SCP Auctions is excited to present the Elite Eight of Rafael Nadal rookie cards, all boldly autographed by Rafa and dual-graded by PSA. These eight gems represent the “best of the best” of all Nadal signed rookie cards in the hobby, occupying the top eight positions in the PSA population report. Last October, the Spanish legend officially retired, concluding a GOAT-worthy tennis career that delivered 22 major championships including a record 14 French Opens. On May 25th, Rafa will be honored in Paris on the hallowed clay courts of Roland Garros where he was essentially unbeatable. In congruence with the 2025 French Open, the owner is offering this incredible collection with the following Nadal signed rookie cards (all on-card autos):

2003 NetPro Elite #E27 – PSA 10, DNA 10 (Ranked #1)

2003 NetPro Elite #E27 – PSA 9, DNA 10 (Ranked #2)

2003 NetPro Elite 2000 #19 – PSA 10, DNA 10 (Ranked #1)

2003 NetPro Elite 2000 #19 – PSA 9, DNA 10 (Ranked #2)

2003 NetPro #70 – PSA 9, DNA 10 (Ranked #1)

2003 NetPro #70 – PSA 8, DNA 10 (Ranked #2)

2003 NetPro Photo Card #27 – PSA 9, DNA 10 (Ranked #1)

2003 NetPro Photo Card #27 – PSA 8, DNA 10 (Ranked #2)

Each card is a Pop 1 with a perfect 10 auto grade. Within each subset are the top two ranked dual-signed cards. NetPro produced Rafa’s most popular and valuable rookie cards in 2003; although, none were packed out with manufacturer-procured autographs. That’s what makes this collection so impressive – the fact that each card had to be hand-signed by Nadal in the open market post-production. The owner was persistent and meticulous in finding the highest-graded examples blessed with a flawless Nadal signature. In some cases, he took a big risk by purchasing either raw, with only an autograph grade, or only a card grade; then resubmitting them to PSA for the dual-grade decision. It clearly paid off, though, as he can legitimately boast that he has “cornered” the Nadal market. (In addition, he owns the #1 ranked Rafael Nadal set in the PSA registry with a 9.21 GPA, which is also for sale.)

The scarcity of Nadal’s dual-grade comps makes evaluating this 1/1 collection speculative, yet limitless. The two cards graded Gem Mint 10 for card and autograph set the bar; both should be considered at least in the high five-figure range, especially when weighing the top results of Serena Williams and Roger Federer signed cards. With 22 majors, Rafa is sandwiched right between them on the all-time ranks (23 for Serena, 20 for Fed). In 2022, Serena’s top 2003 NetPro rookie with the top PSA dual grade (pop 2) sold for $266,400. In 2021, Federer’s top 2003 NetPro rookie, dual-graded by Beckett, sold for $181,200. Granted, those results benefited from the COVID windfall. But we’re also talking about just one card! Here’s a unique opportunity to literally dominate the Nadal market share in one fell swoop with this “Elite Eight” of his top signed rookie cards known to exist!