At just 21 years old, American tennis sensation Coco Gauff has established herself as the world's highest-earning female athletes, amassing an extraordinary £27.6 million ($37.2 million) in the past year alone.
Her remarkable financial success reflects a meteoric rise that began when she burst onto the international stage at 15.
The world No3 discovered her passion for tennis after watching Serena Williams triumph at the 2009 Australian Open.
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Her athletic parents, both former college competitors, relocated the family to Florida to support her ambitions.
American tennis sensation Coco Gauff has established herself as the world's highest-earning female athlete, amassing an extraordinary $37.2 million in the past year alone
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Training initially at the New Generation Tennis Academy from age eight, Gauff later honed her skills at the prestigious Mouratoglou Academy in France.
Her junior career achievements were equally impressive, capturing the Junior French Open title and becoming the youngest qualifier in Wimbledon history.
Professional breakthrough came at the 2019 Championships when she defeated Venus Williams aged just 15, transforming her from a player with $75,000 in career earnings to an instant sensation.
Coco Gauff was inspired by Serena Williams' 2008 Australian Open triumph
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Gauff's net worth now stands at an impressive £26 million ($35 million).
Her on-court earnings have reached £18 million ($24.3million) throughout her career, already ranking her amongst the top 20 highest-earning players in WTA history.
The 2024 season proved particularly lucrative, generating approximately £7 million ($9.35 million) in prize money, highlighted by a record-breaking £3.5 million ($4.8 million) victory at the WTA Finals - the largest single-event payout in women's tennis history.
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The 21-year-old already has two singles Grand Slams (US and French Open) to her name, in addition to her solitary doubles Grand Slam victory at the French Open.
Her endorsement earnings have now soared to £18.5 million ($25 million) annually, establishing her as one of sport's most marketable figures.
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The 21-year-old was triumphant in the French Open this year
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Major partnerships include sportswear giant New Balance, audio equipment producer Bose, and tennis equipment supplier Head.
Additional commercial agreements with delivery service UPS and accounting firm Baker Tilly have further expanded her portfolio. These lucrative deals generated approximately £52 million ($70 million) in off-court income between 2022 and 2024.
New Balance are one of Coco Gauff's lucrative sponsors
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Her commercial appeal extends beyond traditional sports sponsorships, with hair care brand Carol's Daughter amongst her partners, demonstrating her broad marketability across diverse consumer sectors.
Her entrepreneurial ambitions extend beyond endorsements. In January, she invested in Unrivaled, a three-on-three women's basketball league founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, joking on social media: "My dad always wanted me to follow in his footsteps and play basketball. Sorry dad but this is as close as it will get."
Three months later, Gauff announced her departure from Team8 agency to establish Coco Gauff Enterprises with WME.
She stated the venture "reflects my passion for making an impact - not just in tennis, but in business, philanthropy and beyond," whilst emphasising tennis remains her primary focus.
The 21-year-old progressed in the first round of her US Open campaign, beating Australian Ajla Tomljanovic over three sets. The American now faces Donna Vekić, who has been as high as world No17 this year, in tomorrow's second round.
Gauff will be hoping to right the wrongs of her Wimbledon woes that saw her fall short against Ukrainian Dayana Yastremska in her opening match.