Andy Murray has publicly criticized tennis officials in response to a surprising detail revealed by Coco Gauff following her recent French Open victory after the 21-year-old star secured her second career Grand Slam title at Roland Garros.
The American defeated the world number one, Aryna Sabalenka, in a gripping three-set match, (6-7, 6-2, 6-4) to become the first woman from the United States to claim the French Open crown since Serena Williams in 2015.
Yet despite the significance of her victory, it was a post from Gauff after the tournament that drew widespread attention, including from the British tennis player – best remembered for taking the fight to Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic from 2008-2016.
Taking to social media, she showcased the difference between the ceremonial trophy awarded during the presentation and the actual trophy players take home, holding the large trophy fans are accustomed to seeing.
“This is the trophy that you guys see,” Gauff said. “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.
“This is the one we take home. It’s like a mini replica of the trophy. It’s really small. That’s how small it is. But, you know, it’s the memories that matter the most.”
In response to her revelation, Murray, who won three Grand Slams and two Olympic golds before injuries curtailed his career, criticized the longstanding tradition among Grand Slam tournaments of giving champions undersized replica trophies.
“Surely the tennis majors can do a better job with the replica trophies!?” Murray wrote. “They are tiny.”
WTA announces pregnancy boost for players
The 38-year-old’s remark brings renewed attention to how the sport honors its champions, especially as Gauff prepares for Wimbledon later this June, where she enters as one of the top contenders.
But while the trophy debate has taken center stage, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) also recently announced a landmark policy benefiting female players by confirming that women undergoing fertility treatment will now be able to maintain their rankings.
The measure is aimed at improving gender equity in the sport and follows a March announcement that players would be eligible for maternity pay and comprehensive benefits, as the sport aims to be as inclusive as possible.
These changes were made possible through a new partnership with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), a $50m deal that is only just over a year old, but it has already begun to reshape aspects of professional women’s tennis.
The fertility initiative marks the first major player-focused benefit under the agreement, signaling a shift toward broader support systems within the sport, although the PIF remain criticized for their connection to the Saudi Arabian government, which faces accusations of sportswashing.
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