Coco Gauff had quite the reaction when she realized the extent of her earnings following her epic victory over Qinwen Zheng at the WTA Finals. The 19-year-old pocketed an impressive $4,805,000 after a grueling three-hour and four-minute clash on Saturday, November 9, at the King Saud University Indoor Arena in Riyadh. Gauff staged a remarkable comeback from being down 3-6, 1-3, ultimately defeating the Chinese player 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(7-2) to secure her prize money.
This year’s WTA Finals boasted a record-breaking $15.25 million prize pool, offering the highest earnings in the tournament’s history. Had Gauff managed to win the event undefeated, she would have walked away with an even more staggering $5.15 million. However, a loss in her final group-stage match against Barbora Krejcikova prevented her from claiming the maximum payout. Nonetheless, her financial windfall was historic, and her reaction upon learning of her winnings was nothing short of endearing.
During the post-match press conference, Gauff admitted that she wasn’t aware of the specifics of the prize money and reiterated that she plays for the love of the sport, not financial gain. “I had no idea how much the winner was getting,” Gauff said, emphasizing her surprise. When pressed further about how she might spend such a significant sum, the young star appeared momentarily flustered, eventually admitting, “I don’t know what I’ll do with it, that’s a lot of money. What you said? 4.8? I hope I’m one of the highest-paid female tennis players this year, or athletes, so that would be exciting.”
The candid moment showcased Gauff’s humility and genuine surprise, further endearing her to fans. The teenager’s reaction, punctuated with a playful “okurrr,” quickly became a talking point on social media, with many praising her down-to-earth nature despite her rapid rise to fame and fortune.
Beyond the financial milestone, Gauff’s triumph in Riyadh marked the culmination of an impressive season. The WTA Finals title was her third trophy of the year, adding to her victories at the ASB Classic and the China Open. Gauff’s path to victory was anything but easy; she had to defeat some of the best players on the tour, including a win over former World No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the group stage and a hard-fought victory against current World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals.
Despite her recent successes, Gauff remains focused on her long-term goals. When asked about her ambitions for next season, she emphasized that her primary aim is to win more Grand Slam titles, rather than chasing the World No. 1 ranking. “Yes and no,” Gauff responded when asked if reaching the top spot was on her mind. “I’ve never been a ranking-focused person; I just want Slams. Both obviously, yeah, I know I have that possibility. But honestly, it’s not on my mind—I just want to rack up the Slam trophies.”
This mentality has guided Gauff throughout her career thus far. The American teen’s first major breakthrough came at the 2023 US Open, where she captured her maiden Grand Slam title. Since then, she has consistently demonstrated that she is not only one of the brightest talents on the WTA tour but also a player with the potential to dominate the sport for years to come.
Gauff’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. She burst onto the scene as a 15-year-old, stunning Venus Williams at Wimbledon in 2019. Since then, she has continued to develop her game, becoming a force to be reckoned with on any surface. Her achievements at such a young age, combined with her poise and maturity, have drawn comparisons to legends of the sport and made her one of the most marketable athletes in tennis today.
The victory in Riyadh also served as a testament to Gauff’s mental toughness and resilience. Facing adversity in her match against Zheng, she managed to turn things around with grit and determination, a hallmark of all great champions. Her ability to dig deep and produce her best tennis under pressure has been a recurring theme throughout her career and was on full display during the WTA Finals.
As the 2024 season approaches, Gauff will undoubtedly be one of the players to watch. With a Grand Slam title already under her belt, she is poised to challenge for more major honors and continue her ascent in the rankings. While the financial rewards and accolades are significant, it is clear that Gauff remains grounded and driven by her love for the game and the pursuit of greatness on the court.
Coco Gauff’s journey is still in its early stages, but the foundation she has built suggests a future filled with even greater accomplishments. Whether she becomes World No. 1 or adds more Grand Slam trophies to her collection, one thing is certain—Gauff’s star is only going to shine brighter. For now, she can reflect on an extraordinary year, capped off with a memorable victory in Riyadh and a well-deserved payday that left her, and the tennis world, smiling.