Billie Jean King used this racket in her legendary “Battle of the Sexes” match in 1977 to auction it. A portion of its proceeds will benefit Women’s Sports Foundation.
Swann Galleries’ upcoming poster sale features an amazing collection of vintage tennis images from a private collection, providing an amazing opportunity to view images that rarely make it onto auction blocks.
Tennis Equipment & Gear
No matter your experience level or playing style, having the proper equipment and accessories are an integral component of maximizing your game. From lightweight racquets that feel natural in your hands to shoes designed to grip the court surface, there is an array of tennis gear to suit players of every skill level and playing style. Speaking to an expert salesperson can help find equipment tailored specifically to you; reading online reviews or seeking recommendations from experienced players also make this selection process simpler.
Christie’s held a live auction on June 23 for 20 lots that corresponded with Federer’s four Grand Slam victories in Australia Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open – including his racket used against Robin Soderling at 2009 French Open (approximately $70,000 to $98,000). Their online sale ran until July 14 with more accessible items such as wristbands and hats worn during his career.
Quality racquets are at the core of every tennis game. Their head size, weight, length and type, as well as construction can have a tremendous effect on how well they perform. Dampeners may help improve handling by dampening vibrations while wristbands and visors provide sweat protection that doesn’t interfere with vision or gripping power.
Water bottles to stay hydrated, sunscreen to block harmful UV rays and stopwatches for timing drills and match simulations are other essential items. Equipment bags provide added protection while transporting equipment between courts.
Many of the top tennis brands provide clothing, shoes, and other accessories to meet the needs of players at all levels of play – Nike, Lacoste and Uniqlo being some of the more well-known options.
Tennis Memorabilia
Tennis is an intensely competitive sport, so any memorabilia related to tournaments and events held is highly prized by collectors. Certain items may be more sought-after by collectors than others – signed items are particularly prized among collectors while items used during significant matches can become highly valuable assets.
Example: Roger Federer’s Wimbledon towel sold at auction for $4,200 while tennis shoes worn during significant matches fetched $4,000. Collectors often seek after winning players’ trophies as keepsakes; Wimbledon Championships being the premier tennis tournament, items with their names inscribed are especially desirable.
Signed photos of legendary tennis players are increasingly sought-after collectibles. Roger Federer is among the most iconic tennis players of all time, having amassed 20 Grand Slam titles over his illustrious career. Items signed by Federer can be quite valuable indeed.
A signed photo of Rafael Nadal taken during his 2007 Roland Garros win sold at auction for $150,000, and his racquet used during that match can also be purchased. Photomatching technology used for authentication allows users to verify if their racquet actually used during that particular match or not.
Other types of memorabilia that make great additions to a tennis-inspired collection are posters and banners from vintage tournaments. Not only can these beautify your home, they can create an engaging ambiance when displayed either hung up on a wall or displayed in glass cases – they even make fantastic presents for tennis fanatics!
Tennis Posters
Bring the love of tennis right into your walls with this carefully curated collection of posters featuring prints and paintings of this dynamic sport, such as historic matches at Wimbledon championships. Black-and-white photographs capture this captivating sport that has mesmerized audiences for centuries.
This selection of tennis posters features iconic male players like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic; along with women’s superstars Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova and Billie Jean King from both genders’ games. There are also rare images featuring lesser-known but influential figures like Fred Perry and Anna Kournikova who made significant impacts within their sport.
These poster prints feature classic and timeless design features, making them suitable for use in any decor style.
Tennis Rackets
Tennis rackets are an essential piece of specialized equipment used in the game of tennis. A modern racket typically measures 28 in (71 cm) in length and can weigh 10-14 oz (384-397 g). They typically are made out of wood such as hickory or graphite; many innovations have also been developed that include ones intended to relieve tennis elbow by including small lead bearings contained within plastic chambers in its head frame that move when connecting with the ball.
There are various types of tennis rackets on the market today, and selecting an ideal racket depends on an individual player’s size and strength. A player who tends to be weaker may opt for smaller-framed rackets with large head sizes, so as to generate power when making shots. Conversely, more naturally strong players might prefer smaller-framed rackets with smaller head sizes to gain control of their shot making.
Players must not only select a racket based on size and strength considerations; they should also consider their play style when making this selection. Rackets offer different levels of power, feel and spin; it is important that players find one which best matches up with their individual playing style.
As tennis became more and more popular, equipment improvements became necessary to accommodate players. This involved developing more stringent regulations regarding quality equipment. One notable change included the introduction of metal rackets that were more rigid and heavier than their wooden ancestors – often featuring heads twice the size as their wooden equivalents to give players unprecedented control of the ball.
As players improved, they started decreasing the head size and increasing weight to increase control over the ball. Today’s tennis players can find rackets that provide optimal control while still offering power – such as Wilson’s Clash and Blade tennis rackets; additionally, these new rackets also enable them to create their own custom racket for an enjoyable playing experience.