There is an intense argument over who the most outstanding male tennis player of all time may be. But no matter how you serve that argument, Roger Federer is always in the conversation. It's easy to see why. Roger has won 82% of his matches, winning 103 titles, including 8 Wimbledon men's single titles. In 2022, Federer retired after a staggering 1,750 matches on tour, leaving a tremendous legacy. It is always worth investing in the cards of someone like that, who will still be mentioned as one of the greats decades from now.
Tennis doesn't usually come to mind when we think of the biggest sports cards. But Topps is now investing in the sport, and their profile on the market is set to rise. And that means it is a good time to invest in older tennis cards, like the Roger Federer rookies and other outstanding singles. Because while demand may go up for early career items of the Swiss genius, the print runs will remain low. As we know, that is the key to high value.
Although there is always a smaller selection of tennis cards than baseball or basketball, there are quite a few Federer options. So, where should you start? Worry not. We have you covered.
Netpro 2003 Roger Federer Rookie Card #90
A PSA 10 sold for $122.50
In their infinite wisdom, the Netpro people put no less than three Roger Federer rookie cards in their 2003 release. The Netpro 2003 Roger Federer Rookie Card #90 shows the master about to unleash his infamous backhand on an unsuspecting opponent. That funny-looking ponytail the player sported in his young years somehow makes Roger seem even more ominous. Although the population counts for the #90 card is lower than its #11 equivalent, it fetches a somewhat lower return on the market.
Netpro International Series 2003 Roger Federer Rookie Card #11
A PSA 10 sold for $128
The regular Netpro 2003 rookie cards feature Federer working his magic on a clay surface. But the Netpro International Series 2003 Roger Federer Rookie Card #11 has the advantage of showing Roger on his best surface of all, grass. He sure looks at home there. And let's be honest, green looks better as a background. You might call me a green supremacist. The value of this card is similar to the regular Netpro releases. However, because the Netpro International Series has a lower print run, it may end up being worth more than the others. The argument against this is that the regular releases have become iconic in tennis collector circles.
Netpro 2003 Roger Federer Rookie Card #11
A PSA 10 sold for $156
The 2003 NetPro tennis card set is arguably the most important one ever made. It has rookie cards for Serena and Venus Williams, as well as Martina Hingis, Monica Seles, and American Andy Roddick. Finally, it introduces the hobby to our friend Roger Federer. The card in question shows the young Roger calculating the spin on his forehand with a lethal focus. The minimal Stadium Club type of design really suits Federer.
The Netpro 2003 Roger Federer Rookie Card #11 prices aren't exceptionally high. That is likely because it is considered an over-printed base card. But the Netpro base is likely undervalued. In addition, there are only 1,326 PSA-graded versions of the card. Out of those, only 370 are PSA 10s. So, as the popularity of tennis cards increases, you can expect this base card to show some signs of life.
2006 Ace Authentic Grand Slam Match Materials Rafael Nadal Andy Roddick Roger Federer #1
A PSA 7 sold for $192
The price up here does not in any way reflect the value of the 2006 Ace Authentic Grand Slam Match Materials Rafael Nadal / Andy Roddick / Roger Federer #1. While the sale is recent, it is a mere PSA 7. A strong-looking raw version of the card is probably worth considerably more than that. This beautiful card provides patches from the uniforms of these three masters, from back when they were the up-and-coming next generation of tennis players. A beautiful reminder of that exciting era for the men’s game,
2010 Ace Authentic Aces Dual Autographs Pete Sampras/Roger Federer #DC/FS
A PSA 6 sold for $293
On July 2, 2001, Pete Sampras faced the young Roger Federer at Wimbledon. Pete was in his prime and widely expected to win his fifth straight title on the green grass of ye olde England. But Federer knocked him out in the fourth round with a commanding performance. At the time, many thought it was a fluke. But Federer would go on to usurp his idol and overtake his tremendous achievements. This card, including the autographs of both of these timeless legends, is an excellent souvenir of that historic game. Keep in mind that the 2010 Ace Authentic Aces Dual Autographs Pete Sampras/Roger Federer #DC/FS sale here is for a PSA 6, so a high-grade item should do far better.
2015 Epoch Roger Federer Auto IPTL /26
A PSA 9 sold for $1,600
The 2015 Epoch Roger Federer Auto IPTL /26 has one of the most beautiful on-card autos of Swiss masters cards. That factor, and the striking beauty of this item, make it one of the most desirable late-career items for the discerning Federer collector.
2015 Leaf Q Pure Auto Green #PARF1 /25
A PSA 10 sold for $1,750
A lot of the best late-career Roger Federer cards are from Leaf. And honestly, I wish Leaf would put out tennis releases more reliably because they can be absolutely stunning. The 2015 Leaf Q Pure Auto Green #PARF1 /25 is an excellent example of just how incredible these cards can be. The translucent Pure series really suits the classy sport, and the blue tinge of these babies is a beautiful foil to Roger’s grand auto. Like the see-through pure card, and the Blue variety the other Federer cards in this release are also flipping gorgeous.
2012 Topps Allen and Ginter Autographs Roger Federer Auto #RFD
A BGS 9.5 sold for $1,875
The 2012 Topps Allen and Ginter Autographs Roger Federer Auto #RFD is the first Topps card of Roger Federer. But, of course, that has meaning in an American-centric hobby. Allen and Ginter is an old-timey kind of release, and that sort of design really suits the Swiss ace. And, of course, the picture of Federer lifting a trophy really sums up the career of the ultimate winner.
2016 Leaf Metal Roger Federer Auto Pink /5
A PSA 10 sold for $2,000
2016 Leaf was probably the best tennis release from the kings of unlicensed sports trading cards. The company brought the full swagger of chromium releases, and the impressive design chops that the company is known for, to this fantastic product. There are several desirable Federer cards in this release. However, we picked the 2016 Leaf Metal Roger Federer Auto Pink /5 as our favorite. It recorded the highest sale. But also, we are very secure in our manhood. And so is Roger, who looks very pretty in pink.
2005 Roger Federer Ace Signature Moments Auto
A PSA 10 went for $2,000
We went with the card that has been sold, so we listed the 2005 Roger Federer Ace Signature Moments Auto here. I can’t say I love the design, but the scarcity will make up for the somewhat lackluster look. The population count for these cards is very low, since this was a limited series. There are only 20 graded copies, of which 11 are PSA 10s. So, there is no question that the value of these items will increase quite a bit. However, there are more rare Federer cards in the 2005 Ace Signature Moments Tennis Cards release that are really worth seeking out for serious collectors. For example, the jersey version of this card has only 6 graded copies and a mere 2 PSA 10s.
2018 Leaf Grand Slam Roger Federer Pride Nation Red #PNRF1 ½
A PSA 9 sold for $2,250
Roger Federer is widely considered the most outstanding Swiss athlete in history. However, we should note that he has stiff competition from women’s tennis legend Martina Hingis. Nevertheless, Roger loves his country so much that today he serves as their tourism ambassador to the world. This autographed patch card includes the Swiss emblem from Federer’s uniform, presumably when he represented his country at the Davis Cup. The picture captures Federer celebrating a point won and is one of the most emblematic items in any collection of this legend.
2010 Ace Authentic Tennis Roger Federer Rafael Nadal Auto /25
A PSA 9 sold for $15,000
The rivalry between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer is one of the fiercest in the annals of this regal sport. Roger admitted that "it definitely becomes more and more special the more times we play against each other." The two played each other 40 times, though Nadal had the upper hand with 24 wins. This stunning card captures both players' autographs on a fittingly green background. Naturally, there are disagreements over who was the greater player. But one thing is sure: we were privileged to see them play.
2003 Netpro Roger Federer Elite Glossy Rookie /100
A PSA 10 sold for $52,127
The low-numbered version of the 2003 Netpro rookie is an excellent investment. You know the population count for the 2003 Netpro Roger Federer Elite Glossy Rookie /100 will never be exceptionally high. Currently, there are 20 PSA 10s out of a total of 47 graded cards. Therefore, the price will likely get even higher in the future. The glossy cards also have a beautiful finish that doesn’t quite translate in photographs, so try to get your hands on one if you can. It really brings out the majesty of that epic Federer serve.
2003 Netpro Elite Roger Federer /2000
A PSA 10 sold for $9000
The nice thing about numbered cards is you can get some idea of their population without looking it up. But it doesn’t tell you how they grade. So, out of 458 2003 Netpro Elite Roger Federer /2000 graded by PSA, 214 are PSA 10s. That means that there may be many more PSA-graded cards coming down the pipeline. So, we aren’t sure these cards will grow much in value. But $9000 is already a reasonably good value. The picture is a wonderful one of Roger’s form when about to deliver an incredibly accurate serve. One of many gorgeous Netpro Federer rookies.
2003 NetPro International Court Authentic Apparel Autograph #RF Roger Federer Signed Rookie Patch Card 1/25
A BGS 9.5 sold for $181,200
While the base card from the 2003 International Court Series is not worth much, there is an RPA in that release that is worth a boatload of cash. Yes, that is the scientific term for $181,200. There were very few tennis RPAs back in the day. So, the 2003 NetPro International Court Authentic Apparel Autograph #RF Roger Federer Signed Rookie Patch Card 1/25 has an extraordinary place in the pantheon. If you own this card, along with the other Netpro rookies (albeit this one will set you back far more), the set has Roger on clay, grass, and hard court. So, completing the location is pretty cool.
Final Word On How To Score Big with Roger Federer's 15 Most Valuable Cards
The new tennis card releases from Topps are great news for collectors in this sport. While there have been great tennis cards in the past from Leaf, Ace, and Netpro, none of these are major card producers. That has hampered the popularity of tennis cards. But if anyone can make tennis mainstream, it's Topps.
That is excellent news if you have a collection of older tennis cards because as more people get interested, your collection will increase in value. However, there are several retired players worth investing in before that happens. Roger Federer is at the top of that list, along with a few other select names. Any of these cards will likely be worth considerably more within five years. Especially the higher-end and numbered autographed items.
