Rafael Nadal's 2017 French Open Racket Sells for Record $157K

Rafael Nadal's custom Babolat racket, used during his 2017 French Open victory, has set a new record by selling for $157,333.20 at a Prestige Memorabilia auction, becoming the most expensive tennis racket ever sold. This surpasses the previous record held by another Nadal racket from his 2022 Australian Open win, which sold for $139,700. The 2017 racket was photomatched to 24 different matches across Nadal's season, including finals at the French Open, Madrid Open, and Miami Open, and features his distinctive 'Rafa' emblem. Nadal's dominant performance in 2017, where he won his 10th French Open title without dropping a set, further enhances the racket's significance. The sale coincides with Nadal's recent retirement and a special tribute at Roland Garros, where a plaque bearing his footprint and the number 14 was unveiled in his honor. This auction highlights Nadal's enduring legacy as the 'King of Clay' and the historic value of his memorabilia.