This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/14/2024
Kei Nishikori is one of Asia's most decorated men's tennis players. Now 34 and still playing on tour, he is only the second Japanese men's player ever to earn a top 5 world ranking, reaching #4 in March 2015. He has 12 ATP Tour singles titles and finished runner-up at the 2014 U.S. Open, becoming the first Asian man ever to make a grand slam final. Offered here is Nishikori's Wilson racquet photo-matched to his fourth round match at the 2017 Australian Open when he lost admirably to Roger Federer in a five-set thriller. The Swiss legend would go on to win the tournament for his 18th career major title.
The Wilson Burn 95 model racquet custom designed for Nishikori shows solid evidence of use, with a few vertical strings broken and a significant scrape mark on the outer rim. "Kei" is stamped inside the throat across from an important Yolex white sticker providing the date of the match ("22 Jan 2017") and the string pressure strengths. The white grip shows heavy wear and has been autographed in bold black Sharpie by Nishikori.
Our consignor has a large tennis collection and attends many matches in person. He has many connections and is able to procure most of his items from either tournament officials or the player's inner circle. Includes LOA from Resolution Photomatching with details of the image used for the conclusive match to 1/22/2017 against Fed at the famous Melbourne Park. Beckett LOA for the autograph.