Donnay Bjorn Borg Personally Owned Donnay Tennis Racket

An tremendous collectible for a true Bjorn Borg tennis fan. This racket was purchased directly from the private collection of Lennart Bergelin, Bjorn Borg's longtime coach and manager. I was found by Niclas Bergelin, Lennart's son, a few years ago and Niclas was in possession of his father's personal collection of Borg's personal rackets. This racket is almost perfect condition. I has been strung with Babolat Natural Gut VS. 

When Borg signed with Donnay and Bancroft it was a well known fact that all of Borg's rackets were handmade for him. It's a real piece of art and craftmanship and the most beautiful and pure design I personally have ever seen.

So, this is in no way similar to the retail models you would buy for 50 dollars.

The Wood, the weight (420 grams!), the thickness of the frame and the grip are made to Borg's specifications.

This racket was used between 1978 -1979 for tournaments and exibitions in Asia, or at least outside Europe and USA. Only 10 of these specific handmade Bancroft rackets are known to exist - 7 of those were owned by Bergelin. This is a unique opportunity for someone who has a collection, museum or gallery. 

The racket is in great condition and comes with a vintage 70's Donnay full cover. 

Upon Berglin's retirement this racket was stored away. You will notice a few distinct features that distinguish this racket as Bjorn' personal racket from the other rackets for sale. First, notice the sides of the racket, you will a distinct difference in width.

This width is where the racket was built up to be stronger so the racket could handle the high string tension. Subsequently this build up added to the weight of the racket. Compare this feature to the store bought Donnay and Bancroft rackets and you will see that they do not have this custom feature and consist of different wood. Second, the grip is a custom wrapped fairway leather grip. Bjorn used two single length fairway grips wrapped together to get the longer two-handed grip. Borg did the same with his Donnay rackets as well. 

When I received the racket, I also received a letter of authenticity listing some of the facts and history of the racket. This letter was dated + signed by Bjorn Borg and it was addressed to me personally. This CAO will come with the racket.

 

I will ship worldwide.