Details
The auction was noteworthy for its competitive nature, attracting 49 bids from its open date on August 29 until the final sale. Adding to the racket’s provenance, the auction package included a letter of authenticity from Resolution Photomatching, confirming that the racket was conclusively used not only during the final match but also in both the second round and semifinals of the tournament, as well as in a preparatory match on June 26.
Comparative Records
While Murray’s racket made headlines, the record for the highest amount paid for a tennis racket remains with a Babolat model that Rafael Nadal used in his victorious 2017 French Open final, which sold for over $157,000 earlier this year.
