Coco Gauff admitted she didn’t initially know the exact prize money awaiting her if she won the WTA Finals. After being informed about the hefty sum of $4,805,000—making it the largest prize money in WTA history—her reaction was one of stunned excitement. Gauff, at just 20 years old, became not only a WTA Finals champion but the recipient of the most significant financial payout in the tournament’s history, surpassing the previous record held by Ashleigh Barty, who earned around $4.4 million after her 2019 victory in Shenzhen.
In her post-match comments, Gauff expressed genuine surprise. “I didn’t know… I knew it was some money, but I didn’t know that much,” she admitted. The world No. 3 reflected on the win’s financial impact with humility and a dash of humor, adding, “I’m not someone who likes to spend a lot of money, to be honest.” While not a big spender, Gauff hinted that she would treat herself by attending a music festival. “Oh, it means a lot to me… I have bought a house… I’m going to a music festival next week,” she said, emphasizing that she remains grounded despite the windfall. “I try never to play for the money, but that’s cool,” she concluded, underscoring her genuine passion for the sport.
The road to victory, however, was anything but smooth. On Saturday, Gauff faced a grueling challenge in the form of China’s Zheng Qinwen. The final match in Riyadh turned into a marathon battle that lasted over three hours, pushing both competitors to their limits. Gauff’s resilience and determination were put to the test as she fought her way to a 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (2) win, a triumph that showcased her tenacity and grit.
Gauff’s path to victory was fraught with challenges. After dropping the first set and falling behind early in the second, the American appeared to be on the brink of defeat. Zheng took an early lead, leaving Gauff facing a daunting deficit—a set and a break down. But in a display of true championship spirit, Gauff began to claw her way back into the match, converting crucial break points to regain control. Three consecutive breaks turned the tide in her favor, setting up a decisive third set.
The final set was an emotional rollercoaster. While some might have expected Gauff to carry her momentum to a straightforward win, Zheng had other plans. She secured an early break and held a commanding 5-3 lead, even serving for the championship. Yet, Gauff refused to back down. She broke back, forcing a tense tiebreak. In the breaker, the American surged ahead, building a 6-0 lead before finally clinching the victory on her fifth championship point. Reflecting on the match, Gauff said, “Just staying resilient, fighting for every point… I just tried to stay in the moment, honestly, and I’m really proud of myself.”
The victory celebration was as intense as the match itself. Overcome with emotion, Gauff collapsed on the court—a moment she had reserved for winning a Grand Slam title. “At the end of the match, when I, like, fell on the floor, I didn’t think I was going to do that,” she revealed. Given the grueling nature of the final, she felt it was fitting to indulge in the victory celebration. “I was like, ‘I’m just tired. I just want to lay on the ground.'”
In the aftermath, Gauff took to social media to reflect on the significance of her accomplishment. In a heartfelt post, she described her WTA Finals triumph as “insane” and expressed deep gratitude for the support she received throughout the season. “In all seriousness, I’m so grateful for all the support the last few weeks,” she wrote. Winning the final tournament of the season and making it her second biggest career title was “insane,” she emphasized. “All glory to God truthfully. I’m eternally grateful for the life I get to live and to have moments like this makes all of the hours/sacrifice I put into this worth it.”
With her historic victory, Gauff has cemented her status as one of the brightest stars in women’s tennis. The 20-year-old now plans to take some well-deserved rest before preparing for the 2025 season. Her resilience and poise in Riyadh exemplified why she is considered one of the sport’s elite players. As she continues to evolve and push boundaries, fans can expect even greater things from the young American, who remains dedicated to her craft and inspired to keep achieving.