When Djokovic’s Roland-Garros racquet was announced to be for sale earlier this year, analysts estimated that it could bring in as much as $100,000.
It turned out, however, that it went beyond that. Despite the fact that Djokovic is among the greatest tennis players alive, tennis racquets are not known for being sold for astronomically high prices, unlike NBA jerseys. In 2017, Billie Jean King’s racquet, which brought in $125,000, sold for the highest price ever.
With three grand slam wins this year, raising his total to 24, and seven ATP finals victories, Djokovic’s rise over the years has contributed significantly to the racquet’s increased worth.
This week, the California-based auction house SCP Auction sold the racquet for a whopping sum of $107,482, the most expensive memorabilia in men’s tennis.
Novak Djokovic's tennis racquet which he used to complete his calendar and career Grand Slam at the 2016 French Open has sold for $107,482! 🤯
The most expensive racquet ever sold at auction 🤑 pic.twitter.com/h14UznzMwU
— Eurosport (@eurosport) December 4, 2023
Roland Garros 2016
In one of the most epic battles in tennis history, Djokovic faced off against 3-time grand slam champion and 2-time Olympic gold medalist Andy Murray in the finals.
Djokovic won the match and subsequently used the 27-inch racquet to draw a heart on the clay court and throw it into the crowd, where one lucky fan, Abby Doherty, snagged it.
When Djokovic threw his racket into the crowd, Doherty remembers the scene as though it were happening in slow motion. She claimed it struck her hand, bounced off the ground, and she scrambled to catch it and hold on tightly.
As to why she decided to put it up for sale, she explains that although it was a cool piece of sports memorabilia, it had just been sitting in her closet for six years.
Djokovic’s recent tournaments
Djokovic recently won his 7th ATP finals title back in November. The Serbian player defeated 22-year-old Jannik Sinner in the finals, 6-3, 6-3, to become the player with the most ATP finals wins.
Afterwards, Djokovic competed in the Davis Cup alongside the rest of Team Serbia. They defeated Great Britain but fell short against Team Italy in the following round.
In the second round, Jannik Sinner triumphed over Djokovic, 6-2 2-6 7-5.
Still, Djokovic continues to lead the Pepperstone ATP rankings. He’s been at the top for 402 weeks now.
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