Tennis

Rafael Nadal's Iconic 2005 Roland Garros Shirt Sells for Record-Breaking PriceIn a testament to the enduring legacy of Rafael Nadal, his iconic green-patterned Nike T-shirt from his maiden Roland Garros triumph in 2005 has fetched a record-breaking price at auction. The shirt, which has become synonymous with Nadal's early dominance on clay, sold for an astonishing $113,924 at Prestige Memorabilia.This sale eclipses the previous record held by Roger Federer's 2009 Roland Garros shirt and shorts, which sold for approximately $95,000. The vast majority of match-worn tennis shirts sold at auction typically fetch no more than $10,000, highlighting the exceptional value placed on Nadal's historic garment.The auction, which commenced on July 17, also saw other notable items go under the hammer. Carlos Alcaraz's 2022 Madrid racquet sold for $20,713, while Ken Rosewall's 1955 US Open finalist trophy fetched $5,513.Nadal's 2005 Roland Garros victory marked a watershed moment in his career. At just 19 years old, he became the youngest player to win the French Open since Michael Chang in 1989. The green-patterned shirt he wore during that triumph has since become an iconic symbol of his dominance on the clay courts of Paris.The sale of Nadal's shirt underscores the growing demand for sports memorabilia, particularly items associated with legendary athletes. Collectors and enthusiasts are increasingly willing to pay top dollar for pieces that evoke the greatest moments in sports history.For more information on The Tennis Auction and previously sold items, visit TheTennisAuction.com.

Roger Federer's Roland Garros Racquet Up for Auction, Expected to Fetch $50,000Tennis enthusiasts and collectors have a rare opportunity to own a piece of tennis history as the racquet used by Roger Federer in his final Roland Garros final goes up for auction. The custom-made Wilson racquet, which Federer wielded in 2011, is expected to garner a hefty price tag of up to $50,000 in the bidding period that began on May 14 and ends June 2.The racquet holds significant historical value as it was used by Federer in his fifth and final Roland Garros final, where he famously ended Novak Djokovic's 43-match winning streak in the semifinals. The racquet was provided to the auction by Federer's eponymous charity foundation, and photomatching forensic technology has confirmed its authenticity.In addition to Federer's racquet, the auction also features other autographed match-worn and used items by tennis legends. Collectors can bid on the shoes that carried Iga Swiatek to the BNP Paribas Open title this spring, the shirt, wristbands, and shoes that Rafael Nadal wore in leading Spain to the 2009 Davis Cup, and a wristband worn by Carlos Alcaraz during his run to the 2022 US Open title.Perhaps the most unique item up for auction is the smashed Babolat racquet used by Dominic Thiem at the 2019 Internazionali BNL d'Italia. The racquet, which comes with a letter of authenticity, was given to Thiem by tournament organizers after he smashed it in frustration during a second-round upset loss to Fernando Verdasco.The auction offers a rare chance for collectors and tennis enthusiasts to acquire unique memorabilia from some of the greatest players in the sport. With the bidding period now open, interested parties are encouraged to start their bids and secure a piece of tennis history.