Topps, renowned in the trading card industry for its innovative collections, is making a significant move by venturing into tennis with the launch of Topps Graphite Tennis. Scheduled for release on December 18, 2024, this line marks Topps’ first foray into the tennis-specific trading card market. Following the success of the reintroduced Topps Chrome Tennis earlier in the year, Topps is set to make a splash with this latest offering.
The name “Graphite” for the collection is a nod to the material used in professional tennis racquets, adding a touch of science to the cards. Departing from the conventional Superfractor, the product features the unique 1/1 Red Crystalline Refractor, inspired by the crystalline structure of graphite. This innovative approach not only pays homage to the sport’s technological advancements but also sets the collection apart from others in Topps’ lineup.
Excitement surrounds the 200-card base checklist, with promising talents like Mirra Andreeva and Ben Shelton included. Each hobby box guarantees three hits, with one relic autograph and an additional autograph in each box. Collectors will be thrilled to find signatures from tennis icons such as Andre Agassi, Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras, Billie Jean King, and Chris Evert, further enhancing the appeal of the collection for fans and enthusiasts.
Priced at $149.99 per hobby box and containing 20 cards, Topps Graphite Tennis offers a mix of rarity levels for collectors. Common Refractors are distributed at a rate of about one per four packs, while more exclusive parallels like Aqua, Green, Blue, Gold, Pink, White, and the ultra-rare Red Crystalline are numbered to 200 or fewer. The collection’s insert lineup features Active Metal and All Metal cards, crafted from real metal, adding another layer of uniqueness to the set. The standout insert, Intricate Images, showcases a portrait-style design and serves as the ultimate chase card for collectors.
With Topps Graphite Tennis, Topps is diversifying its portfolio and expanding its presence in the tennis market, offering enthusiasts a blend of technology, sports, and stylish design. The collection’s potential to resonate with collectors and fans alike is high, as it combines the allure of legendary autographs with the thrill of uncovering rising stars. As the release date approaches, anticipation is mounting, and the excitement within the trading card hobby community is palpable.
