Rafael Nadal 2011 US Open Finals Match Worn Shirt

Nicknamed the “King of Clay,” Rafael Nadal holds 22 Grand Slam titles to date. He is widely regarded as one of, if not the greatest tennis player of all time.

This shirt was worn by Rafael Nadal during the 2011 US Open Final, where he faced Novak Djokovic in a historic match. Over four sets, Nadal was ultimately defeated by Djokovic, who claimed his first US Open title with a 6–2, 6–4, 6–7(3–7), 6–1 victory. 

The shirt is accompanied by a photomatching certificate from Sports Investors Authentication in regards to the match use.

Going Deeper | Rafael Nadal

Born in Manacor, a Spanish Island of Mallorca, Rafa began playing tennis at the age of three and was coached by his uncle and former professional tennis player, Toni Nadal. 

Rafa turned professional at 15, and at 17 he became the youngest male since Boris Becker to reach the third round of Wimbledon. In 2005, Rafa stepped onto the clay courts of the French Open for the first time. He would go on to defeat Mariano Puerta and claim his first Grand Slam victory, at 19 years old. The victory catapulted him to the ranking of third best men’s tennis player in the world.

Rafa went on to win every French Open for the next three years, marking four consecutive French Open titles (2005-2008). He was subsequently referred to as the “King of Clay”. In 2008, he won both the French Open and Wimbledon against world number one, Roger Federer. That year he also took home the Gold Medal at the Beijing Olympics, earning the coveted number one ranking.

Aside from his 14 French Open titles, Nadal has won the US Open four times, Wimbledon twice, the Australian Open twice, and also holds the record for most men's singles Grand Slams by a player in the Open era.