A racket used by Rafael Nadal in 2017 was auctioned for the impressive sum of $157,333, equivalent to around €137,000. It is the highest price ever paid for a tennis racket, surpassing the previous record, also held by the Spaniard, for the one he used at the 2022 Australian Open. The item was offered through Prestige Memorabilia, a company specialized in collectible sports items.

The sold racket was part of an unforgettable season for Nadal, who that year once again dominated clay courts and won Roland-Garros after defeating Stan Wawrinka in the final. The racket was also used in two major tournaments: the final of the Miami Masters 1000 against Roger Federer and the semifinal of the Madrid Masters 1000. The rarity of a Nadal racket used in a Grand Slam final increased its appeal among collectors.

A cult object for tennis fans

The auction house highlighted that finding a Nadal racket used in a Grand Slam final “is rare,” which further enhances its historical significance. The 2017 season was key in the Spaniard’s career, cementing his status as the king of clay with his tenth title in Paris, in a display of dominance that defined an era. This racket thus becomes a symbol of that iconic campaign, now in the hands of a new owner.

The final price reflects not only the sporting value of the item but also the legacy Nadal leaves behind following his retirement in 2024. With 92 titles throughout his career and an unforgettable influence on modern tennis, his personal items are beginning to gain both symbolic and financial value. This auction confirms that the legend of Rafael Nadal will live on beyond the courts.