Topps, a heavyweight in the trading card industry, is serving up something special for tennis enthusiasts with its latest offering. The Topps Graphite Tennis collection is making its debut on December 18, 2024, marking the brand’s first foray into the world of tennis-centric cards. Riding on the success of Topps Chrome Tennis earlier in the year, this new line is set to make a racket in the hobby market.
The name “Graphite” is a nod to the material that is synonymous with professional tennis racquets, adding a touch of science to the mix. In a departure from the usual Superfractor, the collection showcases the exclusive 1/1 Red Crystalline Refractor, drawing inspiration from the crystalline structure of graphite. This unique choice reflects the sport’s blend of tradition and technology, setting it apart from other trading card releases.
Featuring a 200-card base checklist, Topps Graphite Tennis highlights both up-and-coming talents like Mirra Andreeva and established stars such as Ben Shelton. Each hobby box offers collectors three hits, with one relic autograph and an additional autograph included. The inclusion of tennis legends like Andre Agassi, Bjorn Borg, and Billie Jean King among the signers adds an extra layer of excitement for fans of the sport.
Priced at $149.99 per box, each containing 20 cards, this collection introduces a range of refractors to chase after. Common Refractors are found approximately once per four packs, while more elusive parallels like Aqua, Green, and Gold, as well as the ultra-rare Red Crystalline, are limited to 200 copies or fewer. The insert lineup, which features Active Metal and All Metal cards made from real metal, continues the theme of blending science and sports. The most sought-after insert, Intricate Images, offers a portrait-style design that will appeal to serious collectors.
Topps Graphite Tennis stands out as a fusion of innovation, elegance, and athleticism, providing a fresh perspective on collecting cards within the tennis sphere. As collectors and fans anticipate the release, the buzz surrounding this distinctive set continues to grow. Only time will tell if this venture into tennis will be an ace for Topps, but for now, it’s clear that excitement is building among enthusiasts and hobbyists alike.
