Novak Djokovic’s winning racket from the 2016 French Open final goes up for auction seven years after a lucky fan caught it in the crowd… and experts believe it could sell for over $100,000

Novak Djokovic’s match-winning racket from the 2016 French Open final has been put up for auction – and experts believe it could sell for over six figures.

After defeating Andy Murray in four sets at Roland Garros, Djokovic drew a love heart into the clay with his racket before throwing it into the crowd, where it was caught by lucky fan Abby Doherty.

Seven years on, the racket is now up for sale through California-based SCP Auctions, and the highest bid is currently at $19,489.

However, some experts believe the price could eventually soar past $100,000.

‘It was all in slow motion. He just flung it into the crowd,’ Doherty said about catching the racket after it was thrown 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 racquet and grabbed the handle. I held onto 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.’ 

The 27-inch-long racket features Djokovic’s custom double-wrapped, calfskin leather grip, and also shows signs of wear and tear from the match with Murray. 

‘Novak’ is also labeled within the throat across from a manually affixed ‘SUN 27.0’ white sticker, that can be seen in pictures from the match.

The butt underneath the handle is properly labeled ‘4-3/8,’ which also matches up with Djokovic’s custom racquets.

‘It was a really tough decision,’ Doherty said on her decision to put the racquet up for sale.’

‘You’ve got this really cool piece of sports memorabilia but it’s been sitting in my closet for like, six years.’