A Babolat racket used by Rafael Nadal during his triumphant 2017 French Open final was auctioned for an astounding $157,333.20, setting a new record for the most expensive tennis racket ever sold. This remarkable piece of sports history was auctioned by Prestige Memorabilia on Sunday, including the buyer's premium.

Historic Victory

In 2017, Nadal secured his record-extending 10th French Open title by defeating Stan Wawrinka in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3, 6-1. This victory was part of an incredible run where Nadal didn't drop a single set throughout the tournament. He would go on to win four more titles at Roland Garros, solidifying his legacy as the greatest clay-court player in history.

Racket's Provenance

The racket was meticulously photomatched to 24 different matches across Nadal's 2017 season, including the Madrid Open final, the Miami Open final, and likely the 2017 Australian Open final. Notably, Nadal lost the last two matches to his longtime rival, Roger Federer.

Unique Features

This custom-made racket features Nadal's iconic "Rafa" emblem on the throat and a stringing sticker from the 2017 French Open that reads "RG 2017 Nadal." The rarity of finding a Grand Slam Final-used racket from Nadal, especially one photomatched across an entire clay season, is unprecedented.

Previous Records

The previous record for the most expensive tennis racket was also held by Nadal, with a racket used during his 2022 Australian Open victory against Daniil Medvedev, which sold for $139,700 at Sotheby's in 2023.

Legacy and Impact

Nadal's dominance on clay and his numerous records at Roland Garros have made his memorabilia highly sought after. This auction not only highlights the value of his equipment but also cements his status as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.