Watches
Coco Gauff Won the U.S. Open, but the Real Crown Is Her Discontinued Rolex ‘Red Grape’
The elegant Oyster Perpetual hasn't been available since last decade.
BY Bryan Hood  |  September 15, 2023
2 Minute Read
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Coco Gauff’s taste in watches is nearly as impressive as her skill on the tennis court.

The American 19-year-old won her first career Grand Slam on Saturday in New York, beating Aryna Sabalenka in the U.S. Open women’s singles final. And, as soon as the victory was complete, tennis’s next big star removed a sweatband from her left wrist and replaced it with a Rolex Oyster Perpetual.

Gauff looked as stylish as ever during Saturday’s match, easily the biggest of her career up until this point. The player, who is sponsored by New Balance, wore a maroon version of one of the brand’s tennis outfits, contrasting neon green sweatbands and a color-matching pair of her signature sneaker, the CG1. But it was the final element of the ensemble that really took things to a championship level.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 116000
WatchFinder & Co.

Gauff’s Oyster Perpetual Ref. 116000, powered by the 3000 series movement, served as a fitting Crown for her feat. After all, she toppled the current top-ranked women’s tennis player in the world, in three sets. The elegant timepiece, which is likely the 36mm version (it’s also available with a 34mm or 39mm stainless-steel case), features a grape dial that matched her outfit. It’s also a hue that hasn’t been available since last decade.

So, how did the young tennis star get her hands on a discontinued model? She is one of the watchmaker’s testimonees, which likely comes with some perks. You don’t have to be part of the Rolex family to gain access to the watch, though. It can also be found from second-hand retailers, like WatchFinder & Co., for around US$7,500 (HK$58,700), though it wouldn’t be a shock if prices start to rise after the weekend.

Gauff is the second young tennis sensation to show off a Rolex after winning the U.S. Open in as many years. Last year’s men’s winner, Carlos Alcaraz, wore an “Oystersteel” Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 116500LN while hoisting the trophy. The Spaniard, who was also 19 when he won his first Grand Slam in New York, is another Rolex testimonee. This year’s men’s winner, Novac Djokovic, is sponsored by Hublot, and he opted for the brand’s Big Bang Unico Yellow Magic while celebrating his record 24th single’s Grand Slam.