Next up is Tennis. These cards were very inexpensive pre covid. Many foreign issues emerged over time. I worked with PSA to get some of these sets slabbed for the first time.

TENNIS ROOKIE CARDS

Rene Lacoste – 1926 Lambert & Butler

First tennis card of the French legend and founder of the Lacoste brand.

Fred Perry – 1930 Cloetta

Early European card of the 3-time Wimbledon champ and fashion icon.

Arthur Ashe – 1966 Ruiz Romero Fútbol Tenis Ciclismo

Spanish multi-sport issue featuring the trailblazing Grand Slam champion.

Björn Borg – 1974 Panini Sport Vedettes

European release predating most of his Grand Slam dominance.

Jimmy Connors – 1980 Deportistas Argentinos

Long considered his first card until a 1976 Americana München #203 was discovered, now recognized as the true rookie.

John McEnroe – 1980 Deportistas Argentinos

Argentine release capturing the young American star early in his career.

Andre Agassi – 1987 Panini

Pre-professional appearance of the Las Vegas prodigy.

Pete Sampras – 1991 NetPro

First licensed U.S. card of the 14-time Grand Slam champion.

Andy Roddick – 2001 NetPro

Released just before his U.S. Open win in 2003; key early-2000s card.

Roger Federer – 2003 Czech Stadion

Often overlooked Czech card released before NetPro; Early, rare Federer card.

Rafael Nadal – 2003 NetPro

Released ahead of his Grand Slam breakout; cornerstone of modern tennis rookies.