The crown belongs to Coco Gauff, indeed. The 21-year-old tennis superstar just made history at the 2025 French Open, becoming the first American woman since Serena Williams in 2015 to take home the Roland-Garros title. After a hard-fought three-set win over current world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, Gauff emerged victorious—hoisting the trophy high in a moment that felt both hard-earned and historic.
And on her wrist? A deep-cut favourite: the Rolex Oyster Perpetual ‘Red Grape’.
Now, here’s the thing. Gauff is a Rolex Testimonee, part of the brand’s official family. She could wear pretty much any model she wants. And yet, time and again (including when she won her first Grand Slam at the 2023 U.S. Open), she goes with the same watch: a now-discontinued Oyster Perpetual with a rich burgundy dial, affectionately known by collectors as the Red Grape.
Originally part of the older-gen Oyster Perpetual collection, the Red Grape came in 34mm, 36mm, and 39mm sizes. Gauff likely wears the 36mm version of the Ref. 116000—a stainless steel classic with a sunray-finish dial, Oyster bracelet, and the rock-solid 3000 series movement inside.
When it was still in production, this model was seen as the “fun Rolex”—a pop of colour in the brand’s usually reserved lineup. These days, with other fun-coloured dials stealing the spotlight (see: the fresh pastel palette that Rolex unveiled for the OPs at Watches and Wonders 2025), the Red Grape feels a bit more low-key. But that’s part of the charm. Like a great glass of wine, it’s quietly confident and undeniably satisfying.
Why Gauff sticks with this particular watch, even with the whole Rolex vault at her disposal? That’s anyone’s guess.
Maybe it’s luck. Maybe it’s love. Either way, it’s clearly her favourite—and now, it’s part of her legacy.
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