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Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates victory with the trophy alongside coach Toni Nadal after the men’s singles final against Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland on day fifteen of the French Open at Roland Garros on June 11, 2017 in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
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Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates victory with the trophy alongside coach Toni Nadal after the men’s singles final against Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland on day fifteen of the French Open at Roland Garros on June 11, 2017 in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
The French Open is the second Grand Slam event of the season and is also popularly known as Roland Garros. The tournament was first played in 1891 and is held in the French capital, Paris. It happens to be the only Grand Slam event to be played on the clay surface.
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Another interesting thing about the French Open is the trophy for the winner in the men’s category. It is called “La Coupe des Mousquetaires”, which translates to “The Musketeers’ Trophy”. The trophy was made in 1981 after Philippe Chatrier, the president of the Federation Francaise de Tennis (FFT), offered jewelers a chance to redesign it.
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Rafael Nadal of Spain hugs the Musketeers’ Cup as he celebrates victory following the mens singles final against Dominic Thiem of Austria during day fifteen of the 2018 French Open at Roland Garros on June 10, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
French connection behind the trophy at the French Open
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The trophy is supposed to symbolize the victories of four famous French tennis players. Together, they make up the “Four Musketeers”. Their names are Jacques Brugnon, Jean Borotra, Henri Cochet and Rene Lacoste. Mellerio was the designer who got the opportunity to design the trophy.
The trophy has a wide opening, which is bordered with leaves of a grapevine and decorated with two swan-shaped handles.
The women’s winner is awarded the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen. It has been in force since 1979 and bears Suzanne Lenglen’s name on it.
In the French Open, Rafael Nadal has been the most successful player ever to compete at this event. He has won the tournament on 13 occasions. He won his first title in 2005 and in 2021 he is still considered a favorite.
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PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 11: Iga Swiatek of Poland poses on the rooftop of les Galeries Lafayettes Rue de la Chaussee d’Antin with the Suzanne Lenglen Cup following her victory in the Women’s Singles Final against Sofia Kenin of the United States of America on day fifteen of the 2020 French Open on October 11, 2020, in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
However, the winner of the French Open takes home a replica of the original trophy handed during the closing ceremony. When Rafa won his 10th Roland Garros title, he was presented with a same-size replica of the original trophy. Such an act took place only once, ever since this event existed.
The French Open 2021 begins next week and all the top players will proceed towards the French capital in the coming days. Rafael Nadal is the favorite and is tipped to lift his 14th title in Paris.
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