Coco Gauff, a 20-year-old American tennis sensation, has cemented her place in the world of tennis with extraordinary achievements. Turning professional in 2018, Gauff has amassed nine singles titles in just six years, including a remarkable Grand Slam victory at the 2023 US Open. Known for her ambitious goals, she once said, “My mission is to be the greatest…That’s my goal, to win as many Grand Slams as possible.” Although she did not claim any major titles in 2024, Gauff achieved an impressive milestone by becoming the highest-paid female athlete for the second consecutive year.
According to Sportico, Gauff earned an estimated $30.4 million in 2024, with $9.4 million coming from tournament prize money and $21 million from endorsements and brand deals. Notably, tennis journalist Jon Wertheim highlighted this statistic during a discussion on the podcast Served with Andy Roddick. Wertheim remarked, “The free market is a barometer for success.” He compared Gauff’s earnings to those in other sports, noting that her prize money in a single week, such as the WTA Finals, exceeded the annual earnings of top athletes in different disciplines.
Despite facing challenges throughout the 2024 season, Gauff delivered an impressive performance. She won three singles titles, secured 54 singles match wins, and adjusted to significant changes, including a coaching shift and technical adjustments to her game. Wertheim praised her resilience, calling her ability to balance these transitions while achieving notable success a testament to her future potential.
NEVER BACK DOWN, NEVER WHAT? 🗣️@CocoGauff is your #WTAFinalsRiyadh CHAMPION! pic.twitter.com/QgJDJagYQg
— wta (@WTA) November 9, 2024
One of Gauff’s standout moments in 2024 was her historic victory at the WTA Finals in Riyadh. Winning the title not only capped her season on a high note but also earned her $4.805 million in prize money, the largest payout in women’s tennis history. When asked about this achievement, Gauff expressed surprise, saying, “I didn’t know, jeez! I knew it was some money but I didn’t know it was that much! It means a lot to me.” Despite the financial rewards, Gauff emphasized that her focus remains on the game, not monetary gains.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Gauff is optimistic about securing her second Grand Slam title. She highlighted the confidence gained from her WTA Finals win and noted that preparation and a balanced mindset will be crucial to her success. Reflecting on past experiences, Gauff admitted she plays her best tennis when she least expects to win, as seen during her US Open and WTA Finals triumphs.
Tennis experts are equally enthusiastic about her prospects. Former German star Andrea Petkovic expressed admiration for Gauff’s ability to navigate challenges in 2024, including a mid-season grip change on her serve. Petkovic considers Gauff one of the top contenders for the 2025 Australian Open, citing her end-of-year momentum and technical improvements.
As Gauff prepares for the upcoming season, the tennis world eagerly anticipates her next chapter, with many believing she has the potential to dominate the sport for years to come.