Andy Murray, the British tennis star, has urged tournament organizers to improve after Coco Gauff revealed just how much smaller her actual French Open trophy is compared to the one presented on court.
The 21-year-old Gauff won the Roland Garros title on Saturday by defeating Aryna Sabalenka 6-7, 6-2, 6-4 in Paris. This victory marked the first time an American woman won the French Open singles title in a decade, since Serena Williams` triumph.
Gauff, the world number two player, celebrated passionately with the prestigious trophy in front of the French crowd after securing her 10th career title. However, this wasn`t the trophy she would be taking home.
The young star later posted a video on TikTok from her private jet, showing her followers the actual trophy she received and highlighting its significantly smaller size.
Gesturing to a photo of herself posing with the larger ceremonial trophy, Gauff explained on TikTok: “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. This stays with the tournament.”
She then presented the smaller trophy she was given, adding: “This is the one we take home. It’s like a mini replica of the trophy. It’s… Really small.”
Fans were surprised when the American player placed the trophy next to a small Perrier bottle, showing it was only slightly larger than the bottle.
Gauff concluded her video by saying: “That’s how small it is. But, you know, it’s the memories that matter the most.”
Murray, a multiple Grand Slam champion at age 38, expressed his shock at this revelation on social media.
The former world number one shared a clip from a late-night talk show where host Jimmy Fallon praised Gauff.
Murray added his own commentary to the post: “Surely the tennis majors can do a better job with the replica trophies!? They are tiny.”
Having won Grand Slams himself, the British icon is familiar with the significance and presentation surrounding major tournament victories, implying that champions should receive more substantial replicas to keep.
