Rafael Nadal's match-used racket from his unforgettable 2017 French Open win has officially become the most costly tennis racket ever sold at auction for a staggering $157,000.

This sale surpasses the previous record of $139,700, also held by Nadal, for the Babolat racket used to win the 2022 Australian Open. With this latest auction, Nadal consolidates not only his reputation as the "King of Clay" but also that of a leading figure in the history of sports memorabilia.

Most Expensive Tennis Racket Ever Sold

Rafael Nadal's 2017 French Open Championship Racket Rafael Nadal's 2017 French Open Championship Racket
ERIC FEFERBERG/AFP via Getty Images

Prestige Memorabilia conducted the record-breaking sale on Sunday night, closing out bidding. According to TMZ Sports, the auction attracted international attention from collectors and tennis fans looking to acquire a tangible token of Nadal's iconic career.

Making this product even more valuable is the sheer usage it received in the 2017 season. Photomatching specialists verified that the racket was used in 24 matches in various tournaments, including Nadal's participation in the Miami Open Final and Madrid Open.

Used in the 2017 Iconic Matches

The Babolat racket was not only utilized in the French Open. Nadal used it for a pivotal portion of the 2017 season, starting with the Miami Open Final against Roger Federer. Nadal lost that match in straight sets, but the racket continued to experience much more success throughout the European clay season.

One of the most important victories with the racket was at the Madrid Open Semifinal, where Nadal beat Novak Djokovic to win the title. It was a key point in Nadal's comeback to supremacy that season.

Rarity and Historical Value

As told by Prestige Memorabilia, it's extremely uncommon to discover a racket that has been used in the Grand Slam Final, much less one attached to that many high-profile matches in one season. That it's photo-matched to such a pivotal period in Nadal's career makes it more historically and collectible significant.

"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 said.

Aside from Nadal, his greatest rival, Federer, sold his iconic tennis racket during their 2011 French Open final meeting. The memorabilia hit a starting bid of $18,000 at an auction back in March.

In other news, Tennis.com reported that Nadal praised Carlos Alcaraz after beating his no.1 rival, Jannik Sinner.