Coco Gauff, the tennis sensation who dazzled fans with her skills on the court, has become a powerhouse both in sports and business. She’s not just a rising star; she’s a bold entrepreneur shaping her own future. Ten years ago, a young Gauff found herself starstruck, stepping up to her idol, Serena Williams, as a body double for a commercial. Fast forward to today, and it’s Gauff who is inspiring the next generation, leaving audiences in awe with her on-court performance and multi-million-dollar business ventures.
Recently featured on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Sports list, Gauff ended this past season ranked third on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tour and boasts an impressive collection of titles, including two Grand Slam trophies—the 2022 French Open and the 2023 US Open. Gauff’s meteoric rise is no coincidence; she has racked up a total of 11 career singles titles since turning pro in 2018. This young player is on a roll, currently positioned as the 11th highest earner in WTA history, with nearly $30 million in prize money to her name. That’s quite the payday for a 21-year-old!
But the magic doesn’t just happen on the court. Off the court, Gauff has mastered the high-stakes world of endorsements, partnering with major brands like New Balance and Mercedes-Benz, making her a force in the marketing realm. Her income is estimated at a whopping $25 million annually, which, combined with her prize money, keeps her at the top of Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid female athletes for the second consecutive year. Not only is she racking up the wins, but she’s also banking big!
Gauff has ambitious plans that extend well beyond wielding a tennis racket. Recently, she took a significant step in her career by breaking off from Team 8, the agency co-founded by the legendary Roger Federer, to create Coco Gauff Enterprises in partnership with WME. This move gives Gauff greater control over her brand and business decisions. She aims to leave a lasting mark, pivoting from being just the face of brands to becoming a brand herself. This shift in mentality indicates that she’s ready to play the long game in her business endeavors.
One of Gauff’s exciting new ventures involves a partnership with Religion of Sports, co-founded by icons like Tom Brady and Michael Strahan. The deal focuses on creating television shows, movies, and digital content, which aligns perfectly with Gauff’s interest in storytelling. With a passion for producing creative content, Gauff envisions a future where she not only impacts the sports world but leaves her prints on the entertainment industry as well. This transition exemplifies her drive not only to achieve personal success but also to impact an entire generation beyond just sports.
Coco Gauff’s journey illustrates the dedication required to succeed in both athletics and entrepreneurship. With supportive parents who relocated and sacrificed for their daughter’s tennis career, Gauff has achieved heights many can only dream of. Having started training at a young age and signing with major sponsors, Gauff faced expectations that could be overwhelming; yet she turned pressure into triumph. With her eyes set on producing a feature film someday, the sky’s the limit for this remarkable young woman. So, keep an eye out—this ace is just getting started!
