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.
