An auction of Roger Federer’s outfits and rackets has raised almost 4 million euros. All proceeds go to the Roger Federer Foundation, which finances educational projects for children in southern Africa and Switzerland.
The sale raised a total of 3.98 million euros, against a target of 1 million pounds (approximately 1.2 million euros). “The sale brought in more than three times the estimate,” the auction house told Christie’s. The auction of the 20-time Grand Slam winner’s shorts, polo shirts, rackets and footwear took place in two parts: a live sale on June 23 in London and an online sale from June 23 to July 14.
The London auction focused on the Swiss player’s career in the four Grand Slam tournaments (Australian Open, Roland-Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open), while the virtual auction covered his entire 21-year career on the circuit, from his first performing at the 2000 Sydney Olympics at the age of 19. “The 300 lots sold online went to buyers in 44 countries, on six continents. The best lottery ticket in online sales – which consisted of three rackets used on the London turf at Wimbledon in 2019 – sold for £162,500, 23 times more than estimated.
“The prizes achieved were incredible, which makes me very happy because the money goes to the Roger Federer Foundation,” said the Swiss champion. “We started collecting the stuff that came on the field with me because we thought maybe one day we could do something useful with it. Mirka (his wife) and I are honored that the decision we have made will make a big difference to so many children.”
Federer, aged 40 on August 8, dreamed of Olympic gold in Tokyo, the most important event of the year. But he announced on Tuesday that he will be out of action due to a recurring injury to his right knee.
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