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June 26, 02:06 AM GMT
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Description
WILSON TENNIS BALL
Rubber, Felt
Property of the United States Tennis Association (USTA),
Sold to a Private American Collector by MeiGray
Presented in this lot is the match-point tennis ball used when Serena Williams clinched the 2013 US Open Championship at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing, Queens.
Williams defeated Victoria Azarenka in three sets, 7-6, 6-7(6), 6-1, in a rematch of the 2012 final, capturing her 5th career US Open title and 17th Grand Slam singles title.
To Sotheby’s knowledge, this is the only championship-clinching grand slam tennis ball ever to appear at auction.
The ball is accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from the USTA-MeiGray Match-Used Authentication Program.
The 2013 US Open Final and a Season for the Ages
By many accounts, Serena Williams’ 2013 season is one of the most dominant in modern tennis and arguably the strongest statistical season of her career. With a win-loss record of 78-4, Williams achieved a 95.1% win percentage, on her way to winning 11 titles and $12,385,572 in prize money, all career records.
Williams would end the year with the World No. 1 ranking, making her the oldest female player at the time (at 31 years, 4 months old) ever to hold that distinction. She also recorded the longest win streak of her career with 34 consecutive victories.
The 2013 U.S. Open Championship match pitted Williams against Azarenka, her greatest rival at that point in her career and the World No. 2. entering the match. In a repeat matchup of the 2012 US Open Final, the 3-set thriller did not disappoint.
Throughout the match, Williams demonstrated exceptional power and resilience. After winning the first set 7–5, she faced a tough challenge as Azarenka forced a second-set tiebreak, which Williams narrowly lost, 6-7(6). In the decisive third set, Williams elevated her game with aggressive serving and precise groundstrokes, dominating Azarenka 6–1.
The final point came on a wide, powerful first serve from Williams, to which Azarenka’s pressured return went long, ending the match, clinching her fifth U.S. Open title and 17th Grand Slam singles trophy.
Going Deeper | Serena Williams
Serena Williams is widely recognized as one of the greatest women’s tennis players in history. She turned professional in 1995 and quickly rose through the ranks with her powerful serve, exceptional athleticism, and competitive intensity. Over her career, Serena won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the most in the Open Era and second only to Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24. Her Grand Slam victories include 7 Wimbledon titles, 7 Australian Opens, 3 French Opens, and 6 US Opens.
In addition to her singles success, Serena has won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles, primarily partnering with her sister Venus Williams. She has held the world No. 1 ranking in singles for 319 weeks and finished as year-end No. 1 five times.
Serena’s career is marked by remarkable longevity and resilience, overcoming injuries and personal challenges to remain at the sport’s highest level for more than two decades. Beyond her on-court dominance, she has been a powerful cultural figure, advocating for gender equality, racial justice, and body positivity.
Her impact extends beyond tennis, making her one of the most influential athletes globally.