Topps, a dominant force in the trading card industry, is venturing into the world of tennis with the launch of its first-ever tennis-specific brand, Topps Graphite Tennis. This new line is set to hit stores on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, drawing attention to a sport often overshadowed in the trading card hobby.
The brand name “Graphite” cleverly pays homage to the material commonly used in professional tennis racquets, incorporating a scientific element into the product. Instead of the traditional Superfractor, Topps Graphite Tennis introduces the 1/1 Red Crystalline Refractor, inspired by graphite’s crystalline structure. This fresh approach not only nods to the sport’s technological advancements but also adds a unique touch to Topps’ diverse lineup.
Featuring a 200-card base checklist, collectors can expect to find promising talents like Mirra Andreeva and Ben Shelton included in the set. Each hobby box guarantees three hits, comprising of one relic autograph and an additional autograph. The presence of iconic tennis legends such as Andre Agassi, Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras, Billie Jean King, and Chris Evert as signers adds significant allure for both collectors and tennis enthusiasts.
Priced at $149.99 per box with 20 cards inside, Topps Graphite Tennis offers a variety of refractors, with Common Refractors appearing roughly once in every four packs. Rarer parallels, including Aqua, Green, Blue, Gold, Pink, White, and the highly sought-after Red Crystalline refractors, are limited to 200 copies or fewer. The insert lineup features Active Metal and All Metal cards, crafted from real metal, continuing the theme of blending science with sports. The elusive Intricate Images insert, sporting a portrait-style design, stands out as the ultimate chase card for dedicated collectors.
Topps’ foray into tennis through the innovative Graphite Tennis series symbolizes the company’s expansion into new horizons, offering collectors a fusion of science, sports, and stylish design. The reception of Topps Graphite Tennis is yet to be determined, with enthusiasts eagerly anticipating its impact on the trading card industry. As excitement builds around this distinctive release, Topps continues to captivate collectors with its creative and boundary-pushing endeavors.
