A Record-Breaking Auction
A record-breaking auction of sports memorabilia took place recently, where a tennis racket that belonged to Rafael Nadal during his victorious campaign at the 2017 French Open fetched an astonishing sum of $157,333.20, inclusive of the buyer’s premium. This sale marks the highest price ever recorded for a tennis racket. The previous record was set earlier this year when another racket used by Nadal in his 2022 Australian Open win was sold for $139,700 at a Sotheby’s auction.
Nadal’s Historic Victory
Nadal’s triumph in 2017 remains a historic moment in tennis, as he triumphed in the final against Stan Wawrinka with a decisive scoreline of 6-2, 6-3, 6-1, extending his record to ten titles at Roland Garros. Remarkably, throughout that tournament, he did not lose a single set. Following that victory, he added four more French Open titles to his name, solidifying his position as one of the greatest clay court players in history, since no other male player has surpassed eight titles at this event.
Details of the Auctioned Racket
The specific racket sold at the auction has been validated through extensive photomatching, confirming its use in 24 matches throughout Nadal’s 2017 season. This includes high-profile events, such as the final matches at the Madrid Open and the Miami Open, along with a strong likelihood that it was also used in the final of the 2017 Australian Open, where he faced off against Roger Federer.
Significance of the Racket
The lot description from Prestige Memorabilia highlights the rarity of acquiring a racket that has been used in a Grand Slam Final by Nadal. It adds,
“To find one photomatched across an entire clay season (and more)—capped by a French Open title—is unprecedented.”
This unique racket features Nadal’s signature “Rafa” emblem on its throat and includes a stringing sticker noting “RG 2017 Nadal”, further affirming its authenticity and historical significance.
