In a spectacular display of athletic prowess and financial success, 19-year-old U.S. tennis sensation Coco Gauff has left a mark on the sports world by clinching the 3rd spot on Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid female athletes in 2023.
Her meteoric rise to financial stardom comes on the heels of an extraordinary tennis season, where she notched up four WTA tournament victories and achieved a historic Grand Slam breakthrough at the U.S. Open in September.
Gauff’s total earnings for the year reached an impressive $21.7 million, marking a substantial surge from the $15.2 million that she earned the previous year. This financial feat solidifies her position among the globe’s highest-earning individuals.
Off-field dominance: $15 million in endorsements and business ventures
The lion’s share of Gauff’s earnings — a staggering $15 million — was generated off the court through endorsements, licensing, appearances, memorabilia deals, and strategic investments. This off-field financial income underscores Gauff’s marketability and widespread appeal beyond the tennis arena.
Gauff’s on-court earnings, totaling $6.7 million, received a significant boost from her historic Grand Slam victory at the U.S. Open. The $3-million cash prize accompanying her triumph over Belarusian professional Aryna Sabalenka in September catapulted her into the echelons of tennis greatness and contributed to her substantial on-court earnings.
Her victory at the U.S. Open not only secured her a coveted Grand Slam title but also etched her name in history as the youngest woman to achieve such a milestone since Serena Williams in 1999. The $3 million prize money from the tournament played a pivotal role in her total earnings, which amounted to $5.017 million throughout the event.
From ITF debut to Grand Slam glory: Coco Gauff’s unprecedented tennis triumphs
In addition to her Grand Slam triumph, Gauff continued to showcase her prowess on the court by earning $781,100 from her commendable performance at the China Open in October. Her ability to command attention and accolades both on and off the court cements her status as one of the world’s highest-earning athletes.
Born in 2004 to parents with athletic backgrounds, Gauff’s tennis journey commenced at the age of 13 on the ITF Junior Circuit. Since her professional debut in the ITF Women’s Circuit in 2018, she has clinched six WTA Tour singles titles, including the historic Grand Slam title in September 2023.
Gauff’s success story transcends the confines of tennis courts, symbolizing a remarkable blend of athletic prowess and financial acumen. As a tennis prodigy and a financial powerhouse, she is rewriting the narrative of success in sports and breaking down barriers, proving that her impact extends far beyond the realms of tennis.
