For nearly two decades, the three-headed monster of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic dominated men’s tennis and delivered the most epic individual battles in the sport’s 100+ year history. With Federer retired and Nadal’s career nearing its end, Djokovic has now separated himself from the legendary trio with 24 Grand Slam titles. Still going strong at age 37, he stands two majors ahead of Nadal and four clear of Federer. It’s only a matter of time before Djoker secures 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 2022 HEAD ‘Speed Pro’ racquet signed and match-used during the 2022 French Open based on its customized player specs and provenance. The 2022 season was a peculiar one for Djoker. It started with him being forced to withdraw from the Australian Open due to his refusal to take the COVID-19 vaccine.  He also missed the U.S. Open for the same reason. Overall, he finished the year with a 42-7 record and won five tournaments, including Wimbledon for an unprecedented fourth straight time. At Roland Garros, attempting to defend his 2021 French Open title, Djoker cruised through his first four matches without losing a set. Facing his longtime nemesis, Nadal, in the Quarterfinals, he succumbed to the clay court master in four arduous sets that lasted over four hours. (Nadal went on to win his 14th French Open.)

     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”, his unique player logo and the correct 2022 season serial code “05505010” stamped in black within the throat. The butt is labeled “4-3/8” for grip size and the grip is double-wrapped with white tape over the Calfskin leather. Novak is very particular about his frames and had two gray strips of lead tape placed along the inner beam to achieve his preferred weight. In addition, he deploys a natural gut material for his vertical strings, which often snap on their own within just six months of use. In this case, four vertical strings have broken. The level of handle, rim and shaft wear is appropriate for a racquet Djoker played with in one or two matches.

     A “SUN 29.0” sticker label within the throat signifies it was strung at 29 kg of tension either on Sunday or for a Sunday match. Looking at Novak’s match schedule during the tournament, he beat Diego Schwartzmann of Argentina in the fourth round on Sunday, May 29. His 1st round match was Monday, May 23, but half the men’s field played on Sunday May 22, the so-called “Kids Day” tradition for men’s openers at Roland Garros.

     Our consignor knows Novak personally and got this racquet from him shortly after Djokovic bowed out in the Quarterfinals. Novak signed it for him in person. Actually, there are two autographs (both certified by PSA/DNA) in black marker, one on the outer throat and one on the grip. Sports Investors has authenticated the racquet as a Novak gamer, but a conclusive photo-match could not be made without the perfect angle. We have provided Getty image close-ups verifying the same serial code on other Djoker racquets from 2022 Roland Garros. Players commonly use racquets string at slightly different tensions in the same match, depending on court conditions and weather.