Coco Gauff's triumph at the French Open was followed by an unexpected discovery when the 21-year-old American learnt she could not take the prestigious trophy home with her.
The world number two defeated top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in three sets on Saturday to claim her second Grand Slam title, but French Open regulations meant the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen had to remain at Roland Garros.
Instead of boarding her private jet back to the United States with the actual trophy, Gauff was given only a miniature replica to commemorate her victory at the clay-court championship.
Gauff's victory came after a challenging three-set battle in which she recovered from losing the opening set.
Coco Gauff came back to win the French Open in a dramatic final against Aryna Sabalenka
Reuters
Sabalenka took the first set in a tense tie-break before the American responded emphatically with a 6-2 second set.
Gauff maintained her composure to secure the deciding set 6-4, becoming the first woman other than Iga Swiatek to win the French Open since 2021.
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The triumph marked a redemptive moment for Gauff, who had lost to Swiatek in straight sets in the 2022 final.
Her comeback victory over the world number one demonstrated remarkable mental fortitude after dropping the opening set.
The French Open's longstanding tradition requires that champions' trophies remain permanently at Roland Garros, a rule that Gauff discovered after her victory ceremony.
The American took to TikTok during her flight home to explain the situation to her followers.
"The trophy that you guys saw me take pictures with and do press with and all of that, but actually we don't get to take that home," Gauff explained in the video.
"It stays with the tournament. I'm going to show you guys the one we take home.
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Coco Gauff was overwhelmed after winning the French Open
Reuters
"It's a lot smaller."
She demonstrated the size difference by placing the replica next to a Perrier water bottle, showing it was only marginally taller.
"That's how small it is," she said in the video, before chuckling: "It's the memories that matter most."
Despite the trophy disappointment, Gauff celebrated her victory with a night out in Paris on Saturday.
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@cocogauff fun fact! #rolandgarros ♬ original sound - Coco Gauff
She later posted on TikTok: "Going out after winning a sporting event should be illegal. You're emotional, dehydrated, starving, and then they put champagne in my hand."
Reflecting on her second Grand Slam title, Gauff said: "I think this win was harder than the first because you don't want to get satisfied with just that one.
"I was going through a lot of things when I lost here three years ago."
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