Les Champions
There is a quiet charm and sophistication to the presentation of the winners' trophies at the French Open. As with the other traditions and styles at Roland Garros, the on-court ceremony after the finals is traditional, classy and also modern. There is only a trophy presentation and no mention of the prize money, which was equal for the men and women for the first time in 2007. The trophies are usually presented to the finalists by former French Open champions. In 2007,
it was a little bittersweet to see both Mary Pierce and Gustavo Kuerten present the trophies since both past champions are on the rehab trail battling serious injuries, i.e. knee surgery for Pierce and hip problems for Guga. Nonetheless, one felt the camaraderie and good feelings between the former and current champions illustrating the ties between the past and the present in the sport of tennis. It is a tradition worth continuing because it is both a tribute to the former titlists, as well as an honor for the newly-crowned champions.
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