Coco Gauff just made tennis history again—but it’s not just her on-court performance that has fans talking.
After winning her second Grand Slam title at the French Open, the 21-year-old star shared a surprising behind-the-scenes detail about her big moment… and it had people, including Andy Murray, raising eyebrows.
A Powerful Comeback at Roland-Garros
Gauff’s path to her French Open win was anything but easy.
She battled back after losing the first set to world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, eventually taking the victory with a 6-7, 6-2, 6-4 win.
It was a fierce and focused performance that earned her the Roland-Garros title—and made her the first American woman to win the French Open since Serena Williams back in 2015.
This win also marks the second major trophy in Gauff’s career, following her breakout US Open win in 2023.
As the current world No. 2, she’s now got her sights set on Wimbledon, where she’s one of the top contenders behind Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina.
The Trophy That Wasn’t What It Seemed
But after the adrenaline wore off and the celebrations started, Gauff gave fans a glimpse into what really happens behind the scenes—and it left many surprised.
She posted a video showing off her shiny new trophy… or rather, the version fans don’t usually see.
“This is the trophy that you guys see,” she explained in the video, pointing to the large, glamorous one used for press and photo ops.
“But we don’t actually get to take this one home. It stays with the tournament.”
Instead, Gauff revealed the version she does get to keep—a tiny replica of the iconic prize.
“It’s like a mini version… really small,” she said, laughing a little at the size difference. “But hey, it’s the memories that matter the most.”
Andy Murray Steps In with Some Words of Support
It didn’t take long for someone from tennis royalty to back her up.
Andy Murray, never shy to call things out, jumped on social media to question why major tennis tournaments can’t do better when it comes to the trophies given to players.
“Surely the tennis majors can do a better job with the replica trophies!?” Murray wrote, adding, “They are tiny.”
Fans quickly rallied around the sentiment, agreeing that champions like Gauff deserve something more substantial to mark their hard-earned victories.
Positive Progress for Women’s Tennis on a Different Front
While the trophy debate continues, there’s been a major step forward for women’s tennis in another area.
The WTA recently announced a new policy that will protect rankings for players undergoing fertility treatment.
It’s a move that comes after years of campaigning for better support for women athletes during personal life changes like pregnancy and family planning.
This follows a larger shift in the sport’s governance, with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) becoming the WTA’s exclusive global partner just over a year ago.
The fertility protection policy is one of the first big initiatives born from that partnership, alongside the introduction of maternity pay and expanded player benefits.
What’s Next for Gauff?
As for Gauff, her focus now shifts to Wimbledon, where the expectations are high and the momentum is fully in her corner.
With two Grand Slams under her belt and a growing reputation for speaking candidly about the sport’s inner workings, Coco isn’t just building a legacy on the court—she’s shaping how fans see the game, too.
And if the tennis powers that be are listening? Maybe her next trophy will be a little more fitting in size.