Sports
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Gauff aims for Wuhan title, trophy size questioned
It's always a treat to see a young athlete like Coco Gauff reach the top of her game. This morning, she's got her sights set on another championship title at the Wuhan Open, facing off against fellow American Jessica Pegula. It’s a storyline we’ve seen unfold with her before – a triumphant win, and then a little bit of a letdown when it comes to the hardware.
You might remember after her incredible French Open victory earlier this summer, Gauff shared on social media that the trophy she actually gets to keep is a tiny replica. As reported by several outlets, she even posted a TikTok showing just how small it was, admitting that while memories matter most, it was a bit disappointing. It’s understandable, right? You’ve poured your heart and soul into winning one of the biggest tournaments in the world, and you get a keepsake that fits in the palm of your hand. Even Andy Murray, a seasoned champion himself, chimed in, suggesting that the major tournaments could certainly do better with these mementos. The French Open, it seems, awards the smallest replicas among all the Grand Slams.
This isn't the first time we've seen Coco Gauff navigate these emotions. She's already achieved so much at just 21, becoming the first American to win the French Open since Serena Williams back in 2015, and adding that to her 2023 US Open triumph. Now, she's looking for her first title since that Roland Garros win. And what a final it promises to be. Pegula is coming off a really dramatic win herself, coming back from a set down against Aryna Sabalenka to secure her spot. She spoke about being nervous but proud of her comeback, and you can feel that fighter's spirit.
So, as Coco Gauff steps onto the court today, will she be hoisting a more substantial trophy this time around? Or will it be another case of the memories being the true prize, even if the replica is a bit… miniature? It certainly makes you wonder how these traditions evolve and what they mean to the athletes who strive so hard for them.
You might remember after her incredible French Open victory earlier this summer, Gauff shared on social media that the trophy she actually gets to keep is a tiny replica. As reported by several outlets, she even posted a TikTok showing just how small it was, admitting that while memories matter most, it was a bit disappointing. It’s understandable, right? You’ve poured your heart and soul into winning one of the biggest tournaments in the world, and you get a keepsake that fits in the palm of your hand. Even Andy Murray, a seasoned champion himself, chimed in, suggesting that the major tournaments could certainly do better with these mementos. The French Open, it seems, awards the smallest replicas among all the Grand Slams.
This isn't the first time we've seen Coco Gauff navigate these emotions. She's already achieved so much at just 21, becoming the first American to win the French Open since Serena Williams back in 2015, and adding that to her 2023 US Open triumph. Now, she's looking for her first title since that Roland Garros win. And what a final it promises to be. Pegula is coming off a really dramatic win herself, coming back from a set down against Aryna Sabalenka to secure her spot. She spoke about being nervous but proud of her comeback, and you can feel that fighter's spirit.
So, as Coco Gauff steps onto the court today, will she be hoisting a more substantial trophy this time around? Or will it be another case of the memories being the true prize, even if the replica is a bit… miniature? It certainly makes you wonder how these traditions evolve and what they mean to the athletes who strive so hard for them.
