Topps, a household name in the trading card realm, is causing a stir in the hobby world with its latest foray into tennis collectibles. Breaking the mold of traditional sports card sets, Topps Graphite Tennis is set to make its debut on December 18, 2024, as a groundbreaking addition for tennis fans and card collectors worldwide.
The name “Graphite” serves as a subtle nod to the core material found in professional tennis racquets, adding a touch of science to the product line. In a clever twist, instead of the usual Superfractor, Topps Graphite Tennis features the innovative 1/1 Red Crystalline Refractor, inspired by the crystalline structure of graphite. This unique approach not only sets the brand apart but also highlights the sport’s technological advancements.
The card set includes a diverse 200-card base checklist, showcasing both up-and-coming talents like Mirra Andreeva and Ben Shelton, as well as legendary players such as Andre Agassi, Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras, Billie Jean King, and Chris Evert. The inclusion of autographs from these tennis greats adds a touch of nostalgia and prestige to the collection, making it a must-have for avid collectors.
Each hobby box of Topps Graphite Tennis contains 20 cards and is priced at $149.99, offering collectors three hits per box, which include a relic autograph and an additional autograph. Collectors can expect to find Common Refractors, with rarer parallels like Aqua, Green, Blue, Gold, Pink, White, and the highly coveted Red Crystalline, each numbered to 200 or fewer. The insert lineup features unique elements like Active Metal and All Metal, with the rarest find being the Intricate Images insert, designed in a captivating portrait style that collectors will be eager to get their hands on.
With Topps Graphite Tennis, the brand is diving headfirst into the world of tennis collectibles, offering a fusion of science, athletics, and innovative design. Whether this venture will hit a grand slam or fall short remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—it’s creating a buzz of excitement among collectors and fans alike. Stay tuned to witness whether Topps Graphite Tennis becomes an ace in the trading card industry.
