“Represent two of the most memorable victories in the history of our sport,” Rafael Nadal and Ashleigh Barty’s Australian Open outfits to be up for display
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Rafael Nadal and Ashleigh Barty
Ashleigh Barty shocked the tennis world by announcing her retirement from the sport, just two months after winning the Australian Open. The Australian walked away in her prime after spending 119 weeks at the top of the WTA rankings.
Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal came back from a career-threatening injury and is back to his top form and is currently on an unbeaten streak this year while also bagging 3 titles, including a record 21st Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.
Ashleigh Barty and Rafa Nadal’s Australian Open winning kits are up for display
Following historic title runs in Melbourne, 2022 Australian Open champions Ashleigh Barty and Rafael Nadal have donated pieces from their milestone victories to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The two kits, worn during the Australian Open competition, have arrived in Newport, Rhode Island where they are on display in the museum and are now part of the ITHF’s permanent collection.
Barty, who became the first Australian woman to win her home major since Chris O’Neil in 1978, was gifted a FILA kit and pair of shoes prior to announcing her retirement from professional tennis earlier this month. Nadal broke the men’s Grand Slam record by capturing his 21st career major title in Melbourne, achieving the double career Slam in the process. His autographed Nike kit, headband, and wristband now sit alongside Barty’s items in the ITHF Museum’s Grand Slam gallery.
As part of the ITHF’s permanent collection, Barty and Nadal’s gifts will be photographed and archived for future use in digital exhibits and educational content.
“These donations from Ash Barty and Rafa Nadal represent two of the most memorable victories in the history of our sport. Their titles at the Australian Open were emblematic of much of what makes tennis great, showcasing perseverance, national pride, and sportsmanship,” said CEO Todd Martin.
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Akash Mandal
(433 Articles Published)