Topps, a household name in the trading card industry, is making a grand entrance into the world of tennis with its latest release, Topps Graphite Tennis. This new venture comes after the successful return of Topps Chrome Tennis earlier in the year, signaling the company’s commitment to diversifying its offerings and capturing the essence of various sports.
The name “Graphite” chosen for this specific brand pays homage to the material that serves as the foundation of professional tennis racquets. This unique choice adds a touch of science and sophistication to the product, setting it apart from traditional card lines. One distinctive feature of the Topps Graphite Tennis set is the introduction of the 1/1 Red Crystalline Refractor, a departure from the usual Superfractor. This innovation cleverly aligns with the crystalline structure of graphite, showcasing the brand’s attention to detail and creativity.
With a 200-card base checklist, collectors can look forward to discovering rising stars such as Mirra Andreeva and Ben Shelton among others. The set guarantees three hits per hobby box, with one relic autograph and an additional autograph included. Notable tennis legends like Andre Agassi, Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras, Billie Jean King, and Chris Evert have also lent their signatures to the collection, elevating its desirability for fans and collectors alike.
Each Topps Graphite Tennis hobby box contains 20 cards and is priced at $149.99, offering enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of this exciting release. Common Refractors are distributed at a rate of approximately one per four packs, while more elusive parallels such as Aqua, Green, Blue, Gold, Pink, White, and the ultra-rare Red Crystalline are limited to 200 copies or fewer. The insert lineup features Active Metal and All Metal cards, crafted from real metal to enhance the tactile experience for collectors. The rarest insert, Intricate Images, showcases a portrait-style design and serves as the ultimate chase card for dedicated enthusiasts.
By introducing Topps Graphite Tennis, the iconic trading card company is venturing into new territory and expanding its reach to include the world of tennis. This innovative product seamlessly blends elements of science, sports, and sleek design, catering to a diverse audience of collectors and sports enthusiasts. The future success of Topps Graphite Tennis is yet to be determined, but its initial launch has undoubtedly sparked a wave of excitement and anticipation within the hobby community.