Tennis Superstar, Coco Gauff Is The Highest Paid Female Athlete In 2023
Written by Jade McCrary
At just 15 years old, Coco Gauff shocked the tennis world when she beat one of her idols, Venus Williams in the first round of the 2019 U.S. Open. This pivotal moment not only showcased her extraordinary talent but showed us that Coco was well on her way to an amazing tennis career.
Today, she is 19 years old and is our reigning 2023 U.S. Open champion, claiming victory in a dramatic match that showcased her resilience and talent. Despite losing the first set in the final, she found her stride in the subsequent sets, ultimately defeating the #2 ranked player, Aryna Sabalenka. The emotional win left Gauff, her parents, and countless fans in tears, marking a significant milestone in her young but illustrious career.
Gauff's rise to the top has not only been marked by her on-court triumphs but also by her impressive off-court achievements. Her earnings for 2023, totaling $22.7 million, position her as the highest-paid female athlete of the year and the most marketable tennis player in the world. This substantial income primarily comes from lucrative endorsements and prize money.
A significant portion of Gauff's success can be attributed to her strategic partnerships. By the age of 15, she had already secured multi-year sponsorships with industry giants like New Balance, racket maker Head, and Barilla, all of whom continue to be her valued partners today. Gauff made history as the first women's tennis player to have her own signature shoe, the New Balance Coco CG1.
Her charismatic personality and exceptional talent have not only captivated tennis enthusiasts but also attracted major brands seeking to align with her image. Gauff's endorsements, contributing $16 million to her overall earnings, highlight the commercial appeal she brings to the tennis world. Her ability to connect with fans through dance, celebrations, and articulate interviews has established her as America's new face of tennis.
Beyond the court, Gauff's partnerships extend to brands like Baker Tilly, Bose, Microsoft, Ray Ban, and UPS, showcasing her diverse appeal and marketability. Winning the U.S. Open has not only added a grand slam title to her name but has also triggered substantial bonuses from her sponsors, New Balance and Head.
As America's rising tennis star, Coco Gauff is not only rewriting the narrative of women's tennis but is also redefining the standards of success and marketability in the sports industry. With big names like Spike Lee and Justin Beiber regularly attending her matches, Gauff is undoubtedly on her way to becoming the undisputed face of tennis, a title that has been eagerly awaited since the emergence of Serena Williams in 1997. The future is bright for Coco Gauff as she continues to inspire and make history both on and off the tennis court.