“Representing two of the most memorable victories in the history of our sport,” Rafael Nadal and Ashleigh Barty’s Australian Open outfits on display
Ashleigh Barty shocked the tennis world by announcing her retirement from the sport just two months after winning the Australian Open. The Aussie walked away in her prime after the issue 119 weeks at the top of the WTA rankings.
Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal has returned from a career-threatening injury and is back in top form and is currently on an unbeaten streak this year while also bagging 3 titles including a record 21st Grand Slam title at Grand Slam Australian Open.
Ashleigh Barty and Rafa Nadal’s Australian Open winner’s jerseys on display
After historic title runs in Melbourne Australian Open 2022 Champions Ashleigh Barty and Rafael Nadal have donated portions of their milestone wins to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The two shirts worn during Australian Open competition have arrived in Newport, Rhode Island, where they will be displayed in the museum and are now part of the ITHF’s permanent collection.
Barty, who has since become the first Australian to win her home major Chris O’Neil in 1978, was gifted a FILA kit and a pair of shoes before announcing her retirement from professional tennis earlier this month. Nadal broke the men’s Grand Slam record by winning his 21st career Major title in Melbourne, achieving a double career Slam in the process. His autographed Nike kit, headband and bracelet now sit alongside Barty’s belongings 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 exhibitions 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 Australian Open titles were emblematic of much of what makes tennis great, showing perseverance, national pride and sportsmanship.” said CEO Todd Martin.
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https://firstsportz.com/tennis-represent-two-of-the-most-memorable-victories-in-the-history-of-our-sport-rafael-nadal-and-ashleigh-bartys-australian-open-outfits-to-be-up-for-display/ “Representing two of the most memorable victories in the history of our sport,” Rafael Nadal and Ashleigh Barty’s Australian Open outfits on display