This year has been a truly incredible one for tennis pro Coco Gauff. Not only did she win her first US Open Grand Slam Title back in September, but the 19-year-old finishes the year with the distinction of being named the highest-earning female athlete of 2023.
According to Sportico’s annual list of top earners, as a result of prize money and endorsements, Gauff earned an estimated $22.7 million this year.
The top athlete has been competing professionally since she was 15-years-old, and at the time, she signed endorsement deals with companies like Barilla and New Balance. Fast-forward four years, and she has added brands to her endorsement deals repertoire that include companies such as Bose, UPS, Rolex, the accounting firm Baker Tilly, Rayban/Meta, and The Marvel movie.
Although Gauff began playing professionally at 15-years-old, the talented athlete actually started playing the sport at six-years-old.
In a quote found in her official bio, Gauff recalled, “I wasn’t much of a team person. I loved tennis. I was so-so about it in the beginning because when I was younger I didn’t want to practice at all. I just wanted to play with my friends. When I turned eight, that was when I played ‘Little Mo’ and after that I decided to do that for the rest of my life.”
As Gauff began to put in the hard work and dedication, she put herself on everyone’s radar as a superstar when she defeated Venus Williams in the first round of Wimbledon in 2019.
In addition to Gauff, eight other tennis pros, including Naomi Osaka, hold top spots on Sportico’s annual list of top earning female athletes. Gymnast Simone Biles and soccer player Megan Rapinoe are also on this year’s list.
Congratulations, Coco! The hard work and perseverance is continually paying off. We cannot wait to see what amazing things 2024 will bring to you!
Photos: Coco Gauff Instagram