Rafael Nadal’s iconic Babolat racket from his historic 2017 French Open victory has made history off the court, selling for $157,333.20 at the Prestige Memorabilia auction.
The sale meant the racket drew in a record figure, surpassing the earlier record set by Nadal’s racket from the 2022 Australian Open.
Rafael Nadal Breaks Record for Highest Tennis Racket Sold at Auction for the Second Time
Used by Nadal in his 10th Roland Garros win, which around the globe is referred to as “La Décima,” the piece is so closely tied to one of the greatest performances ever in the sport. In the final, Nadal dominated Stan Wawrinka in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3, 6-1, not losing a single set all tournament long to win the 10th of his 14 French Open titles.
What makes the racket extremely valuable is that it was certified to have been used in several marquee matches during Nadal’s 2017 campaign. By using resolution photomatching, Prestige Memorabilia was able to authenticate that the racket had been used in a minimum of 24 different matches, including the Madrid Open semifinal (against Novak Djokovic), and quite possibly even the Australian Open final in 2017, when Nadal fought Roger Federer in a five-set battle.
The racket even features a “Rafa” logo on its throat and a genuine Roland Garros 2017 stringing label stating “RG 2017 Nadal,” adding to the authenticity and beauty of the racket.
💰🎾 Rafael Nadal’s racket that he used during the 2017 Roland-Garros final has become the most expensive racket EVER sold!
It was auctioned off for $157,000! 😱
The value was increased as the same racket was used during the Miami final against Roger Federer, and the Madrid… pic.twitter.com/mkVYjm6NyM
— Olly Tennis 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) June 9, 2025
In the past, tennis racquets used by legends have been sold for millions at auction, especially where they were involved in legendary matches. Federer’s Wimbledon title racquet from 2004 sold for $118,206, and his French Open racquet from 2011 sold for $55,000.
A match-used racquet from 2007 sold for $12,000. Nadal’s French Open racquet of 2007 matched Federer’s $118,206, but his 2022 Australian Open racquet smashed it, selling for $139,700.
Novak Djokovic’s 2016 French Open racquet was auctioned for $107,482. Björn Borg’s 1977 Wimbledon racquet auctioned for $160,000, and Billie Jean King’s from the 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” match sold for $125,000, both going for top dollar because of their history.
Nadal Honored at 2025 Roland Garros After Retirement
Nadal retired in November 2024, with 22 Grand Slam singles titles under his illustrious career. Roland Garros will bid him farewell in style after all; the farewell ceremony took place on May 25, 2025, on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
Federer, Djokovic, and Murray were present as Nadal was given a permanent plaque to commemorate his 14 French Open titles. He delivered a moving speech, thanking fans, family, and even his opponents, to mark the end of a record-breaking reign as the “King of Clay.”
— 📁 (@Lasso_Forehand) May 25, 2025
MORE: Rafael Nadal’s Baby Son’s 5 Most Adorable Moments From His French Open Farewell Ceremony