Rafael Nadal‘s tennis racket from his historic 2017 French Open victory has set a new auction record, selling for $157,333.20 (Rs 1.34 crore) including buyer’s premium at a Prestige Memorabilia auction on Sunday. The Babolat racket, used during his straight-sets win against Stan Wawrinka in the final, surpassed the previous record of $139,700 (Rs 1.19 crore) set by another Nadal racket from the 2022 Australian Open.The 2017 French Open final saw Nadal defeat Wawrinka with a score of 6-2, 6-3, 6-1, marking his tenth French Open championship. This victory further solidified his dominance at Roland Garros, where he would go on to secure four more titles, bringing his total to 14 French Open victories.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The record-breaking racket carries significant historical value, as it was used throughout Nadal’s 2017 season. Photo matching technology has confirmed its use in 24 different matches, including the Madrid Open final and matches against Roger Federer in the Miami Open final and Australian Open final.“To find a Grand Slam Final-used racket from Rafael Nadal is rare. To find one photo-matched across an entire clay season (and more) — capped by a French Open title — is unprecedented,” reads the Prestige Memorabilia lot description.
The custom-made Babolat racket features distinctive characteristics that authenticate its connection to Nadal, including his “Rafa” emblem on the throat and a specific stringing sticker reading “RG 2017 Nadal” from the French Open tournament.The 2017 French Open victory was particularly notable as Nadal did not drop a single set throughout the entire tournament. This achievement stands as part of his larger legacy at Roland Garros, where his 14 titles significantly outpace any other male tennis player, with no other competitor having won more than eight French Open championships.
