In the wake of Coco Gauff’s triumphant French Open victory, a surprising controversy has erupted, not over her performance but over the size of the trophy she took home. The 21-year-old American’s lighthearted TikTok video showcasing the diminutive replica of the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen sparked a viral sensation—and drew sharp criticism from tennis legend Andy Murray, who called out Grand Slam organizers for their “tiny” keepsakes. “Surely the tennis majors can do a better job with the replica trophies!? They are tiny,” Murray declared on Instagram, igniting a debate about how the sport honors its champions.
Gauff’s historic win on June 7, 2025, saw her claim her second Grand Slam title, defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling three-set battle, 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4. The victory marked her as the first American woman to conquer Roland Garros since Serena Williams in 2015, a milestone celebrated with the iconic Suzanne Lenglen trophy hoisted aloft on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Yet, as Gauff revealed in her viral post, that gleaming prize remains in Paris. “This is the trophy that you guys see, the one that we take pictures with, do press with and all that. But, actually, we don’t get to take this home,” she explained, holding up a photo of the ceremonial trophy. Instead, she displayed the “mini replica” awarded to champions, placing it beside a Perrier water bottle for scale. “That’s how small it is. It’s the memories that matter most,” she added with a chuckle, embracing the moment with her trademark positivity.
Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, was not amused. The 38-year-old, who retired after the 2024 Olympics, took to social media to amplify Gauff’s revelation, urging tournaments to rethink their tradition. His post, accompanied by a laughing emoji, resonated with fans and players alike, many of whom were stunned to learn that Grand Slam winners receive such modest mementos. “They should give you something better than that,” one TikTok user commented, while another called the practice “wild and makes no sense.” The French Open’s replicas are notably smaller than those of other majors—Wimbledon’s are about 75% of the original size, while the Australian Open and US Open offer near-full-scale versions—prompting questions about why Roland Garros lags behind.
Gauff’s journey to the 2025 French Open title was a story of resilience. After losing the 2022 final to Iga Swiatek, she endured years of doubt, fearing she’d never hold the coveted trophy. “Losing in the finals here three years ago had created a lot of doubt in my head,” she admitted on Instagram. Her 2025 triumph, a gritty comeback against Sabalenka’s relentless power, proved her mettle. “I didn’t think I could do it,” she said during the trophy ceremony, tears streaming down her face. Off the court, Gauff’s candor about the trophy tradition sparked a broader conversation. Speaking to media, she described the replica as “adorable” but admitted, “I didn’t know it was going to be as small as it is.” Her playful comparison to a water bottle underscored the discrepancy, yet she emphasized, “It’s the memories that matter most.”
Murray’s critique isn’t the first time the issue has surfaced. Tennis icons like Rafael Nadal and Maria Sharapova have previously shared images of their own pint-sized replicas, highlighting a long-standing Grand Slam custom. For Murray, who never won Roland Garros but claimed titles at Wimbledon and the US Open, the practice feels outdated, especially given the emotional and physical toll of major victories. His call for change has fueled discussions about how tennis can better celebrate its stars, particularly as Gauff’s win cements her as a global icon. “I just wanted to prove to people that I can do it again,” she said, reflecting on her second major title.
The controversy comes at a pivotal moment for Gauff, who is now eyeing Wimbledon, starting June 30, 2025, where she’s a top contender. Her French Open success, coupled with her 2023 US Open title, places her among elite company—only Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Chris Evert, and Tracy Austin have won multiple Slams as Americans aged 21 or younger in the Open Era. As she prepares for the grass courts, the trophy debate lingers, with Murray’s words echoing a sentiment shared by many: Grand Slams must do better to honor their champions’ monumental achievements.
Leave a Reply