Coco Gauff, as expected, made headlines again this season, but, it wasn’t all positive. The American star faced a streak of ups and downs despite trying hard to overcome challenges. However, she came atop such concerns as she concluded the year on a triumphant note. She lifted the WTA Finals title and scripted yet another record, potentially unknown to fans. She topped her rivals Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek‘s year-end earnings.

Gauff started the year strong as she finished semifinalist at the Australian Open and, later, delivered modest results in other high-tier events. But, the 20-year-old experienced a sharp drop in form following her semifinal loss to Swiatek at Roland Garros. She struggled with her serve and it started affecting her consistency. She couldn’t defend either of her titles in Cincinnati and New York. Instead, her arch-rival Sabalenka became the new face of the American hardcourt swing champion.

Hoping to resolve her serving woes, Gauff parted ways with ex-coach Brad Gilbert and joined forces with Matt Daly. And the results spoke for themselves. She lifted her tour-level win drought at the China Open and stunned fans with a thrilling victory at the season-ending Finals in Riyadh. Now obviously she has nothing to show for glory at the Grand Slam stage this year, whereas, her arch-rivals Sabalenka and Swiatek crowned themselves with at least one Major victory.

Regardless, Gauff significantly earned more than the duo. According to ‘Sportico’, the American sensation has topped the highest-paid female stars of the 2024 list. Gauff reportedly minted $30M in total earnings from prize money and endorsements, while Swiatek and Sabalenka finished with $21.4M and $17.7M respectively.

It’s rather fascinating how Gauff toppled the duo in prize money figures. She notably earned the highest prize money in the history of the WTA in Riyadh.

Coco Gauff was in the dark about her cool $4.81M winner purse in Riyadh

$4.81M. That’s the amount American superstar Coco Gauff pocketed as she lifted her maiden WTA Finals title in the Middle East. She beat her Chinese rival Qinwen Zheng in a captivating three-set thriller in the final to register a laudable comeback victory. After delivering the notable feat in Riyadh, Gauff was surprised about the prize money she earned. She was unaware that the number was going to be this lucrative, highest in the history of women’s tennis.

While addressing the crowd in Riyadh, the 20-year-old said: “I didn’t know, like I knew it was some money, but I didn’t know that much. Oh gosh, I hope I’m like one of the highest-paid female tennis players this year or athletes so that’ll be exciting. I wanted to win this for myself. I didn’t know that it was the biggest prize cheque on this tour.”

Gauff quashed naysayers’ predictions in Riyadh. She restored her lost form, all the while remedying her serving woes and getting acclimated with the new technique. With the calendar sorted for the year, Gauff will next take to the courts in 2025 at the Australian hardcourt swing. Do you think she will be able to add to her Grand Slam tally next year? Let us know in the comments below.