With 24 Grand Slam singles titles and still going strong at age 37, Novak Djokovic has separated himself from Rafael Nadal (22 majors) and Roger Federer (20 majors) as the greatest tennis player of his generation, perhaps ever. The question is not if but when Novak will secure number 25 to stand alone among men and women – Margaret Court also has 24 – as the all-time leader in major championships.

Presented here is a Djokovic 2019 HEAD ‘Speed Graphene 360’ match-used racquet from the 2019 French Open likely used in the Semifinals. Djoker and Nadal took turns atop the ATP poll in 2019, as Novak won the Aussie Open and Wimbledon while Rafa stood victorious at Roland Garros and Flushing Meadows.

Since 2009, Djokovic has endorsed and used HEAD Speed racquets on tour. This one has a custom 18x19 (vertical by horizontal) string pattern with “NOVAK” stamped in black within the throat. A HEAD rep verified via email that the “J0539801” serial coded sticker within the throat means this racquet was designed specifically for Novak. The butt is labeled “4-3/8” for grip size. Novak is very particular about his frames, in this case placing two gray strips of lead tape along the inner beam to achieve his desired weight on the head. His custom grip is double-wrapped with white tape over the Calfskin leather, creating side bevels to make it more rectangular. In addition, he uses a unique natural gut material for his vertical strings, which often break on their own post-use. Unlike most Novak examples, all the strings on this one remain unbroken for ideal display.

The level of wear is appropriate for a racquet used in one or two matches, and its provenance is outstanding. Our consignor’s family rented their flat, located in a Paris suburb near Roland Garros, to Djokovic and his entire team during the 2019 French Open from late May to early June. Before Novak left town, this racquet was gifted as a kind gesture for the family’s hospitality.

A white sticker labeled “FRI 28.5”, which has fallen off its original placement within the throat, indicates this racquet was strung with 28.5 kg tension for a Friday match. Our consignor kept it due to its importance in determining when this racquet was used. The only Friday in which Djokovic played at 2019 Roland Garros was the Semifinal against Dominic Thiem. That match began on Friday, June 7, but was suspended due to rain and high winds. Play resumed on Saturday, June 8, with Thiem prevailing in five sets. This racquet was part of the rotation in Novak’s bag and used in one or both days of that match. The detailed letter of provenance, correspondence from HEAD, and authentication from Sports Investors make this a coveted Novak gamer.