LONDON — The world of professional tennis is no stranger to fiery rivalries and on-court drama, but a recent social media post from American star Coco Gauff managed to spark an unexpected and hilarious feud with none other than the famously dour Andy Murray. The incident, which unfolded online earlier this year, centered on what the young champion actually took home from the French Open, leaving the three-time Grand Slam winner visibly unimpressed.
The Trophy That Wasn't
Following her triumphant victory at the 2024 French Open, Coco Gauff did what any modern athlete would do: she shared her joy with millions of followers on social media. Among the celebratory posts was a photo of the newly crowned champion posing with her hard-earned prize. However, this was not the iconic Coupe Suzanne-Lenglen, the magnificent silver-gilt trophy awarded to the women's singles champion at Roland Garros. Instead, Gauff was proudly holding a much smaller, seemingly generic replica.
It was this image that caught the attention of Andy Murray, who was quick to voice his disbelief. In a since-deleted story on his own social media account, the Scot shared Gauff's photo with a caption that perfectly encapsulated his dry wit and veteran perspective. He wrote, "This is what they give you when you win Roland Garros?!" The post was accompanied by a series of crying-laughing emojis, underscoring his mixture of shock and amusement at the apparent downgrade in championship silverware.
A Tale of Two Trophies
For those unfamiliar with tennis tradition, Murray's reaction was rooted in a well-known practice within the sport. The massive, historic trophies presented on court during the victory ceremony are, for the most part, symbolic. The champions do not get to keep the original trophies, which are priceless artifacts belonging to the tournament. Instead, winners are presented with a replica. But as Murray's reaction highlighted, not all replicas are created equal.
The original Coupe Suzanne-Lenglen is a masterpiece of Art Deco design, crafted by the jeweler Mellerio dits Meller in 1928. It stands over 19 inches tall and is made of solid silver with a vermeil (silver-gilt) finish. The trophy awarded to Gauff on court is this very cup, but it remains the property of the French Tennis Federation. The "real" trophy that players take home is a smaller, lighter replica. The key distinctions that seemed to irk Murray include:
- Size: The official replica is significantly smaller than the on-court presentation trophy.
- Material: While the original is solid silver-gilt, the replica is typically made of a lighter metal and is silver-plated.
- Detail: The intricate engraving and fine details of the original are often simplified in the take-home version.
Murray's Own History with Trophies
Andy Murray's indignation wasn't just that of a casual observer; it came from a place of experience. As a two-time Wimbledon champion, he is intimately familiar with the tradition of trophy replication. The Venus Rosewater Dish, awarded to the ladies' singles champion at Wimbledon, is also a permanent fixture at the All England Club. Champions like Gauff, who won Wimbledon in 2023, receive a three-quarter-sized replica. However, the men's champion at Wimbledon receives a full-sized replica of the trophy, a point that may have added to Murray's bewilderment at the French Open's offering.
His reaction also recalled a similar incident from his past. In 2016, after winning his second Wimbledon title, Murray was asked about the replica trophy. He famously quipped, "It's not the same. The one they give you is a bit smaller. I was a bit disappointed when I found that out." Clearly, the principle of champions receiving a downsized version of their glory remains a sore point for the Brit, even years later.
Gauff's Graceful Response
In the face of Murray's good-natured ribbing, Coco Gauff handled the situation with the poise that has become her trademark. Rather than taking offense, the young star responded with humor and clarification. She reposted Murray's story, assuring him and her fans that she did, in fact, receive a proper trophy. She clarified that the item in the initial photo was a smaller, decorative keepsake, perhaps a gift from a sponsor or a memento, and not her official championship replica.
Gauff wrote in her response, "Haha nooo this is not the real one! I got the real one at home, I promise! This was just a little one they gave me for photos." Her response effectively defused the situation, turning it into a lighthearted moment between two generations of tennis greats. It also reassured fans that the French Open had not, in fact, committed the cardinal sin of giving its champion a subpar trophy.
A Glimpse into Tennis Culture
This exchange between Murray and Gauff provided a rare and charming glimpse into the less-seen aspects of tennis culture. It highlighted the camaraderie and gentle teasing that exists among players off the court. Murray, often portrayed as a perpetually grumpy competitor, showed his relatable, human side by engaging in the kind of banter any fan might. His reaction was less one of genuine anger and more one of mock outrage, a sentiment many could understand.
Furthermore, the incident shed light on the often-overlooked logistics of what happens after the final point is won. While millions see the champions hoisting magnificent trophies, few consider the practicalities. The tradition of replicas exists for several practical reasons:
- Preservation: The original trophies are historic artifacts that must be preserved and displayed for future generations.
- Security: Transporting and insuring such valuable items would be a massive logistical challenge for players.
- Tradition: It is a long-standing custom in many sports, including soccer's FIFA World Cup, where winners get a replica while the original remains in FIFA's possession.
For the players, however, the replica is no less meaningful. It is a tangible symbol of their ultimate achievement, a physical representation of weeks of grueling competition and a lifetime of dedication. Whether full-sized or three-quarters, it is the memory and the title that it represents which holds the true value.
Conclusion: More Than Just Silverware
In the end, the online spat between Andy Murray and Coco Gauff was a momentary diversion that captured the hearts of tennis fans. It was a story that had everything: a legendary champion, a rising superstar, a misunderstood trophy, and a hefty dose of humor. Murray's feigned fury was a reminder that even the most accomplished athletes can get caught up in the small details, while Gauff's graceful response demonstrated her maturity and ever-growing comfort in the global spotlight.
The incident ultimately underscores that while the trophies themselves are magnificent, the stories behind them—the hard work, the emotional victories, and even the lighthearted misunderstandings—are what truly define a champion's journey. Andy Murray may have fumed at what he thought was a substandard prize, but the real takeaway was the champion's spirit displayed by both players, proving that in tennis, camaraderie and sportsmanship are just as important as the silverware.