- Djokovic’s 2016 French Open racket may fetch over $100,000, creating buzz among tennis memorabilia fans.
- Abby Doherty, who caught the racket in 2016, is selling the cherished item after it spent years in her closet.
- With the current bid at $19,489, experts predict the final price will exceed six figures, making it a sought-after piece for collectors.
- Djokovic’s racket could challenge the record for the most valuable tennis item sold at auction as bidding surpasses $20,000.
- Thorough authentication confirms the racket’s unique characteristics align with Djokovic’s style, adding to its appeal and collector’s value.
In a riveting turn of events for tennis enthusiasts and collectors, Novak Djokovic’s iconic racket, the very instrument he used to secure victory in the 2016 French Open, is set to go under the hammer at California-based auction house SCP Auctions.
The historic piece, immortalized by Djokovic’s triumphant heart-drawing celebration on the Roland Garros court, is poised to become one of tennis’s most sought-after memorabilia items, with experts predicting a staggering six-figure price tag.
Journey of Djokovic’s French Open-Winning Racket
Seven years ago, after defeating Andy Murray in the Roland Garros final, Djokovic etched a heart into the clay court with his racket before tossing it into the stands.
According to a report by The Sun, this impromptu gesture of celebration marked a pivotal moment in Djokovic’s career as he clinched his first French Open title, completing a career Grand Slam and joining the elite ranks of players who have conquered all four major titles.
The narrative takes an intriguing twist as Abby Doherty, among the 15,000 spectators present that day, emerged as the fortunate recipient of Djokovic’s racket. Doherty vividly recalls the moment, describing it as “all in slow motion.” As Djokovic flung the racket into the crowd, it found its way into Doherty’s hands, making her the custodian of a piece of tennis history.
Auction Buzz
SCP Auctions, recognizing the cultural and historical significance of Djokovic’s racket, has decided to auction off this iconic piece of sports memorabilia.
The current highest bid of $19,489 is just a glimpse of what experts believe will ultimately surpass the six-figure mark. The auction has already attracted competitive bidding, emphasizing the widespread interest in owning a tangible piece of Djokovic’s Hall of Fame career.
Novak Djokovic’s 2016 French open winning racket to go at auction🙌🏻#NovakDjokovic pic.twitter.com/lKGMsW93ti
— FirstSportz Tennis (@FS_Tennis1) November 28, 2023
Doherty’s Reflections
Abby Doherty, who caught the racket in 2016, shares her perspective on the decision to sell this prized possession. Despite acknowledging it as “a really cool piece of sports history,” Doherty admits it has been sitting in her closet for six years. Her contemplation reflects the emotional attachment fans can develop with such memorabilia and the challenging decision to part ways with a cherished artefact.
Djokovic’s Impact on Tennis Memorabilia
Novak Djokovic’s racket, professionally photo-matched to ensure authenticity, represents more than just a piece of sports equipment.
It encapsulates a significant juncture in Djokovic’s career and serves as a symbolic artefact of his journey to tennis greatness. While tennis memorabilia, especially rackets, hasn’t commonly reached astronomical figures, Djokovic’s racket has the potential to break records.
Tennis Memorabilia Market Dynamics
Tennis, with its global audience and association with money, glamour, and exclusivity, has always been an attractive sport for collectors. However, racquets haven’t commonly commanded huge sums in the memorabilia market.
Djokovic’s racket, with its historical significance and the aura surrounding the 2016 French Open victory, is poised to challenge and potentially reshape the dynamics of the tennis memorabilia market.
Authentication Process
The auctioned racket underwent a rigorous authentication process, including professional photo-matching and verification against Djokovic’s personal specifications. Identifying details such as Djokovic’s custom double-wrapped leather grip, his name labelled in the throat, and specifications like “SUN 27.0” under the handle have further solidified its authenticity.
Unique Characteristics
This 27-inch racket, showcasing wear from the four-set match against Murray, exhibits distinctive features that align with Djokovic’s playing style. The orange stains on the frame and handle, coupled with correct sizing, grips, and adjustments, serve as testaments to Djokovic’s personalized specifications. The sticker reading “SUN 27.0,” denoting its Sunday use at 27kg of tension, adds another layer of uniqueness.
Novak Djokovic’s French Open-winning racket, with its journey from a celebratory toss into the stands to a coveted item in an auction house, symbolizes the intersection of sports, history, and fandom.
As the auction unfolds, the tennis world awaits to witness whether Djokovic’s racket will not only fetch a monumental price but also redefine the landscape of tennis memorabilia. This captivating saga, echoing the cheers of Roland Garro’s victory in 2016, underscores the enduring allure and value embedded in the artefacts of sporting greatness.