This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2016
A former world #1 ranked player, Ivan Lendl has been described as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Originally from Czechoslovakia, he became a United States citizen in 1992. He was one of the game's most dominant players in the 1980's and remained a top competitor into the early 1990. His game relied particularly on strength and heavy topspin from the baseline and helped usher in the modern era of power tennis. An 8-time Grand Slam winner, he won every major except Wimbledon. Presented here is one of his match-used racquets from his reign in the early 1980's. The light blue Adidas GTX PRO signature model has "IVAN LENDL" stamped in dark blue on the right rim and "Played by Ivan Lendl" stamped in red near the handle. Made in Austria using Graphite Kevlar Epoxy as stated on the side with a brown leather grip, the racquet shows excellent use on the strings and rim, with some paint rubbed off from court contact.
Includes copy of letter from former U.S. tennis player Luke Jensen's mother. Original letter documented the acquisition of the Lendl racquet, plus those of Chris Evert and Jimmy Arias; it will be included with the Evert racquet. Letter of Provenance from the Newport Sports Museum as well.