PARIS — American tennis sensation Coco Gauff clinched her first French Open title on Saturday, defeating Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling three-set final. However, the 20-year-old champion quickly raised an unexpected complaint after her victory: she won’t be able to take the prestigious Coupe Suzanne Lenglen trophy home with her.
Gauff, who triumphed 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-3 in a match that lasted over two hours, expressed her disappointment during the post-match press conference. "It’s a little bittersweet because I worked so hard for this moment, but I don’t get to keep the actual trophy," she said. "I wish I could take it back to Florida with me."
Why Gauff Can’t Keep the Trophy
Unlike other Grand Slam tournaments, the French Open does not allow winners to take home the original trophy. Instead, champions receive a smaller replica. The Coupe Suzanne Lenglen, named after the legendary French player, remains permanently at Roland Garros. This tradition has been in place for decades, but Gauff’s remarks have reignited discussions about the policy.
French Open organizers defended the practice, stating that the original trophies are "historically significant artifacts" that must be preserved. A tournament spokesperson explained, "The replicas are identical in design, and winners still receive a lasting symbol of their achievement."
Other Grand Slam Trophy Policies
The French Open’s stance contrasts with other majors:
- Wimbledon: Winners receive a full-sized replica of the Venus Rosewater Dish (ladies' singles) or the Gentlemen's Singles Trophy.
- US Open: Champions keep the original trophies, though they are smaller than those displayed during the ceremony.
- Australian Open: Winners are given a full-sized replica of the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup.
Gauff’s Historic Victory
Despite her complaint, Gauff’s win marks a career-defining moment. She became the youngest American to win the French Open since Serena Williams in 2002. The victory also solidified her status as one of the sport’s brightest young stars, following her breakout US Open win in 2023.
Sabalenka, the world No. 2, pushed Gauff to her limits in a tense second-set tiebreak. However, Gauff’s resilience and tactical adjustments in the third set secured her the title. "I knew I had to stay aggressive and trust my game," Gauff said. "Aryna is an incredible competitor, and this match could’ve gone either way."
Fan and Player Reactions
Gauff’s trophy complaint sparked mixed reactions. Some fans sympathized, arguing that champions deserve the original hardware. Others pointed out that tradition should be respected. Tennis legend Martina Navratilova weighed in on social media, writing, "The replica is still a huge honor, but I get why Coco wants the real deal—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment!"
Sabalenka, gracious in defeat, congratulated Gauff and joked about the trophy dilemma. "At least she gets to lift it once—I didn’t even get that chance today!" she said with a laugh during the trophy ceremony.
What’s Next for Gauff?
With her second Grand Slam title secured, Gauff now shifts her focus to Wimbledon, where she aims to improve on her 2023 fourth-round exit. She also remains a strong contender for Olympic gold in Paris later this summer. "This win gives me so much confidence," she said. "I’m hungry for more."
As for the trophy, Gauff may not have the original, but she’ll always have the memories—and the replica. "I’ll just have to come back next year and win it again," she quipped.