Rafael Nadal breaks another record even after retirement as match used racket sells for over $150K

Spanish tennis icon Rafael Nadal has broken yet another record despite retiring in 2024. The ‘King of Clay’ recently had one of his match-used rackets sold at auction for an astonishing $157,000, officially making history as the most expensive racket ever sold.

Nadal, who was 31 at the time, used this racket during the Miami final against Roger Federer, as well as the semi-final of the Madrid Open against Novak Djokovic. Nadal won the semi-final against Djokovic but ultimately lost to Federer in the Miami final, meaning the racket has also tasted defeat. Perhaps the most notable moment associated with the racket came when Nadal claimed his 2017 French Open title, defeating Stan Wawrinka in straight sets — 6-2, 6-3, 6-1 — further cementing his dominance on clay.

Bidding for the item closed on Sunday night, with the final price surpassing the previous record — also held by Nadal — of $139,700 for his 2022 Australian Open racket. Prestige Memorabilia, who hosted the auction, photomatched the racket as being used in 24 other matches during the 2017 season. Nadal was using the Babolat racket extensively that year, clearly one he got along well with, as evidenced by his success during the clay swing.

"To find a Grand Slam Final-used racket from Rafael Nadal is rare. To find one photo matched across an entire clay season (and more) -- capped by a French Open title -- is unprecedented." the auction house explained.

"Nadal's 2017 run reaffirmed his place as the undisputed King of Clay, and this racket is a direct relic of that era-defining campaign".

A historical piece of equipment from an era where Nadal was arguably completing his quest to confirm his place as the 'King of clay' forever. Congratulations to the winner, this is definitely an item to be proud of.