Coco Gauff capped a stellar 2024 tennis season with record-breaking earnings, amassing an impressive $9,353,847 in prize money. This remarkable figure marks the seventh-highest total for a single season in WTA Tour history and showcases Gauff’s dominance on the court this year. The 20-year-old American’s season was punctuated by standout performances, none bigger than her victory at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, which earned her a jaw-dropping $4.805 million paycheck.
Gauff’s triumph over China’s Zheng Qinwen in Riyadh not only sealed her spot as one of the sport’s elite but also brought her the largest payday of her young career. Heading into the final, Gauff’s season earnings totaled $4,548,847, with $4,075,987 coming from singles play and $472,860 from doubles competitions. However, her success at the WTA Finals catapulted her financial year to new heights. The prize structure in Riyadh included a $335,000 participation fee, $700,000 for two group-stage wins, $1,270,000 for a semi-final victory, and the $2,500,000 final win. In just one tournament, Gauff managed to more than double her total prize money, showcasing the financial impact of her talent and consistency.
Despite the financial windfall, Gauff seemed genuinely surprised at the extent of her earnings. “I didn’t know, like I knew it was some money, but I didn’t know that much,” she admitted. Gauff’s reaction highlighted her primary focus on her passion for the game rather than financial rewards. “Oh gosh, I hope I’m like one of the highest-paid female tennis players this year or athletes so that’ll be exciting,” she quipped. “Honestly, I wanted to win this for myself. I didn’t know that it was the biggest prize cheque on this tour. I didn’t know anything about that. I knew there was money, but I try not to play for this, but that’s cool.”
Asked how she plans to spend her newfound wealth, Gauff displayed a mix of youthful excitement and level-headedness. “Oh, it means a lot to me… I have bought a house… I’m going to a music festival next week,” she said, hinting at a well-deserved celebration. However, she was quick to clarify that she is not one to spend lavishly. “I don’t know, I’m not someone who likes to spend a lot of money, to be honest. I don’t know what I’ll do with it. That’s a lot of money…”
With this financial milestone, Gauff broke through the $20 million barrier for career earnings. Since turning professional in 2018, she has earned a total of $21,581,989, a testament to her meteoric rise and sustained success. Her previous best season came in 2023, when she earned $6,669,622, making 2024 a significant step up in her career trajectory.
Gauff’s total earnings now place her 23rd on the WTA’s all-time list, surpassing seven-time Grand Slam champion Justine Henin, who earned $20,863,335 during her career. Gauff, however, has her sights set on even loftier goals, as she is within striking distance of breaking into the top 20. Legendary players like Martina Navratilova ($21,626,089), Steffi Graf ($21,895,277), Naomi Osaka ($22,047,163), and Lindsay Davenport ($22,166,338) are all within reach, underscoring the potential for Gauff to continue her climb.
At the top of the all-time earnings leaderboard remains Serena Williams, whose unmatched $94,816,730 makes her the highest-earning female tennis player in history. Venus Williams follows with $42,648,578, while Romania’s Simona Halep holds third place with $40,229,773. Among active players, current world number one Aryna Sabalenka has amassed $30,106,823, placing her in 10th on the all-time list, while Iga Swiatek sits at eighth with $33,141,991.
Gauff’s incredible season has not only solidified her position among the sport’s elite but also highlighted her as a force to be reckoned with for years to come. From her breakout success to earning millions in prize money, Gauff’s journey exemplifies the grit, determination, and skill necessary to excel at the highest levels of tennis. While the financial rewards are significant, her focus remains squarely on continuing to improve and achieve new heights in her career.
As she moves forward, Coco Gauff’s combination of talent, poise, and work ethic makes it clear that her story is just beginning. With millions earned, major titles won, and countless fans inspired, she embodies the next generation of tennis greatness, ready to continue making history on and off the court.