Sales of Roger Federer collectibles on eBay spiked 1,050% and searches for his rookie card on eBay increased by a whopping 3,900% last week after the 41-year-old superstar announced he was retiring after 24 years as a pro.
Federer made the announcement on his social media channels on Thursday, saying that he had “decided to retire” after careful consideration and consultation with his family. One of the most popular players in tour history, Federer’s elegant skills and amiable nature endeared him to fans around the world.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to have an amazing career and play all four Grand Slams,” he wrote. “But after discussions with my team, I’ve decided that this season is the right time to finally call it quits.”
Federer turned professional in 1998 and was continuously ranked in the top ten from October 2002 to November 2016. He has won 101 tour-level titles, including a record eight Wimbledon singles titles, six Australian Open titles, five US Open titles, and one French Open title. In majors, he also holds the record for most finals reached (31) and shares with Novak Djokovic the record for most semifinals reached (27).
Multiple Federer cards sold for more than $1,000 each after news of his retirement, topped by a 2020 Topps Transcendent Tennis Collection Autograph (17/25) sold by Steel City Collectibles for nearly $3,000.
A PSA 10 2003 Netpro Elite single graded PSA 10 netted $1,300.
While Federer appears on various cards issued by U.S. manufacturers and has autographs in some products, his Netpro rookie cards issued five years into his career have reached the most impressive heights over the past couple of years.
Most Expensive Roger Federer Collectibles Sold on eBay (as of 9/15/22):
- $20,000: 2003 Netpro Elite Glossy Roger Federer #G3 /100 RC PSA 10 GEM MINT – sold April 2021
- $14,722: 2003 Netpro Elite Glossy Roger Federer ROOKIE /100 #G3 PSA 10 GEM MINT – sold March 2022
- $14,554: 2003 Netpro Elite Glossy Tennis #G3 Roger Federer RC Rookie /100 PSA 10 GEM MINT – sold April 2022
- $14,500: 2003 Netpro Relic auto (#1/25) sold July 2017
- $13,500 2003 Netpro Elite Glossy Roger Federer ROOKIE /100 #G3 PSA 10 GEM MINT (#/100)
In the last 12 months, nearly 7,000 Federer trading cards have sold on eBay, with total sales approaching $1 million.
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