Gauff started 2024 strong, defending her ASB Classic title in Auckland and reaching the semi-finals at the Australian Open and French Open. But her form dipped mid-year with early losses at Wimbledon, the Paris Olympics, Cincinnati, and the US Open.

After her US Open loss, Gauff made changes to her coaching team, parting ways with Brad Gilbert and bringing in Matt Daly. She then won titles in Beijing and Saudi Arabia. Gauff still trails Sabalenka and Swiatek in points, but with fewer points to defend in early 2024, she has a chance to close the gap during the hard-court season.

Coco Gauff becomes the highest-paid female tennis athlete in the world

Coco Gauff was recently named the most marketable athlete in the world. She also earned more money than any female athlete this year. Forbes revealed that the 20-year-old topped the list of highest-paid female athletes for 2024. She earned $34.4 million, far surpassing Iga Swiatek, who came in second, and Ailing Gu, who was third.

Out of Gauff’s earnings, $9.4 million came from her performance on the court. This included the record prize money she received at the WTA Finals in Riyadh. The remaining $25 million came from her many sponsorships. She partnered with brands like Carol’s Daughter, Fanatics, Naked Juice, New Balance, and others.

Gauff’s earnings make 2024 one of the best years ever for a female athlete. Only Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams have earned more in a single year. Osaka made $57.3 million in 2021, and Serena made $45.9 million the same year. Gauff now joins them as one of the top earners in women’s sports history.

Women’s tennis players often dominate these lists. This year, 11 of the top 20 highest-paid female athletes are from the WTA. Swiatek earned $23.8 million, Qinwen Zheng made $20.6 million, and Aryna Sabalenka brought in $18.7 million, completing Forbes’ top five earners.