THE woman who caught Novak Djokovic’s racket from the 2016 French Open final has put it up for auction – and is set to cash in a fortune.
Abby Doherty was among the 15,000 fans inside Court Philippe-Chatrier on June 5, 2016 when Djokovic beat Andy Murray.
Novak Djokovic’s French Open-winning racket from 2016 is up for auctionGetty
Getty Images – GettyThe win secured the career Grand Slam at all four majors for the Serb[/caption]
Murray took the opening set 6-3 before the Serb battled back to take the next three sets 6-1 6-2 6-4 and secure his 12th Grand Slam title.
Upon victory in Paris, the fifth time he had beaten the Brit in a major final, Djokovic celebrated by collapsing to the court before hugging his defeated opponent at the net.
Securing his first French Open title was extra special as it completed the career Grand Slam and meant he held all four majors for the only time in his career.
World No1 Djokovic – who now has a record 24 majors – then picked up his racket and drew a huge love heart into the famous red clay.
But then he threw the Head Speed frame into the crowd – where it was grabbed by Doherty.
The then-college student posed for a photo with it and took it home.
Seven years on, TMZ Sports report Doherty has decided to sell it – as it was simply collecting dust.
And SCP Auctions experts reckon the incredible piece of sporting history could fetch six figures – with the current bid at £15,357.
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Doherty said: “It was all in slow motion. He just flung it into the crowd.
“I had an ‘Oh my God’ moment because it was coming right toward us.
“It hit my hand and it was deflected to the ground. I sprinted to it and put my foot on the racket and grabbed the handle. I held on to it real tight.
“After the match I ran down to the place where he exited the court. I wanted to get him to sign it, but I was unable to get his attention.
“It was a really tough decision [to sell].
“You’ve got this really cool piece of sports memorabilia but it’s been sitting in my closet for like, six years.”
SCP AuctionsThe details match Djokovic’s custom specifications[/caption]
SCP AuctionsThere are marks and clay across the frame and handle[/caption]
SCP AuctionsThe racket has been professionally photo-matched[/caption]
The racket has been professionally photo-matched to verify its authenticity alongside Doherty’s French Open ticket.
And it was concluded the racket was used for Djokovic’s semi-final win over Dominic Thiem and then again against Murray.
Photos show the orange stains around the 27-inch frame and on the handle as well as the correct sizing, grips and adjustments that line up with Djokovic’s custom specifications.
‘Novak’ is written on the inside of the throat as well as a sticker that reads “SUN 27.0” referencing its Sunday use at 27kg of tension.
Djokovic prevailed 3-6 6-1 6-2 6-4 in ParisGetty Images – Getty
AP:Associated PressHe collapsed to the court in celebration[/caption]
AP:Associated PressDjokovic drew a giant heart with his racket in the clay[/caption]
Getty – ContributorThe Serb used the same racket in the semi-final[/caption]