A tennis raccquet used by Novak Djokovic to win the 2016 French Open could fetch over $100,000 at auction.
After defeating Andy Murray in the Roland Garros final, Djokovic drew a heart in the clay court with his raccquet before tossing it up into the stands. It was caught by spectator Abby Doherty.
Seven years later, California-based auction house SCP Auctions is selling the raccquet.
The current highest bid is $19,489 but experts believe the final sale price will surpass six figures.
Doherty recalls the moment she caught the racquet: “It was all in slow motion. He just flung it into the crowd. It hit my hand and bounced to the ground. I sprinted to grab it and held on tight.”
Abby Doherty caught the racquet as Djokovic won.
The 27-inch raccquet shows wear from the four-set match. It features Djokovic’s custom double-wrapped leather grip and his name labeled in the throat. Identifying details like “SUN 27.0” and “4-3/8” under the handle match Djokovic’s personal specifications.
After the final, Doherty attempted to get Djokovic to autograph the raccquet but couldn’t get his attention as he celebrated his first French Open win.
Doherty says that selling the Grand Slam memorabilia wasn’t easy: “You’ve got this really cool piece of sports history but it’s been sitting in my closet.”
The listing has already attracted competitive bidding. As an iconic piece of Djokovic’s Hall of Fame career, the raccquet he used to clinch that 2016 French Open title will certainly collect a high price from tennis fans and collectors.
Tennis has a global audience, produces individual stars, and is associated with money, glamour and exclusivity. It’s the perfect sport for the collector. Yet, racquets have not commonly make huge figures and the Djokovic racquet could easily set a record. The racquet used by Billie Jean King to win the so-called Battle of the Sexes match against Bobby Riggs in 1973 is the most valuable tennis racquet ever sold at auction. It made $100,000 in 2017.
